Chapter 153
Chapter 153:
Miriam’s eyes narrowed as she watched Brenden’s face flush for no clear reason. “You’re burning up! Do you have a fever?” she asked.
Brenden shook his head, forcing a calm tone. “It’s the wind. It’s too strong. I’m heading back inside. And the photos I took of these lovely flowers should be more than enough.” With that, he handed her the phone back.
Miriam took the phone, scrolling through the photos and arranging them for posting. Today, these extraordinary flowers would surely make her friends green with envy. But what caption would hit just right?
“Flowers worth a mansion… so stunning, you’ll be speechless p>
She paused, scrunched her face, and deleted it. Too flashy. Too desperate. She needed subtle, but with a punch.
Suddenly, a grin spread across her face. Fingers flying over the screen, she posted, “Captured by Mr. Moss’s future wife herself. More priceless than the flowers p>
Loretta, still a rookie at scrolling through social media, quickly liked the post and made sure Wesley did too.
Brenden slipped back into the living room and moved on tiptoe toward the kitchen door, where the faint sounds of bustling activity drifted out. A mix of joy and guilt churned inside him. Gabriela was incredible. How could someone like her ever be interested in a playboy like him? Sometimes, being charming came with complications.
Loretta, busy arranging the strawberries, caught snippets of Brenden muttering under his breath. She couldn’t make out his words, but the expression on his face was a curious mix—sometimes pained, as if he’d just lost a fortune; other times shy, a small smile tugging at his lips as he leaned against the wall. Something seemed off.
Stepping closer, Loretta patted his shoulder. “Brenden, the sun’s almost gone. Come help me gather the green onions p>
𝘚a𝘷e 𝘺оu𝗿 𝗳аvо𝗿𝘪𝗍е no𝘃𝘦𝗹s 𝗼n
Immediately, Brenden straightened, composure returning, and followed her outside.
Once there, he worked methodically, helping to gather the green onions and carefully trimming away the dried leaves.
Loretta stood back, quietly observing him, noting each careful motion. “Why don’t you stay a few more days? Keep me company, and I’ll cook all your favorite meals,” she said, her tone warm.
“Sure!” Brenden replied casually, but a flicker of worry crossed his face. Spending more time with Gabriela was tempting, yes, but also dangerous. The longer he lingered around her, the harder it might be for her to walk away. Brenden couldn’t help but sigh, certain that his charm had made Gabriela fall deeply for him.
Loretta, noticing the peculiar expression twisting his face, frowned. “Something bothering you lately? Tell me—I’ll help, I promise p>
“You’re so kind, Loretta,” Brenden said, touched for a brief moment, before the weight of his thoughts spilled out. “There’s this wonderful girl who likes me… a lot. But I already have a girlfriend, and I don’t want to hurt her feelings. What do you think I should do p>
Loretta studied him carefully, skepticism etched across her face. Brenden’s taste in women was questionable, and he was constantly surrounded by gold-diggers clamoring for designer bags and expensive jewelry. Could a genuinely decent girl really be interested in him?
Loretta gave a casual shrug. “What’s so difficult about that? Just keep your distance. Don’t give her the wrong idea, and with time, it’ll sort itself out p>
A pang struck Brenden’s chest. Was that really the only way forward? He felt an uncomfortable reluctance settle over him.
Not ready to give up, he pressed on. “How long has Gabriela been working here part-time? Do you know her well? Between Fiona and Gabriela, who’s better p>
Without hesitation, Loretta replied, “Gabriela, of course p>
Brenden leaned in, curious. “Why p>
As if the answer were obvious, Loretta listed her reasons. “Gabriela is prettier, better educated, brings good fortune to Wesley, and she’s capable with a calm, pleasant temperament p>
Most importantly, she was the only one who could soften Wesley’s cold heart. Brenden’s chest swelled with pride. “I thought so too p>
Loretta, however, couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that something about Brenden’s reaction was unusual. Why had he swelled with pride when she praised Gabriela? And what had troubled him earlier, leaving him with that conflicted expression—as if wrestling with some difficult choice?
Loretta kept her observations to herself and turned to the kitchen. She decided to cook something for him.
In the kitchen, Gabriela was busy putting the finishing touches on the soup. She looked up as Loretta entered and rolled up her sleeves. “You should take a break. There’s no need to help. Lunch will be ready soon,” she said with a gentle smile.