His Unveiled Passion

Faced with Marissa's insistence, Tessa ended up accepting the gift. "Thank you, Ms. Scott."

Marissa smiled brightly and said, "Calling me Ms. Scott feels a bit formal. We've been through a life-and-death situation together. You can just call me Marissa from now on."

Tessa chuckled. Weren't things moving a bit too quickly?noveldrama

Seeing that Tessa wasn't calling her by her first name, she immediately clicked her tongue and pretended to be upset. "Are you refusing to call me by my name because we're both competing for Stephen's love?"

Seeing the sincerity in Marissa's eyes, she said hesitantly, "Marissa."

Marissa's smile deepened, and she replied, "Tessa."

The whole situation felt strange yet pleasant. Could love rivals really get along with each other like that? It was quite a refreshing feeling.

Tessa smiled. "Thank you for your present. I like it a lot."

"It's good that you like it. I was honestly worried that you wouldn't like it." Marissa smiled brightly.

"I thought you were here to talk about the case," Tessa said.

"There's nothing more to discuss. I've already said everything I needed to, and I believe in your capabilities. Good luck!"

"Alright." Tessa could tell from the whole incident with Jane that Marissa was actually a very kind and pure woman.

She had treated her friend wholeheartedly, only to end up being stabbed in the back.

In truth, Tessa felt sorry for her. However, Tessa had tucked her pity away after taking Marissa's pride into consideration. A proud woman like Marissa wouldn't want to see other people pity her.

"Can we be friends, then?" Marissa asked sincerely.

Tessa froze, shocked by the fact that Marissa wanted to be friends with her.

"Do you not want to be friends?" Marissa lowered her head sadly.

"No. I want to be friends. I was just shocked and wasn't able to react in time," Tessa said as she reached for Marissa's hand.

"Are you agreeing to it?" Marissa's eyes lit up with joy.

Tessa nodded.

"That's great!" A bright smile immediately appeared on Marissa's face, and even Tessa was affected by her bright smile.

"However, there's something I

should clarify with you. Alet

we're friends, I won't give up on Stevie. We can compete for his love fairly," Marissa said sternly.

Tessa couldn't help but chuckle when she saw Marissa's serious expression. "I don't plan on competing with you."

"Don't people say that those who are loved are brave and confident?" Marissa said with a faux glare.

Then, she clicked her tongue and added, "You're just acting arrogantly because you know he likes you."

Tessa lowered her gaze, her smile fading. Her voice was soft and filted with sadness as she said, "I'm not brave or confident. There's no going back to what Stephen and I once were."

Seeing how sad Tessa was, Marissa felt an unexpected pang of pity.