Chapter 665
Chapter 665:
For a while, they ate in companionable silence. Gabriela studied the firm lines of his face before blurting, “Wesley, what if you tried treatment p>
His hand stilled on the fork. After a moment, he answered slowly, “Even if I submitted myself to treatment, it would only drag things out a little longer p>
He was determined to meet the end with dignity.
“I made a vow to myself five years ago in that hospital bed: I would never just lie there again, wasting away, utterly powerless against death p>
Even with talk of life and death hanging between them, his expression stayed unnervingly serene, as though the one nearing the end wasn’t him at all.
“I see.” Gabriela knew she couldn’t change his mind. Swallowing her grief, she kept eating, though her tears slipped soundlessly into the plate.
Once they finished, Wesley gently took her hands and began trimming her nails.
The intimacy of the act warmed her, yet his explanation came with a sly smile. “Your nails are too sharp. The scratches from the other night are still visible, and I can’t exactly walk around showing those off p>
Gabriela’s cheeks flushed crimson.
For someone usually so distant, how could he so effortlessly turn into such a tease?
𝘋i𝘀c𝗈𝘷𝗲𝘳 𝘩id𝖽e𝗇 g𝖾𝗆𝘴 𝘰𝗻
Wesley curved his lips in a quiet smile as he carefully trimmed her nails. He liked to tease her, as if to remind her he wasn’t a man waiting for death, but someone who could still make her laugh. He wanted her memories of him to hold more than grief and shadows.
When he finished, he laced his fingers with hers and tugged her toward the upstairs theater.
The second floor held a cozy private screening room with a wide screen and rich, mellow lighting.
They didn’t need popcorn or conversation. Just sinking into the couch together, pressed side by side, was enough to make them content.
By the time the credits rolled, dusk had fallen, and the rain outside had given way to a clear night.
Wesley rose, offering his hand with an easy suggestion. “Come on. Let’s take a walk p>
The fresh, rain-washed air carried them out to the lively university district. Neon lights glowed against damp pavement, and the snack street buzzed with chatter and clattering pans.
Gabriela hesitated. She hadn’t wanted to bring him here. The stalls overflowed with fiery spices and rich oils, flavors far too heavy for his condition.
Wesley said with quiet earnestness, “I just want to see the place you used to visit all the time back in college p>
With no real way to refuse, Gabriela reluctantly guided him inside.
Hand in hand, they wandered the streets like any ordinary couple, sharing bites and strolling between stalls. Since Wesley’s weak heart kept him from eating too much, Gabriela ended up finishing most of the dishes.
While they were placing an order for skewers, a hesitant voice broke through the chatter of the crowd. “Miss p>
Turning, Gabriela found herself facing a clean-cut young man, probably a student from one of the nearby universities. She narrowed her eyes, struggling to remember who he was.