Chapter 121
Chapter 121:
Brenden’s head snapped toward Gabriela, his expression a mix of surprise and mild confusion. “Gabriela? What are you even doing here? And since when am I your boyfriend p>
Her carefully crafted plan to act as though they were strangers unraveled in an instant.
The crowd erupted with sharper, mocking laughter.
“So she’s not his girlfriend at all—just a backup option. How pitiful p>
“Gabriela, what the hell happened to you? Where’s your self-respect p>
Phyllis lingered at the edge of the chaos, watching Gabriela stand alone under the jeers. A slow, satisfied smile curved her lips—she relished every second of seeing Gabriela too humiliated to lift her head.
Gabriela couldn’t care less about their snide remarks. She’d already endured a tidal wave of malice back in high school and come out standing.
But then she noticed Josh watching her. His eyes were rimmed red, glistening like he was on the verge of tears. That was the one thing she could never face without flinching—Josh crying. With his fragile heart, she feared even the smallest upset might push him too far.
A slow burn of irritation welled up inside her. Brenden had really outdone himself—choosing the exact wrong time to disappoint her.
Josh stepped forward, gripping her arm with trembling fingers, his voice rough with hurt. “Didn’t you tell me you’d found yourself a great boyfriend? How could he turn out to be some womanizing playboy? You declined to attend the blind date, saying you were already seeing someone. Was all of that just a lie? How could you fool me like this p>
𝗦𝗵𝘢𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘶𝗿 fа𝗏𝗈𝘳іt𝗲𝗌 𝘧r𝗼𝘮
The pointed questions from Josh only deepened the crowd’s contempt, their eyes narrowing on Gabriela as if she were beneath them.
Brenden, still trying to process why a middle-aged man was breaking down in front of him, felt an odd twist of unease.
That was the moment it dawned on him—he might have made a mistake.
Catching the brittle curve of Gabriela’s smile and the way her expression trembled with wounded pride, he guessed that dismissing her so publicly must have stung. A flicker of guilt crossed his features. “I’m sorry, Gabriela. I really didn’t realize you were p>
He didn’t get as far as the last words—“so taken with me p>
Before the awkward pause could settle, Vivian’s friend leaned in, her tone sharp with warning. “Mr. Saunders, back in high school, Gabriela was a wild one—always running with the wrong crowd. You’d better watch she doesn’t cling to you p>
Judging by Gabriela’s usual behavior, Brenden knew that accusation was bullshit and cut in, his voice firm, “She’s not that kind of person p>
The cheerful buzz in the room abruptly died, every head swiveling toward the hotel entrance. Even the group encircling Gabriela broke off, their eyes drawn to the commotion.
Vivian craned her neck, curiosity piqued. “Who’s that? Why’s everyone heading over p>
“Not sure. Looks like a VIP just showed up p>
A spark of excitement lit Vivian’s eyes. She recalled offhandedly telling her brother a few days ago that she wanted him at the wedding. If he really had come, his business clout would have half the room fawning over her for introductions.
Shoving her way through the guests, she hurried toward the entrance.
At that moment, Gabriela’s phone vibrated with a short, almost terse text. “I’m here p>
It was none other than Wesley who sent the message.
She blinked, momentarily thrown. What exactly did he mean by that?
On instinct, she lifted her head toward the doors, trying to catch a glimpse, but the entrance was packed—a restless tide of bodies blocking her view. She began pushing forward, intent on confirming her suspicion.
Before she could break through the crowd, Josh seized her arm. His eyes brimmed with tears, his voice shaking as he demanded, “Don’t you dare dodge me, Gabriela. Tell me the truth—do you not have a boyfriend at all? How could you lie to me?” Tears streamed down his face in an unending torrent, soaking his cheeks until they glistened.
Gabriela stood frozen, unsure how to comfort him.
All she could do was speak gently, her voice low and steady. “Vivian and her friends have it out for me. They dragged Brenden here just to humiliate me. I swear I have a boyfriend—I’m not making this up. Please, Uncle Josh, stop crying… people are staring p>