Stephen’s expression tumed cold as he replied, “They broke up a long time ago. He’s her ex-boyfriend now.”

“That doesn’t bother you?” Quentin pressed.

“Everyone has a past,” Stephen said dismissively, casually dealing a card while shooting a cold glance at Quentin. “Haven’t you ever been in a relationship?

Quentin rubbed his nose awkwardly, “I have. But you haven’t, tight? she’s your first love, but you’re not hers. That doesn’t bother you at all?”

“I don’t mind,” Stephen responded, his dark eyes sottening with tenderness. “As long as I can be with her, that’s all that matters.”

“Tsk, tsk.” Henry chaclded. “You’re such a hopeless romantic.”

When the game ended, Stephen thecked his watch and got to his fert. “It’s about time. Let’s go

Tonight, he had arranged a welcome banquet for Tessa

Under the dazzling glow of neonlights, a sleek blue Bentley glided to a stop in front of Rivertown’s most luxurious five-star hotel.

A gentle evening breeze carried a touch of coolness through the air

Tessa stepped out of the car, her soede heels clicking softly against the pavement.

“Tess, over here!” Sienna called out with a cheerful wave from the hotel entrance

Tessa smiled and quickly walked over.

Behind Tessa stood Naomi, her other best friend.

“Sienna, Naomi, you’re here!” Tessa greeted them warmly, her tone light and cheerful.

“You finally decided to come back?” Naomi teased, felgning annoyance with a pout. “I thought you’d forgotten about us.”

Tessa’s eyes sparkled with amusement as she replied, “I missed you, so here I am. What? Are you not happy to see me?” “Hmph, you’re always so smooth with your words.”

Sienna gently linked as with Tessa, a bright smile on her face. “Naomi’s been talking about you every day. She’s so happy to have you back.” Her two best friends had very different personalities. One was quiet, composed, and cultured, while the other was quirky, energetic, and outgoing. Sienes continued, “You’re getting engaged to Stephen? That’s wonderful,”

Naomi glanced at Tessa, her expression tinged with concem. “Tess, are you… sure you’re doing this willingly?”

Tessa flashed a playful smile and flicked Naomi’s forehead, “What are you thinking? No one can make me do anything I don’t want to.

Her two best friends knew she had a boyfriend in Haverford, though she hadn’t introduced him to them yet.

Over the past three years, Tessa had occasionally shared details of her relationship with them, but she had never mentioned the breakup.

Sierra looked at her and asked, “So, you broke up with Zachary?”

“Yes. I blocked all his contact information. He should get the message.”

Naomi tilted her head and asked Tess, “What made you finally come to your senses?”

A flicker of mockery flashed in Tessa’s eyes. “He was using me as a substitute.”

“What?” Naomi exclaimed. “That erld Who does he think he is? Our Tess is Incredible. He’s the one who’s missing out!”

Senna was equally outraged. “Good for you for heralding up with him! He doesn’t deserve someone like you!”

Tessa’s bright eyes showed no emotion. “It’s all in the past. Let’s not dwell on it. Let’s go upstairs.

Stephen and the others are waiting

The three of them entered the hotel, where the manager greeted them personally.

“Ms. Yates, Ms. Ziegler, Ms. Carlson, please follow me,” he said.

They followed the manager to a private room on the restaurant’s fourth floor.

With a bow, the manager opened the door for them. “Please, come in.”

It was early October, and Rivertown was already beginning to cool down

Tessa wore a light beige trench coat over a pale shirt and paired with mid-call snede heels. Her wavy hair

tell casually over her shoulders, giving her a look that was rool and intellectual yet undeniably mature,

#Tessa, you’re finally here! Quentin was the first to greet her “It’s been three years. You’ve only become more beautiful.”

No tolled her eyes. “quentia, could you not be so dry?”