The camellias in the garden emitted a faint fragrance, while the cold wind brought in drifting snow.


    Snowkesnded on Tessa''s hair, melting almost instantly upon contact.


    She was unsteady on her feet in the biting cold wind. Her cold hadn''t fully passed, and she had been standing outside for a while now. As a result, her head was throbbing again.


    Hearing Stephen''s response, Tessa blinked away the sadness in her eyes. She looked at him and said softly, "Alright. Just remember to take it off next time."


    Stephen felt a tightness in his chest.


    Her voice was heartbreaking, and he could hear the struggle in her tone as she fought to hold back her tears.


    Tessa continued, "I get it. When people love someone, they mean it. But when they fall out of love, they mean that too."


    That sent a chill down Stephen''s spine.


    Tessa seemed to havee to terms with her rough life. There was a quiet sorrow behind the calmness in her eyes.


    She said, "I admit that I couldn''t ept it at first. You told me you would always be there for me, and I just couldn''t understand how that suddenly changed.


    "I tried to make excuses for you and see things from your perspective. Yet, you said I was just imagining things. But I get it now-love is never guaranteed." Stephen''s chest tightened with a sharp pang, and his eyes clouded with sorrow. Tessa''s voice was barely above a whisper as she added, "Promises only mean something when people are still in love."


    The sadness in Tessa''s voice and her heart-wrenching expression filled Stephen with fear. He was afraid that they might never make it back after he dealt with James. He just couldn''t imagine a future without her.


    Tessa stood there in the falling snow, watching him in silence.


    After a moment, she smiled and acted cheerful. "Stephen, I wish you happiness."


    Stephen widened his eyes and instinctively reached out his hand to grab something.


    But Tessa had already turned away without a second thought. The hem of her burgundy scarf brushed against the back of his handdeaving him a faint and ticklish sensation.


    A deep sorrow flickered across Stephen''s face. He couldn''t help


    chase after Tessa and call output


    "Tessa!"


    She hesitated for a split second. But then, she kept walking without ncing back even once.


    Stephen slowed to a stop. He


    reminded himself that he couldn''et


    chase after Tessa any longer.


    Otherwise, all his efforts and Tessa''s


    suffering would just be in vain.


    He had to deal with James first before he could go to her.


    ...


    Stephen returned to his vi.


    Therge space felt cold and empty. He sat numbly on the couch as if his soul had been stripped away.


    The sun was setting in the west. Its fading glow entuated the loneliness and sorrow on his face.


    He sat there as still as a statue.


    As thest rays of sunlight disappeared, night slowly took over.


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