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Stephen’s eyes held a quiet intensity as he spoke, his sincerity leaving Gabriella with no room to refuse.
She had once questioned whether she was meant to build a family. Between the six–year contract, Alex’s detachment, and Lucas‘ resentment, the idea had faded to something barely worth believing in.
But now, as she met Stephen’s gaze, she felt like she could take the chance. The worst that could happen was going through it all over again.
And so, she reached out to accept the bouquet of 99 red roses, their vivid hue striking against the snowy night.
Gabriella’s lips curled into a smile. For a moment, Stephen’s breath hitched.
He hadn’t expected things to fall into place so seamlessly. Gabriella had accepted him, and now, she was his. From that night on, wherever she was, Stephen would be there too.
wwwwww
That day marked Gabriella and Stephen’s first anniversary.
She had been upset with him earlier because she had just found out he had I pulled several all-
But beneath her frustration lay concern for him.
-nighters to wrap up work. All so he could make it to Hanbridge City in time for her.
Meanwhile, Alex sat in his car, staring at the files and photos his assistant had sent over
had been when they were together.
In the pictures, Gabriella looked brighter and happier. She was completely different from how she An indescribable dull ache settled in his chest, spreading through him like poison. However, what stung most was that Stephen was now Gabriella’s boyfriend, while he was nothing to her. Alex reached into the glove compartment and pulled out the divorce certificate. For the first time, regret hit him like
a
wave
Why had he handed Gabriella a signed divorce agreement the moment they married? Why had he spent six years never once considering settling down and building a life with her? Why had he lost sight of everything the moment Melody returned to the country? And worse, why had he dragged Lucas into it?
If not for all that, he wouldn’t be scrambling for an excuse just to see her, only to realize there wasn’t one. But it didn’t matter. Gabriella had already moved on.
Gabriella, on the other hand, had no idea what was running through Alex’s mind. At that Thompson Group himself.
moment, she was seated in
priva
Vate
room at Savora, enjoying the personal service of the CEO of
Steam curled from the freshly served dishes as she dipped a piece of meat into the sauce Stephen had prepared just for her. One bite was all it took to chase away the lingering chill. Warmth spread through her, leaving her utterly content. Feeling indulgent, she picked up a piece of steak, dipped it into the sauce, and fed it to Stephen. He took a bite straight from her fork, yet his gaze never left her. Gabriella shifted uncomfortably under his unwavering stare. With a glare, she swatted him lightly and said, “Eat properly. Why are you looking at me like that?” “Because you’re beautiful,” Stephen replied.
Even after taking the hit, he didn’t look away. His grin remained as cheeky as ever.
Gabriella couldn’t help but find him insufferable. She wanted to hit him again, but after clenching her fist, she thought better of it. She refused to give him the satisfaction.
Noticing her hesitation, Stephen let out a dramatic sigh. That only made her even more glad she hadn’t followed through.
With that, the two continued their meal, chatting and laughing as time slipped by. When they were done, an hour had passed. Just as they were about to leave, the door to the private room swung open.
Gabrielia instinctively frowned. Assuming it was a waiter, she looked up, ready to question the intrusion.
However, the moment she did, her gaze met Alex’s. Standing beside him was Lucas.
it had been five years since she had last seen him. The little boy she once knew had grown up, already reaching Alex’s waist.
His features had matured, and his entire demeanor had grown more reserved. He was no longer the loud, excitable child Instead, he now carried himself with the composure of someone far beyond his years.
Even without seeking it out, Gabriella often came across news about the father and son.
Some articles painted Alex as a devoted husband. Others praised Lucas for his intelligence, saying he already showed glimpses of his father’s brilliance.
Yet, Gabriella never confirmed or denied any of it. After all, whenever those stories surfaced, there were always people who still remembered the past. Years ago, Alex and Lucas had been quick to believe one–sided stories, condemning and hurting her without hesitation.
Chapter 19
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