Chapter 115
Chapter 115:
The day before the wedding, just as Gabriela had expected, Phyllis flooded the classmates’ group chat with a parade of photos—herself beaming in a pristine white wedding gown, a ring boasting a walnut-sized diamond glittering on her finger as she clung tightly to Dustin’s hand.
It was a group of high school alumni, and Gabriela—added for reasons she still didn’t understand—had barely typed a word since joining. If not for the constant pings announcing Phyllis’s photos, she wouldn’t have noticed this group chat at all.
“Congratulations! May your marriage be blissful, Phyllis p>
“That wedding dress is gorgeous, Phyllis—and your fiancé is incredibly handsome p>
“You two are such a heavenly pair—talented, beautiful, and made for each other p>
Originally, their idle chatter had nothing to do with Gabriela—until Phyllis deliberately tagged her and slipped in a few sly jabs.
“Come to think of it, I really owe my thanks to my cousin Gabriela. Without her, I never would’ve met such an outstanding man like Dustin… and now, he’s the love of my life p>
The classmates were confused by the message.
𝗦h𝖺rе 𝘺о𝘶𝗿 𝗳а𝘷о𝗋𝘪𝘵𝖾ѕ 𝘧𝗋о𝗺 ѕ.com
“Wait, your fiancé was introduced by Gabriela p>
“Phyllis, you’re not concerned about Gabriela making a play for your fiancé p>
Phyllis let her words drip with insinuation. “Well, truth be told, Gabriela did have a little thing for Dustin. I mean, who wouldn’t? He’s got it all p>
The group’s chat quickly turned into a gossip frenzy.
“Sounds like she’s after your man, Phyllis. Better keep an eye on her p>
Phyllis played the gracious act in her reply. “She probably couldn’t control herself. I’m fine with it, really. But Dustin might not be so at ease p>
That was all it took for the others to jump in.
“Of course he’s irritated. Gabriela must be bothering him nonstop—anyone would lose patience p>
“Exactly. Back in high school, Gabriela was always trying to cozy up to other girls’ boyfriends. Guess some habits never die p>
Gabriela read each message with a blank expression.
None of it surprised her.
Phyllis had always delighted in making her life difficult—grabbing what belonged to her and even stealing the man she once cared for. Now that Phyllis had everything she ever wanted, she still went out of her way to relentlessly provoke Gabriela.
Thankfully, Gabriela had long since let go of Dustin, her heart no longer tangled up in him. Had she still cared, this public jab might have driven her to hide under the covers in tears. Then her swollen eyes would give Phyllis and her friends fresh amusement to gossip over at the wedding tomorrow.
Gabriela simply refused to give them the reaction they wanted, acting as if she hadn’t noticed a thing.
Out of nowhere, Vivian chimed in, tagging Gabriela yet again. “Phyllis, Gabriela’s been secretly longing for Dustin day after day. You’re practically a saint for still thanking her and speaking kindly of her p>
Vivian’s dig sparked immediate agreement.
“I remember Gabriela being pretty wild back in school—ditching class just to flirt with guys p>
“She’s got that dangerous charm—definitely not someone with clean intentions. Phyllis, I’d watch my back if I were you p>
Phyllis’s words breezed through the chat. “Gabriela’s got a boyfriend now, so don’t get the wrong idea. She even promised to bring him to my wedding. From what I’ve heard, he’s quite a catch—sounds like she’s moved on from Dustin p>
Phyllis’s friends were quick to pile on, tossing out snide guesses about what kind of man Gabriela could possibly land.
“Probably one of those shady gang types p>
“Maybe a spoiled rich boy with a string of girlfriends waiting in line p>
“You’re giving her too much credit. I’m betting he’s old, ugly, and she’s just the side piece. Wouldn’t be surprised if the real wife storms in one day to put her in her place. Ha p>
Gabriela stayed silent, which only fueled their cruelty. Their words grew sharper, more brazen, feeding off each other’s scorn.
Back in high school, more than half the class had delighted in tearing her down. It was a long-ingrained contempt—a belief that Gabriela was born to be despised, someone anyone could walk over without consequence.