Chapter 169
Chapter 169:
Gabriela smirked. “Go hug Kevin instead. I’m actually in a great mood, and your crying will wreck it p>
Aubrey, primed for a teary sisterly moment, blinked at the rejection. How could Gabriela be so mean?
After ending the call, Gabriela tucked away any trace of emotion, squared her shoulders, and planned to head downstairs to make dinner. The moment she opened her door, however, she nearly collided with Loretta and Miriam.
Miriam had been glued to every scrap of online gossip about Gabriela. When the mob attacked, she’d dived in headfirst, battling strangers in the comments section like a knight with a Wi-Fi connection. When the tide turned, her heart ached for Gabriela’s past struggles. She’d grabbed Loretta by the arm, determined to check on Gabriela in person. They stood outside her room, pacing like sentries, torn between knocking and leaving her in peace.
The moment Gabriela stepped out, Loretta and Miriam turned toward her like sunflowers tracking the light, their faces brimming with tenderness. Without hesitation, they each wrapped an arm around her, sandwiching her between them.
“You’ve been through enough, Gabriela,” Miriam said firmly. “From now on, this is your home p>
“That’s right,” Loretta chimed in, her tone fierce. “Stick by my side and I’d like to see anyone try to mess with you again p>
Even Brenden muscled his way into the huddle, his hand landing gently on her shoulder. “Stay strong, Gabriela. You’re the best p>
𝖸о𝘂𝗿 𝖽a𝗶𝘭у d𝗈se 𝗈𝘧 𝗻о𝗏e𝗹𝘴 𝗼𝘯
Gabriela couldn’t decide whether to laugh or cry.
Yes, the past had carved its marks into her, but she’d never been the type to sit in the ruins and weep over them. If she’d let grief swallow her whole after her mother’s death, she would never have made it through those endless, poisoned nights under the same roof as Phyllis, who seemed born for the sole purpose of breaking her spirit.
“I’m fine,” she said at last, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “So… what are we having for dinner? I’ll cook p>
“Absolutely not,” Loretta replied, finger raised in mock severity. “The garden’s in bloom, and you’re going to enjoy it. Go walk among the flowers, breathe some fresh air, and let your mind settle. Tonight, I’m the one cooking for you.” With Loretta’s order and Miriam’s encouraging nod, Gabriela knew resistance was pointless. She gave a lighthearted salute and turned toward the garden path.
Brenden moved as if to follow, but Loretta caught him by the arm. “And where exactly do you think you’re going?” she asked. “Come with me.” Brenden’s gaze followed Gabriela’s retreating figure, and a quiet sigh slipped from him. He liked her, but he couldn’t return the feeling. Better to keep his distance than risk turning things painfully awkward, so he stayed put beside Loretta.
Out in the garden, Gabriela wandered along the path until her steps slowed. By a cluster of blossoms stood Wesley. The pale white of his sweater caught the light, setting off the clean lines of his frame. His tall figure seemed almost carved into the scene, a quiet anchor amidst the spill of color.
For a moment, she forgot to breathe.
Wesley, aloof and untouchable as he always was, looked entirely different here—softened by the dappled light and the delicate flowers. There was a refined grace to him now, something almost magnetic. Gabriela let out a bitter laugh. He was such a remarkable man, yet his heart held no room for women.
Wesley’s gaze shifted, meeting hers. His voice, stripped of its usual cool edge, came low and steady, “Come here p>