Lahat ng Kabanata ng Leaving You Bereft: Kabanata 891 - Kabanata 900

The night was cool and still.Leena brought over a coat and draped it over Thalia.The temperature had barely reached fifty degrees, and even though the house was heated, the spot near the window always felt drafty. Leena knew Thalia was delicate, unlike her robust build of over 130 pounds.Thalia gave her a soft smile as she shifted her position.Leena went into the kitchen to knead dough. She was getting ready to make a couple of jars of gingerbread for Sheryl to bring to school the next day for an event.…At 9:30 pm, Thalia had finished her shower, dried her hair, and was leaning against the headboard with a book in hand.Landon walked in from the study.She closed her book and looked up at him, saying softly, "You've flown so far. Don't work tonight."Landon unbuttoned a few buttons, loosened his shirt, then sank into a single armchair, tilting his head back as he let out a long breath. "It's peak season for Hurrell Group. I can't afford to stay free. Besides, I've got a

"Mr. Frey?" Tessa froze, silent for a long while.The person on the other end repeated the instruction, then added, "Ms. Hall, do you have any problem?"She answered softly, "No problem."On that winter night, she straightened her suit and smoothed her hair, making sure everything was impeccable before walking toward the parking lot. It didn't take long to spot a black Land Rover with the plate Brindley XXX689, belonging to Benedict.She opened the door, only to find Benedict inside with an A-list actress.The two were locked in a heated kiss.Sensing someone watching, he ordered in a deep voice, "Close the door."Tessa shut it immediately, waiting patiently outside while the scumbag finished.About five minutes later, the kiss finally ended. The door opened, and a tall figure stepped out. But when he looked up and saw Tessa, he clearly froze.She greeted him with the standard protocol. "Welcome to Central Hotel, Mr. Frey. I'm Tessa Hall, vice CEO of the hotel's guest services

There was not a soul around in the private ladies' restroom.Tessa pressed a hand to her chest as she walked in, pulling a slim package from her pocket. Luckily, she had come prepared. Otherwise, if a guest had seen it, it would've been embarrassing and unprofessional.Since it was the ladies' restroom, she let her guard down. She eased up her knee-length skirt, revealing perfect curves as she carefully slid off her old black stockings and pulled on a fresh pair. The whole process carried an unintentional sensuality.And a man was silently watching her.With a faint sound, the door to the restroom clicked shut.Tessa startled, lifting her eyes, and froze.Benedict stood there, impeccably dressed. His tuxedo, worth over 20 thousand dollars, hung on him with effortless ease. His tall frame leaned against the door, blocking her only exit.He casually slipped a cigarette between his lips, though he didn't bother lighting it. His eyes stayed fixed on her, his voice soft but edged wit

Tessa finished slipping Thalia into the flats and gently smoothed out Thalia's dress. She had witnessed firsthand how fragile Thalia's life once was, and how close she came to losing it, so she cared for her so tenderly. Besides, she had also seen the anguish Landon went through.She knew that pain all too well. She just wanted everyone to be well, to live healthily, because nothing mattered more than that.Thalia was touched, her fingers closing lightly over Tessa's hand before lifting her gaze to Benedict. She knew the great director and assumed Tessa's sadness had something to do with this notorious playboy.…Landon didn't take her home afterward. Instead, he booked a top-floor suite at Central Hotel. The moment they stepped inside, he pressed her against the door and kissed her. He didn't dare go too far, though, not when her dress was damp and clinging with spilled wine.He carefully slipped her damp clothes off, wiped her dry with a clean towel, and then guided her into the

The phone rang a few times before Tessa picked up. Her voice was soft but a little hoarse, like she had a cold. "Mr. Frey?"On the other end, Benedict felt something stir inside him. Her voice brushed over his heart like the tip of a feather, waking up a tender spot he rarely let himself feel. He cleared his throat and, trying to sound composed, asked, "Are you back home already?"Tessa gave a light laugh and shot back directly, "Mr. Frey, I'm sure you aren't calling me at this hour just to ask something that simple. Weren't you following me earlier? You should know better if I'm home or not."Hearing her words, Benedict felt awkward. No woman had ever dismissed him so bluntly before.Tessa was not in the right mood tonight, weighed down with sadness. And here was Benedict, showing up again and again. She made no effort to be polite. "Benedict, I know you only showed up at that hotel because of the gala."I'm not naive enough to think you came looking for me after three years. Sti