Chapter 467
Chapter 467:
Gabriela, now fully aware of Loretta’s intentions, sighed. “I’m pretty worn out today p>
She wasn’t in the mood for romance.
“You’re more tired than I am?” Loretta teased, hands on her hips. “I’m an old woman who has been yanking scallions, cooking, and worrying over you kids all day p>
Gabriela let out a quiet laugh and lifted her hands in surrender. “Alright, you win. I’ll go p>
She and Stewart stepped outside together.
They soon found the garden Loretta had mentioned, where roses sprawled in deep reds and rich pinks, a sea of color glowing in the evening light.
It was stunning.
For a moment, Stewart felt as if he’d wandered into a dream. He could hardly believe he was on what felt dangerously close to a date with Gabriela, and in a place that looked like it had been made for romance.
Gabriela paused by the roses. “Mr. Williams, I had no idea Loretta invited you p>
“Don’t reject me so quickly,” Stewart said, pretending to be offended. “Am I that unappealing p>
“It’s not you,” Gabriela said simply. “It’s me. I’m not planning to marry for at least a decade p>
𝗠oѕ𝗍 𝗋еа𝘥 t𝘩𝘪𝘀 𝘸𝗲𝗲𝗄 оո ѕ.с𝘰m
Her words landed as a gentle refusal.
“Is it because of Wesley?” Stewart asked quietly.
Gabriela didn’t answer.
Since Truett’s birth, all her thoughts had been fixed on working, saving, building a future. Love was not a priority.
Stewart took her silence as agreement and let out a slow sigh. “Wesley already has a girlfriend p>
“It has nothing to do with him,” Gabriela said, stepping back. “Please don’t get the wrong idea, Mr. Williams p>
Stewart watched her retreat, then closed the space between them and lightly tapped her forehead. “You think I like you? Please. If I had known Loretta was playing matchmaker, I wouldn’t have shown up p>
Relief washed over Gabriela. Her shoulders loosened, her guard fell, and for the first time that evening, her breathing steadied.
Seeing her relax, Stewart felt a dull, unexpected pinch in his chest.
“What, you think you’re everyone’s dream girl? Not everyone is falling all over you. Stop being so full of yourself.” He turned his attention to the roses around them. “You’ve gone and ruined the mood of this gorgeous view with a few words p>
Gabriela flushed and muttered, “Sorry p>
Stewart grinned. “Walk with me through the flowers, and I’ll let it slide p>
Gabriela nodded and fell into step beside him. They walked slowly, surrounded by the deep red roses and the soft, cooling air.
From a distance, Loretta watched them with quiet satisfaction.
But when she turned, she found Wesley beside her, his expression thunderous.
“Don’t Gabriela and Stewart look perfect together?” Loretta said with a light laugh. “What do you think, Wesley? Will my matchmaking work p>
Wesley’s face only darkened, an ache tightening in his chest. “Grandma, you’re meddling too much. Gabriela’s not my employee anymore. Leave her alone p>
“Just because she’s not working for you, you stop caring?” Loretta snapped back, clearly displeased. “She cooked for you, worried about you, took care of you. Now that she’s resigned, you act like she doesn’t exist? You really are cold p>
Wesley’s jaw flexed, his fists curling at his sides as his eyes locked onto Gabriela and Stewart.
What was so interesting about a garden? Why was she standing that close to him?
It took everything in him not to cross the yard and pull them apart.
When he didn’t answer, Loretta huffed. “I’m determined to make this match happen tonight. If it bothers you, then walk away p>