Chapter 186
Chapter 186:
Gabriela kept her lips pressed together. She understood Loretta’s concern, but how on earth did that relate to her giving Wesley a scarf?
Loretta leaned in, her eyes sharp with intent. “If Wesley took your scarf, it shows he feels something for you. Why not step into the role of his girlfriend just to silence the rumors p>
The suggestion jolted Gabriela. “No. That’s impossible.” Her heart thudded at the thought. With Brenden living under the same roof, pretending to be Wesley’s girlfriend would only spark chaos.
Miriam blinked, caught off guard. The night Wesley had brought Gabriela home, she’d seen the girl’s cheeks flush pink at his presence. That wasn’t nothing. Gabriela had definitely been interested. Could it be that Wesley’s disinterest in women had extinguished Gabriela’s spark? Oh no, that only proved it was time to push their final plan forward—without delay.
Miriam chimed in, “How about this? When people are around, Loretta drops a hint that you’re Wesley’s future wife. You don’t need to confirm it—just don’t deny it p>
Gabriela immediately recoiled from the idea. If Brenden caught wind of this, he might run straight to Wesley and tell him about their one-night stand, portraying her as some conniving woman. Gabriela didn’t want to lose her job and couldn’t stomach the thought of Wesley seeing her as a calculating opportunist. It had only been a reckless, drunken night—nothing more.
Tho𝘶𝘴a𝗇𝘥s 𝗼𝗳 re𝗮𝘥e𝗿𝗌 𝗼𝗇 𝗀𝗮𝗹ո𝘰vе𝘭𝘴.cо𝗆
Loretta, though, refused to let up. With tears trembling in her eyes, she pleaded, “I’m already old, and yet I still have to endure others gossiping about my dear grandson. Gabriela, please—just do me this favor p>
Watching an elderly woman cry twisted Gabriela’s conscience. Against her better judgment, she finally gave a subtle nod.
Brenden had already made it clear they would treat each other like strangers anyway. That suited her just fine. He probably wanted the whole drunken fiasco buried as much as she did. And if he made a fuss, she could always find a way to explain things later.
At dinner, Gabriela caught sight of Wesley descending the stairs and went rigid where she stood. His long black coat swayed around him, a white scarf resting neatly against his throat, lending him an effortless air of elegance. He was so devastatingly handsome.
She only managed a fleeting glance before dropping her gaze, too timid to look twice. This was her ultimate crush—the man whose bed she had once woken in, whose arms had once wrapped around her, whose warmth had once burned against her skin. Now, every time she laid eyes on him, her chest thudded with sudden speed.
Maybe she truly had fallen for him. Yet she knew he could never return those feelings. The realization pinched like a blade behind her ribs, leaving her chest aching. With a quiet sigh, Gabriela turned her face aside, swallowing her sorrow.
Wesley’s brow tightened in irritation. He had gone so far as to change into an outfit chosen to match that scarf, and yet Gabriela refused to spare him even a second glance. Instead, she turned her back on him. Outrageous.
Brenden, never one to keep quiet, broke the silence with a teasing tone. “What’s with the fancy getup at this hour, Wesley? And a scarf, too? I’ve never seen you wear one before. Where’d you even get it p>
Wesley didn’t bother acknowledging him, keeping his gaze fixed straight ahead. Loretta had already grown weary of Brenden’s chatter and decided she’d drag him out for another round of exercise after dinner.
Before he could continue, Miriam cut in brightly, “This scarf looks perfect on you, Mr. Moss. Whoever made it clearly has some skill with their hands p>
Wesley flicked Gabriela a sidelong glance, his voice flat and unreadable. “Not bad p>
The words pierced Gabriela harder than she expected. She had spent two full days knitting the thing, and all she got in return was “not bad”? Loretta had said he liked it—so why didn’t it sound like it at all?
Miriam leaned forward, unwilling to let it go. “Wait, isn’t that the scarf Gabriela knitted? How did it end up with you p>
Wesley gave a slight nod. “She kept insisting, leaving me no choice but to accept p>