Chapter 176
Chapter 176:
But recently, she haunted his vision constantly. He learned that she had endured absolute darkness in the past while still maintaining such radiant optimism. Rather than moving on from her, his fascination intensified.
Tonight, he’d tossed and turned, his mind replaying the scene of Gabriela standing before Brenden. He was frustrated. Damn—what was so special about Brenden that had drawn her to him?
Irritation drove Wesley to message Gabriela, requesting a song.
He hadn’t anticipated provoking such fierce indignation. Reading her message, in which she furiously berated Brenden, somehow lifted Wesley’s spirits considerably. Her fiery temper amused him.
He responded cheerfully, “Oh, it’s Gabriela? I thought this was girlfriend number forty-three. Sorry, wrong recipient p>
𝘞𝖾 𝘶p𝘥a𝘵𝖾 𝘦𝘃𝗲𝗿y 𝗐𝖾𝖾𝘬 𝗼𝗻
Finding that insufficient, Wesley added, “My forty-third girlfriend happens to be a little singer. If you can outperform her, I’ll return your possessions immediately p>
Gabriela’s blood boiled. Why was he tormenting her in the dead of night? She needed to wake early tomorrow to assist Loretta with decorating. Gabriela marshaled her fury, prepared a verbal assault, and readied a voice-message bombardment when “NotASaunders” sent another text.
“I’m a free spirit; naturally, I change my mind constantly. Forget what I said earlier. Tonight, you will sing for me p>
Gabriela was about to explode. But what choice did she have? Her own reckless behavior had created this mess—getting drunk over trivial matters, which had attracted this relentless pest. Terrified that Brenden might broadcast their one-night stand, Gabriela swallowed her rage.
She clenched her jaw and typed, “What song do you want p>
The response materialized instantly. “Something romantic p>
Gabriela’s blood chilled. What kind of delusional romantic was Brenden, demanding love songs in the dead of night? Even if she knew a hundred romantic ballads, she wouldn’t feed his twisted fantasies.
“I don’t know any romantic songs,” Gabriela shot back.
“Then find one. Sing something sweet once you’ve chosen. I have all night—I’ll wait p>
Gabriela drew a savage breath, mentally executing Brenden a dozen different ways before hitting record. Her voice emerged barely above a whisper. “If I could do just one thing for you p>
This marked the first time she’d ever performed for someone through her phone. Shyness scorched her cheeks; initially her voice trembled with embarrassment.
The recording automatically transmitted when it reached the sixty-second limit.
Gabriela’s voice wasn’t classically beautiful, but her tender singing caressed the listener like whispered secrets.
Wesley had initially found it enchanting, even losing himself in her melody as he contemplated which song to request next. But as the lyrics unfolded, his smile withered. “Love you so deeply, so I’ll set you free…” Wesley’s expression turned thunderous.
Loving someone so profoundly, yet releasing them? Encouraging them to choose another? Shouldn’t loving someone mean clutching them desperately and never letting go?
These lyrics were absolute poison.
Wesley fired back immediately, “Awful. Choose something else p>
Gabriela, who had been pleased with her performance, recoiled at his brutal dismissal.