Chapter 11
Chapter 11:
Phyllis’s expression twisted as she lunged for Gabriela’s phone. “You’re actually recording me? Wow. I should’ve known you’d pull something this dirty. Do you really believe this trick will help you snatch Dustin away? Keep dreaming p>
Gabriela slid her phone into her bag, her eyes icy. “Please. Dustin’s just a piece of garbage.” She smirked, voice dripping with sarcasm. “Honestly, you’re doing me a huge favor by taking out this trash. If you want to act like he’s some priceless treasure, be my guest. Just don’t expect me to fight you for trash p>
Phyllis’s hands shook with fury, but the fire in Gabriela’s gaze—and the threat of that recording—kept her at bay. She could only choke out, “You’re just jealous because you’ll never have him p>
Gabriela slipped back to her room and let the hot shower wash over her, hoping it would chase away the last of her irritation. Putting Phyllis in her place felt satisfying in the moment, but unease still gnawed at her.
Despite everything, she couldn’t deny that Phyllis’s father, Josh, had always been decent to her. There was no way she could refuse his invitation to the wedding. The thought of seeing all those former classmates, knowing they’d shower her with questions about her ex-boyfriend, made her stomach knot with dread.
The next day, a new frustration landed on her doorstep. Josh, newly back from his trip overseas, had a talk with Gabriela. He wasn’t even fifty yet, but his hair had already turned half gray, a detail that somehow made his insistence feel even heavier. He always wore sleek black frames, his demeanor polished. In every way, Josh was admirable—except for the fact that he was always pushed around by his wife, Marie Haynes. Whenever he couldn’t convince Gabriela to do something, he’d resort to tears without fail, and every single time, she’d end up relenting with a sigh.
Still, Gabriela felt genuinely glad to see him. “Uncle Josh, you’re finally back. How was your trip to Ceswienia p>
𝘞𝘩at e𝘷𝗲𝗿𝘺𝗈ne 𝘪𝘀 𝗿e𝘢𝗱𝘪𝗇𝘨 𝗼n
Josh managed a tense smile, the worry etched in the lines around his eyes. “Marie and I spent the whole trip searching for wedding venue inspiration. Honestly, it was more exhausting than relaxing—just nonstop work. She launched herself straight into work the moment we touched down—didn’t even set foot at home first. It’s p>
Catching on that he was about to launch into another never-ending complaint, Phyllis let out a subtle cough to steer him back.
Josh blinked, snapped out of his train of thought, and wrapped Gabriela’s hand in his own, laughing kindly. “I’ve met Dustin. I’m more than satisfied. In fact, I owe you one. If it weren’t for you, Phyllis never would’ve landed such a fantastic match p>
Gabriela marveled at Phyllis’s shamelessness and played along, raising her brows in mock astonishment. “Oh, you really don’t need to thank me. Phyllis snagged exactly what she wanted, all on her own—she’s quite the strategist p>
Josh’s expression froze. Hadn’t Phyllis claimed Dustin was Gabriela’s former classmate, and Gabriela was the one who set them up?
A glint of frost flickered in Phyllis’s eyes, but she was quick to slip her arm through Gabriela’s, pasting on a sisterly smile. “You’re such a joker, Gabriela. Dustin’s so popular—he’s got girls lining up for him. I had to pull out all the stops just to win him over p>
Then Phyllis turned to Josh, her brow furrowed with concern. “Dad, I already have a boyfriend, but Gabriela’s still single. She must be feeling a little down, and honestly, I’m worried about her p>