Chapter 126
Chapter 126:
Something about this felt wrong. She was just his secretary—yet he’d rushed straight from the airport to the hotel to stand up for her. And now… he was holding her.
Out of nowhere, Aubrey’s playful voice echoed in her mind. “Mr. Moss came to your rescue and drove you home—was there a little chemistry p>
Gabriela had once laughed off Aubrey’s wild talk about the boss, dismissing it as nothing more than idle nonsense. But now, even she felt a reckless spark of curiosity—could Wesley actually be interested in her?
Heat flared in her cheeks as she buried her face in her hands, her pulse thudding against her palms. The flutter in her chest could have been excitement, yet a heavy, aching sadness curled beneath it.
Wesley was not just handsome—he was striking, with the kind of effortless elegance and staggering wealth that made him seem untouchable. He had always been her crush. And if by some impossible chance he liked her in return, she could imagine herself agreeing before he even finished the question, nodding until she was dizzy.
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘂𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗻
But the thought of saying yes came tangled with dread. Because the moment she dared step closer to Wesley, she knew Brenden would find out—and that discovery could shatter everything.
Word was, Brenden was Wesley’s cousin—and nothing thrilled him more than ratting someone out. She knew he’d have no trouble turning her in. If he found out about her one-night stand with Brenden, would he think she’d been two-timing him?
That would be the end of her career.
Absolutely not. She couldn’t afford to lose her job.
Across from her, Wesley watched her face cycle through surprise, worry, and defiance, clearly amused by the constant flicker of emotion. Maybe he didn’t love her with the depth of a lifelong passion, but for years she’d been the one who mattered most to him. Her presence coaxed smiles from him without effort. He was willing to have her stay by his side forever.
In his head, a sharp whisper demanded, “Now’s the time—tell her p>
What he didn’t realize was that, in the span of seconds, her mind had veered from romantic fantasy to cold, practical considerations about her career. He drew a breath, squared his shoulders, and said, “Gabriela, I think you’re extraordinary. Would you be willing p>
Her lungs caught, and in the boldest rush of words she’d ever managed, she cut in. “I’m sorry p>
The emotion still blazing in Wesley’s eyes dimmed with stunned disbelief, the edges reddening as if the shock itself had scalded him.
Gabriela studied Wesley’s face with cautious precision, trying to read the flickers of his expression. This was the CEO of the Apex Group—wealth, status, and authority wrapped in one man—and she had just turned him down.
Desperate to soften the blow, she blurted the first excuse that popped into her head. “I’ve always wanted a boyfriend I could look straight in the eye. You’re… far too tall for my taste p>
Her words stopped him cold. Even she felt the jolt of shock as they left her lips. She hadn’t just turned him down—she’d picked him apart, piece by piece.
Damn. She was done—had to kiss that job goodbye.
The uneasy silence was broken by a sudden volley of fireworks bursting in the distance. Brilliant blooms splashed across the dark sky, unfurling into shimmering heart shapes before fading into the drizzle.
Beneath the umbrella, both of them glanced up in faint surprise.
Gabriela’s gaze lingered on the vibrant display, her thoughts a tangled knot of wonder and restraint.
Seaside air, rain-slick night, and heart-shaped fireworks—by all rights, it was the perfect setting for romance.
Yet in her mind, the steady hum of a paycheck still rang sweeter.
After all, no matter how beautiful the moment, fireworks couldn’t pay the rent or fill the fridge.
While Gabriela was still caught in that flicker of regret, a figure emerged from the far edge of the dimly lit boardwalk—Billy, cradling a lush bouquet in his arms like a precious offering.
As Wesley’s ever-resourceful assistant, Billy took pride in staying two steps ahead of his boss’s needs. And today, the moment Wesley’s feet touched home soil, he had gone straight for Gabriela, his purpose written plainly in every move.
Billy, sharp enough to catch the unspoken, had made sure fireworks were set to blaze the sky and flowers were ready to seal the moment.
With such flawless foresight, surely he deserved a generous bonus. He pictured it already—Wesley’s curt but approving nod, maybe even the faint curl of a smile. Feeling rather pleased with himself, Billy advanced toward them at an easy pace, bouquet poised in both hands.
He was just drawing a breath to present it when Wesley’s gaze cut to him—cold, razor-sharp, and merciless. The look hit him like a bucket of ice water, prickling his skin and freezing his steps mid-stride.