His Unveiled Passion

"Tess, what do you think?" Stephen asked, his eyes flashing with mirth.

Tessa smiled happily and answered, "Why not?"

Frankly, they would've gotten married ages ago if it weren't for all the trials and tribulations littered throughout their relationship.

Stephen's eyes seemed to glow brighter with happiness upon hearing Tessa's next words. "Then, let's register our marriage tomorrow morning."

Xavier clicked his tongue at the happy couple and teased, "Oh, the gall! The wedding is nowhere in sight, and you're already trying to get Tessa to register the marriage? Aren't you afraid that your father-in-law will come after you with a gun?"

Stephen wasn't annoyed at his jesting. Instead, the smile on his lips widened. "A single pringle like you will never understand me."

Xavier rolled his eyes at Stephen and shook his head. "Ugh, and now you're showing off."

Henry grinned. "Why the rush? You should at least hold the wedding banquet first. We're all eager to attend the wedding and get you roaring drunk!"

The friends exchanged witty banter as they finally returned to the hall.

Only then did the birthday party begin.

Stephen valued Tessa more than he did himself, so he had naturally arranged for the proposal to happen before his birthday celebration.

There was already a feast waiting for them by the time they entered the spacious hall.

Once Tessa had finished her meal, her best friends immediately pulled her aside for a chat.

Naomi grabbed Tessa's hand and took a closer look at it. "That ring is gorgeous. Stephen's got good taste. He designed this just for you. It's the only one of its kind in the whole world!"

Tessa blinked as she asked, "How do you know that?"

Naomi promptly replied, "Quentin told me about it."

Jasmine looked down at the ring on Tessa's finger and sighed dreamily, "Oh, it's so pretty. Look at the size of that rock! It's blinding!"

Tessa prodded, "All of you knew Stephen was going to propose today. That's why you insisted I wear this gown, right?"

Naomi and Sienna nodded in unison.

Sienna added, "Stephen also had this gown custom-made for you over a month ago. This is no ordinary dress. It was designed by the world's best wedding dress designer. The designer and her team worked on this piece for over a month. They said this was the one they chose out of over a hundred drafts."

Jasmine faked a swoon as she remarked enviously, "Gosh, Tessa. Mr. Jacobson treats you so well."

Naomi chimed in, "As expected of such an exceptional designer. This gown is really unique. Although it's luxurious, it's also sweet and

elegant. I'm definitely going tool ne

commission her for my wedding when Quentin and I get married."

Tessa smiled. "It's a gorgeous dress."

Naomi asked, "Oh, right. When are you guys holding the wedding, Tessa?"

Tessa replied, "We'll have to discuss this with our families. It's a whole thing. After all, there are the dates and the venue to consider."

Naomi nodded in agreement. "You're so right. Marriage is a big deal. You should definitely give those things a good thought."

Molly chuckled. "Tessa, don't forget to send me an invite when the time comes." "Of course," Tessa said.

Stephen was left by himself as Tessa was happily chatting away with her best friends. So, he had no choice but to make do and sit on the couch.

Quentin approached him, holding a bottle of wine in his hand. "Congratulations on your dream coming true. Let's drink the night away."

Xavier also joined them, bringing two more bottles of alcohol. He plopped down next to Stephen, opened one bottle, and said with a mischievous grin, "You might have gotten hitched, but that's no reason to mock me for being single! I'm going to drink you down the table tonight."

Then, Xavier poured Stephen a full glass and handed it to him. "Bottoms up!"

Stephen chuckled but said nothing to Xavier's teasing. Instead, he accepted the glass and chugged it all down without further ado.noveldrama