Chapter 12
Chapter 12:
Josh let out a heavy sigh, clearly worried about Gabriela’s feelings.
Phyllis pressed on, her voice sweet but insistent. “There’s this professor in our department—his son’s a decent man. He’s smart, ambitious, and just so busy he hasn’t had time to date. Maybe Gabriela could meet him? It might be good for her p>
Josh, taking Phyllis at her word, turned hopeful eyes on Gabriela, eager for her to agree.
But Gabriela turned down that idea without hesitation. “Uncle Josh, I’m only twenty-four. There’s really no reason for me to rush into anything like that p>
Phyllis persisted, her tone softening as she tried to coax Gabriela. “The guy makes almost a million a year, and he’s really a good match for you. Just meet him, okay? If you’re not interested, no one’s forcing you p>
A faint shimmer of tears rimmed her eyes. “I’m about to get married, and you still don’t even have a boyfriend. If your mom were still here, she’d probably say we haven’t looked out for you at all p>
Josh’s face tightened with emotion at the mention of Gabriela’s mother. He swallowed hard, his own eyes misting over. “Your mom entrusted you to me. Seeing you like this… I can’t help but feel I’ve let her down p>
Gabriela was fed up with Josh’s guilt trips. Whenever Marie and Phyllis made her life miserable, she’d try venting to Josh. But he’d just listen, swallow Marie’s version whole, and sigh, “Your mother trusted me to look after you. Watching you struggle like this—I can’t help but feel guilty p>
Sure, Josh had always treated her kindly, but he never stood up to Marie. He handed her the company, caved in every argument, and let her walk all over him. Eventually, Gabriela realized that kindness alone wasn’t enough—Josh just didn’t have the backbone to protect her. Later, she learned to fend for herself and kept her distance from Marie and Phyllis.
Even now, as an adult finally able to fight back against that malicious mother-daughter duo, Josh’s guilt still left her feeling trapped.
She let out a weary breath, shoulders drooping in reluctant surrender. “Fine. I’ll meet him p>
𝘙𝗼𝗺𝖺𝗻с𝘦 n𝗈𝘷е𝘭s о𝗇 ѕ.c𝘰𝘮
Josh’s expression softened, his voice full of encouragement. “Relax, Gabriela. If even Phyllis is vouching for him, he must have something going for him p>
Gabriela flicked her gaze toward Phyllis, just in time to catch the fleeting spark of smugness in her eyes. Whatever game Phyllis was running, Gabriela was more intrigued than anxious to see how it would play out.
The next day happened to fall on Christmas Eve.
Gabriela brought a white dress with her, hanging it discreetly in her office. As soon as her shift ended, she changed, draping a pale coat over the dress before heading out. Her entire look radiated a subtle elegance with just a hint of innocence—enough to draw a delighted whistle from Aubrey the moment she stepped into view.
“Wow, Gabriela, you look incredible today! Big date with your boyfriend or something p>
Gabriela shrugged it off with a small smile. “Nope. My uncle’s just forcing me into a blind date p>
Aubrey rolled her eyes, exasperated. “Seriously? At your age—why is he rushing you into this? Your uncle’s really ridiculous p>
At that moment, Wesley strode by. They managed a quick hello, but he barely glanced their way, offering only a stiff nod before disappearing into the CEO’s exclusive elevator, his face unreadable.