Chapter 120
Chapter 120:
She exchanged a few words with him before settling into a corner seat. She hadn’t intended to stir trouble, but Vivian approached with a group of young ladies, closing in swiftly.
“You actually showed up, Gabriela? Haven’t you humiliated yourself enough p>
“Phyllis overlooked your relentless pursuit of her fiancé. Have some dignity p>
“Look at your outfit today—so extravagant. Trying to outshine Phyllis on her big day p>
Most guests had arrived. Phyllis and Dustin entered as the final jab landed. Phyllis’s lips curved into a subtle, satisfied smile, her earlier irritation easing. Dustin kept his distance, but his eyes repeatedly drifted to Gabriela, his thoughts inscrutable.
𝖱𝗲а𝗱 𝘰𝗇 𝖺ո𝘆 𝘥𝗲𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦 oո
Phyllis paused, then pulled Josh toward Gabriela.
With feigned concern, she asked, “Where’s your boyfriend, Gabriela? Didn’t you say he’d definitely be here? The banquet’s about to start p>
Josh, caught up in the event, had forgotten. Now reminded, he looked at Gabriela expectantly.
“He’ll arrive soon,” Gabriela replied calmly.
“How soon is ‘soon’?” Vivian sneered. “Don’t tell me your boyfriend’s stuck working overtime? Most reputable companies are off today. Or is he in some low-end service job p>
A giggle rippled through the group.
Another woman chimed in loudly, “She probably doesn’t even have a boyfriend—just making that up p>
Laughter spread among them.
“I’ll text him,” Gabriela said, unfazed.
“Texting’s slow,” Vivian taunted. “Lucky for you, his girlfriend’s right here. Why not ask her? That’d be quicker p>
Gabriela’s heart sank. Before she could respond, a short-haired woman in a pink gown stepped forward, eyeing her with open hostility. “With a face like that, it’s no wonder my boyfriend fell for you p>
Gabriela’s brow furrowed. The woman pressed on, “So, what number are you on Brenden’s list of girlfriends p>
Gabriela recalled Wesley mentioning Brenden was dating his forty-first girlfriend, so she was supposedly number forty-two? Better to deny knowing Brenden entirely.
As she considered this, a familiar voice called out, “Renee, am I late?” Gabriela’s unease deepened. She turned to see Brenden.
Dressed in a sharp dark blue suit, his confident stride and striking features drew attention despite his modest height.
Renee Nielsen linked her arm with his, pouting playfully. “Honey, why are you so late p>
Brenden tapped her nose with affection. “Traffic held me up, sweetheart. Don’t be upset p>
Gabriela’s heart dropped.
She had prepared two plans: if Brenden didn’t show, she’d use a stand-in from a rent-a-date service. But she hadn’t anticipated the worst-case scenario unfolding—Brenden and his girlfriend both showing up.
In an instant, she resolved never to admit knowing Brenden.
Renee, however, had no intention of letting her off easily. She turned to Brenden and complained, “Honey, this woman claims you’re her boyfriend and promised to attend the wedding with her p>
The nearby women erupted into loud, unrestrained laughter.
“Hilarious! Gabriela’s boyfriend is a playboy with countless girlfriends. Place your bets—what’s her number p>
“Does it matter? At least someone’s willing to take her p>