Chapter 243
Chapter 243:
Gabriela hesitated, her fingers trembling against the bag’s smooth leather. Had she misread the situation entirely? Still, warmth flooded through her chest.
She unleashed a torrent of praise, her voice bright with genuine delight. “Mr. Moss, this bag will never leave my side. The design is absolutely stunning—elegant yet functional p>
Wesley fought against the smile threatening to break across his features. “I’m pleased it suits you.” Then he changed the topic. “I’m flying to Athea tomorrow p>
Gabriela inquired, “A business trip, Mr. Moss p>
𝘚𝗁𝗮rе y𝘰𝗎𝗋 𝘵𝘩𝘰u𝗴htѕ 𝗼ո.соm
Wesley’s nod was curt. “Three to four days. Reschedule everything accordingly p>
“Of course,” she replied, her professional mask sliding into place. Her deference felt sharper now, more pronounced than any ordinary employee addressing their superior. Wesley’s grip tightened on his documents as he studied her face with piercing intensity.
After everything—every gesture, every moment between them—she still viewed him as nothing more than her employer. He was departing for days, yet she displayed no hint of reluctance or sorrow. The realization burned through him like acid.
Wesley pressed his fingers to the bridge of his nose, then posed an unexpected question. “Gabriela, do you understand why I transferred you to the executive office p>
His voice dropped to that magnetic register that made her pulse stutter. Panic fluttered in her chest as memories crashed over her—the complaint she’d made to ‘NotASaunders,’ the careless words spoken behind Wesley’s back. How foolish she’d been then. The executive position had doubled her salary. This generous, devastatingly attractive man had shown not a trace of vindictiveness.
Her voice emerged as barely a whisper. “Mr. Moss, I’ll never speak against you again p>
“Then explain why I brought you to the banquet, why I acted as your boyfriend at your cousin’s wedding, and why I let you into my home p>
Each word fell between them like a stone dropped into still water. His eyes burned with raw emotion, making his feelings unmistakably clear.
Gabriela was flustered. Why did it seem like he was about to confess his love to her?
The mortifying beach incident blazed through her memory, and heat flooded her cheeks. Words abandoned her completely.
Wesley watched confusion cloud her features, and his voice turned gravelly with emotion. “When you gave me that scarf you knitted yourself, something inside me shifted p>
Gabriela’s eyes widened until they seemed to swallow her face. He actually cared for her?
Her mind raced back to the Deluxe Hotel, where Phyllis and her cruel friends had cornered her with their mockery. Wesley had appeared like a guardian angel, his presence commanding the room before his hand settled gently on her head. Her heart had hammered against her ribs like a caged bird desperate for freedom. What woman could resist a man who possessed such wealth, devastating looks, and unwavering strength?
Yet Gabriela understood the harsh truth: their worlds were too far apart, and she was no match for a man of his stature. This wasn’t about self-pity or inadequacy. Despite her modest background, she possessed kindness, professional competence, and fierce determination—qualities that made her Wesley’s equal in every way that mattered. She simply recognized the truth of their situation.
Even as Wesley’s intentions blazed between them like a beacon, Gabriela continued her charade of obliviousness.
A bitter laugh escaped his throat, frustration bleeding through every syllable. “Gabriela, you know exactly what I’m telling you. Stop this pretense p>
“I don’t know what you mean,” she insisted, her mind genuinely reeling from his unexpected interest in her.
“Still lost?” Wesley’s directness cut through the air like a blade. “Then let me illuminate the situation—I’m in love with you p>
His words detonated in Gabriela’s skull like a bomb. He was in love with her.
The untouchable CEO, who had never pursued a single woman, claimed he cared for her.
Her legs buckled, sending her crashing to the floor in a graceless heap. She was pregnant with Brenden’s child. How could she possibly accept his love now?