Chapter 377
Chapter 377:
Loretta settled nearby. She’d witnessed the abrupt end to his call. “I suggested you return to the manor, but you refused. You claimed Gabriela would come cook for you. Now she won’t even spare time for conversation p>
Wesley maintained his composed mask despite the hollow ache spreading through his chest. “I can manage alone, Grandma p>
The manor stood empty and cold, stripped of all warmth. Gabriela had lived there briefly once, filling the place with laughter and life. After her departure, he’d never adjusted to the vast emptiness she’d left behind.
Human nature was cruel that way. Once they’d tasted happiness, its absence became unbearable torment.
“You haven’t been caring for yourself properly. Look at you — you’re nothing like the vibrant man you used to be,” Loretta observed, her voice thick with concern. “Since you have time today, let me accompany you to the hospital. We need to have you examined p>
Wesley released a weary breath. “I understand my own body better than anyone else could. There’s nothing wrong with me p>
“Those were your exact words five years ago.” The memory sent a visible shiver through Loretta. “If something happens to you again, I’ll be heartbroken, you know p>
Wesley pressed his fingertips against his temples as pain began building behind his eyes. “All I want is to rest quietly at home today, Grandma. I’ll arrange for a physician to visit instead p>
He placed the call immediately, scheduling the appointment while Loretta watched.
Only then did her rigid posture soften with acceptance.
𝘔о𝗋𝖾 𝗇𝗈𝘃𝖾𝘭𝘀 оո 𝘨𝖺𝗅ո𝗼𝘷e𝗹𝗌.с𝘰𝗆
Afterward, Loretta prepared several simple dishes and remained until Wesley had finished eating every bite. Then she finally departed.
Wesley retrieved a book and settled into his chair, attempting to lose himself in the pages.
He’d always been able to calm his restless mind through reading before, but forty minutes passed without absorbing a single sentence. The words blurred together, becoming meaningless scribbles on the page.
He had no idea what was truly troubling Gabriela.
Exhausted by this endless game of avoidance, he shot to his feet and headed directly for her villa.
Wesley had visited Rosemont Gardens frequently enough that security recognized his face instantly. They waved him through without requiring registration.
At her door, he pressed the bell with determined fingers.
The maid knew him well and ushered him inside without hesitation.
Gabriela sat curled on the living room sofa, cradling Truett while shaking a colorful rattle above his face.
Truett’s enormous eyes tracked the sound with fascination, releasing delighted giggles that filled the room with warmth.
Wesley froze in the doorway, transfixed by the tender scene before him.
Farley emerged from the kitchen carrying a prepared bottle and startled at the sight of Wesley lingering by the entrance. “Mr. Moss? What brings you here p>
Farley’s words hit Gabriela like ice water. Her entire body went rigid, terror preventing her from turning around.
Her mind raced desperately for an excuse — any reason that would allow her to slip upstairs with Truett and disappear without raising questions.
But Wesley was already crossing the room toward her with purposeful strides.
Truett, confused by the sudden absence of his rattle’s music, swiveled his bright eyes around the room until they landed on Wesley. His expression transformed with wonder, as if he’d discovered something miraculous. The baby burst into delighted laughter, stretching his tiny arms outward in an unmistakable plea to be held.
Gabriela’s heart hammered against her ribs with such violence she feared it might burst.
Anyone with eyes could see that Truett’s features mirrored Wesley’s almost perfectly. The resemblance was unmistakable.
Would Wesley notice the similarities?
Gabriela felt completely unprepared to face Brenden’s questioning, and the absolute last thing she wanted was for the Mosses to discover this child’s existence.
Wesley’s gaze locked onto Gabriela with laser intensity, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “Who does this child belong to p>