Chapter 183
Chapter 183:
Miriam shot Loretta a sly, conspiratorial glance, and Loretta instantly caught on, turning toward Wesley. “Whoever that person is, Gabriela must really like them. Wesley, who do you think she’s giving the scarf to p>
Wesley’s face stayed composed, but the subtle curl of his fingers at his side betrayed him, his knuckles whitening under the strain. His voice was cool, almost bored. “How the hell am I supposed to know p>
Loretta’s brow creased as she exchanged a puzzled look with Miriam. Why the sudden frost? Just earlier, while they were decorating the villa, there had been a flicker of connection.
Miriam, ever the strategist, flicked her gaze at Loretta in a silent warning not to push him. If the scarf didn’t draw him out, she still had a far more cunning play up her sleeve.
Meanwhile, Brenden lingered nearby, his ears pricked, drinking in every word. Every muscle in his body throbbed, his legs so sore he could barely stand, yet his towering narcissism refused to take a second off.
Oh no. Was Gabriela actually considering giving the scarf to him? And if she did, what then—accept it, refuse? They had agreed to cut ties, to walk past each other like strangers. Why couldn’t she just let that be? She was hopelessly taken with him, and it complicated everything between them.
Brenden let out an exasperated sigh, muttering complaints under his breath. Wesley heard every word, his face an unreadable mask. So, still self-absorbed. Clearly, one trainer hadn’t been enough for Brenden. Wesley was planning on bringing another.
When Gabriela finally stepped into the dining room, her gaze collided with Wesley’s, his eyes burning with restrained fury. A pang of unease tugged at her. She knew how valuable his time was, and yet here she was, making him wait. Perhaps she really had been pushing her luck.
Gabriela couldn’t bear to meet Wesley’s gaze any longer. As soon as she turned her head, there was Brenden, slouched over the dining table, one hand braced against his waist, looking thoroughly pitiful.
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗻
The sight stirred a strange mix of satisfaction tinged with sympathy. What was the point of hurting each other like this? She really should find a moment to talk to Brenden. That night still haunted her with regret. Still, she clung to the belief that time could mend even the deepest rifts. If Brenden would just let her go, maybe then, given enough time, she could forget what happened between them.
Determined to ignore Wesley’s simmering stare, Gabriela focused on her meal, eating quickly. Afterward, the moment she was waiting for arrived—a chance to pull Brenden aside and speak with him privately.
To the left of the manor lay a still pond, a jagged mass of artificial rock guarding its edge. Brenden, desperate to avoid Loretta roping him into yet another round of exercise that afternoon, slipped behind the stone, hiding like a fugitive. After an hour and a half of brutal leg stretches that morning, his knees no longer remembered how to bend. Slumping against the cold rock, he let out a sharp hiss of pain.
So this was what happened when a woman didn’t get the man she wanted. The outcome was absolutely terrifying. Still, the moment Gabriela’s delicate features floated into his mind, the irritation drained away. Fine. No more pushing her buttons. Rubbing at his aching knees, he decided that once the New Year season was over, he’d head back to his own place—putting much-needed distance between them.
He was mid-thought when Gabriela’s voice suddenly drifted over. “Mr. Saunders p>
He jolted upright in alarm and instantly regretted it. Pain tore through his knee like it had been struck with an iron rod. His face twisted, but he still managed to throw up a hand. “Don’t come here p>
Gabriela froze mid-step.
From a cautious three meters away, she said loudly, “I’m sorry about this morning p>
“Stop.” The moment her face came into view, Brenden’s pulse kicked up. He tore his gaze away, unwilling to risk looking at her too long. “We agreed yesterday—no more contact. Nothing more than strangers, even if we cross paths again p>
Gabriela froze. Was he serious? Would this be the final verdict, or would he change his mind by evening? Maybe she should record it for proof.
His expression didn’t budge. “Of course I’m serious. You should leave. No more little stunts to get my attention. We’re not suited for each other. Best to go our separate ways p>