Chapter 175
Chapter 175:
Even after Brenden’s figure vanished from sight, Gabriela remained frozen, her mind reeling. She had suspected that “NotASaunders” wasn’t Brenden at all, but judging by his reaction moments ago, had she been wrong?
And what had Brenden meant when he claimed he couldn’t give her what she wanted? Was he planning to keep whatever she’d left in that hotel room?
Fury blazed through Gabriela’s chest. Brenden showered other women with generosity, yet treated her with such calculated cruelty. He kept stalling, refusing to return what belonged to her. What an absolute bastard!
Gabriela drew a shuddering breath and forced her rage into submission. When she considered it rationally, this outcome worked in her favor. Brenden had suggested cutting contact himself, which meant no future scandals to worry about. Besides, she couldn’t even recall what she’d abandoned in that hotel room—she probably didn’t need it anyway.
Her thoughts churned through a dozen emotions, and gradually satisfaction replaced her anger. The crushing weight that had pressed against her ribs finally lifted. She inhaled deeply and transformed back into the carefree woman she’d always been.
“Gabriela p>
Wesley’s frigid voice cut through her reverie like a blade. Her euphoria had made her forget he still lingered in the living room. Thank God she hadn’t been too explicit while testing Brenden earlier—Wesley probably hadn’t deciphered their cryptic exchange.
She flashed him a brilliant smile. “Mr. Moss, getting some water? I won’t keep you p>
Having said that, Gabriela bolted toward her room. She indulged in a scalding shower, so blissful she nearly burst into song. After toweling off, Gabriela scrolled through her phone until 11:30 p.m. crept up on her.
She’d planned to stay awake another half hour, but tomorrow’s responsibilities crashed back into her consciousness—Loretta needed help decorating the house and trimming the garden’s overgrown trees and flowers. She would have to rise at dawn.
ѕ𝗍о𝗿𝗶𝖾𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝗐о𝘯’𝘁 𝗉𝘂𝗍 𝗱𝗈w𝗻 oո
Gabriela powered down her phone, burrowed into her blankets, and set her alarm. Just as sleep began to claim her, WhatsApp’s distinctive chime pierced the silence. It rang several times in succession.
Gabriela cracked open her phone to discover a message from “NotASaunders”: “Are you sleeping? I can’t rest. Could you sing something for me?” Gabriela stared at the screen in disbelief.
Brenden had just declared he wouldn’t return her belongings or contact her again, and now he had already changed his mind? What an asshole.
Having already confronted Brenden directly, Gabriela felt no need for diplomacy. Her reply dripped with venom. “Brenden Saunders, do you possess the memory span of a goldfish? What is it—three seconds before everything evaporates? You explicitly said never to contact me again, so why are you messaging me now p>
Wesley had been battling insomnia for days. Gabriela’s rejection had wounded him, though he convinced himself he wasn’t particularly attached to her. Since she possessed such abysmal taste as to criticize his physique, he certainly wouldn’t waste another moment’s consideration on her. He’d assumed he would get over her quickly.