A pair of lovers were going at it in the ambiguously lit hotel suite.

Zachary called out, “Tessa. Tessa…”

Wendy responded in an alluring voice, “Zachary…”

However, Zachary, who had been lost in his desire, suddenly slapped Wendy.

“Shut up! I told you not to speak when we’re in bed!”

After all, he could pretend she was Tessa as long as she stayed silent.

Wendy held back her tears, biting her bottom lip in grievance.

The couple-themed suite was covered with rose petals. The rose-colored lighting created an intensely sensual atmosphere, stirring one’s desire.

The dim lighting blurred Wendy’s features, allowing Zachary to imagine that the person he was with was Tessa.

Wendy had begun to mimic Tessa in recent days.

Her figure was nearly identical to Tessa’s, while her face bore a striking resemblance to that woman.

Zachary had once said that he had chosen to date Tessa because he’d seen a shadow of Wendy in her.

Wendy had also mentioned that little tidbit to Tessa when they first met.

She had brought it up to provoke Tessa, to make Tessa realize she was nothing but a substitute.

Oh, how the tables have turned!

Now, it was Wendy who willingly became Tessa’s stand-in. She imitated Tessa’s style, her makeup, her hairstyle, and even went as far as to use her signature perfume.

Wendy was even willing to have sex in the dark and not make a peep as long as she could have Zachary’s body.

Frankly, it only proved that his love for Tessa wasn’t all that steadfast. Of course, there was a possibility that he could somehow separate physical desire from love.

Yet, it didn’t change the fact that he claimed he wouldn’t be able to live without Tessa while indulging in the flesh’s desires with Wendy.

Wendy and Zachary were lost in each other’s embrace in bed.

Wendy didn’t care if Zachary was calling out another woman’s name while he took her.

A minor grievance like this didn’t matter as long as she could stay by Zachary’s side.

Tessa received a call as she idled in Grandview Garden.

It was Jasmine, who sounded delighted. “Ms. Yates, Anne’s getting discharged tomorrow. I’m going to pick her up then. Do you want to join me?”

“No, it’s a bit inconvenient for me to travel at the moment.” Tessa declined.

“Is something the matter?” Jasmine asked worriedly.

Tessa stood in the garden, absentmindedly tugging on the leaves of an evergreen plant. “I have a family issue to take care of. I won’t be available for a couple of days.”

Jasmine decided against prying. After all, it was Tessa’s personal affairs. “It’s alright. I’ll pick her up myself. Do you have a message you’d like me to pass along to Anne?”

Tessa answered gently, “Wish her a

happy discharge and my hopes that her life will be smooth sailing from Please buy her a gift for me.

now on.

I’ll transfer the money to you?

Jasmine hastily shot her idea down. “Oh, there’s no need for that! I still have a lot left from before.”

“Okay, then.”

Tessa received a call from her father, Samuel, that evening.

“Tess, it’s Seline’s birthday the day after tomorrow, and it’s a Saturday too. We’ve booked the hotel to celebrate her birthday. Do make sure to free up your schedule so you can join us for dinner.”

Tessa hesitated. She had promised Stephen that she wouldn’t leave the villa for the next few days.

She desperately wanted to attend Seline’s birthday, but she couldn’t.

Who knew what that lunatic James would do next?

She couldn’t gamble with her life.

“I’m sorry, Dad. I have a business trip that Saturday.”

Samuel obviously didn’t see Tessa’s rejection coming as he fell momentarily

silent.

Then, he started bombarding her with questions, “Is it really that important? Can’t you not go? Or maybe have your colleague cover for much Seline adores you. She’ll cry if you’re not there for her birthday.”

you somehow? You know b