Rosalind stayed at home and ordered some fast food to comfort herself. The courier came after ten minutes and she gave him a tip. She knew how important the tip was for the delivery man because she was working in the restaurant where most of her income was from the tips. The fried chicken and french fries looked appetizing. They were still hot, and the staff packed some extra chilies and sauces as she asked. Then she made a simple vegetable salad with cucumber, carrot, cabbage, lettuce, and onion. She used the virgin olive oil as the dressing for the salad since the sauces from the chicken and fries already had high calories. After eating a piece of fries and a spoonful of salad, her mind suddenly showed Jeremy and Monica together. Monica’s shameless words repeated in her mind, and Rosalind stopped eating. She ran to the sink to wash her hands while her tears kept falling. Later, she ended up sitting on the floor, covering her face with both hands because she felt so miserable. Tha
There was something in Gabriel’s tone that convinced Rosalind to open the door. She didn’t want to let him in, but if she didn’t open the door, he might keep pestering her. So, she let out a heavy sigh, opened the door, and didn’t stare at Gabriel’s face, wishing he would go away soon. She sighed with sagged shoulders. “You see yourself, I’m not in a good mood.”He wrapped his arms around her waist. “That’s why I’m here, darling.” Gabriel escorted Rosalind inside and closed the door. He pulled her head to rest on his chest. “Rose, if you need anything, tell me. I’ll give it to you.”That’s when Rosalind couldn’t help herself. She sobbed and buried her face in his chest. So, he brought her to the couch and sat there while she sat on his lap, sobbing hard.He consoled her by murmuring some comforting words. “There, there. You will be okay, darling. I promise you. I’ll take care of you.”Rosalind sobbed harder, as it was the first time someone told her that. She always felt lonely, even
Gabriel didn’t show any expression after Rosalind’s refusal. His face was just the same as before. “That’s why you need the contract,” he said in the same calm tone as he had. “It will protect you. I’ll ask my lawyer to add a clause to assure you I’ll never take away our children from you.”She said nothing for a while. It was truly a too good to be true offer, but she didn’t think it was what she wanted. Yet, she was curious to know why he offered her. So, she asked, “Then tell me, why did you want me?”“Ah, yes, I haven’t told you about it.” He stopped for a while, then smiled. “You reminded me of myself.”Rosalind gaped, as it was something she didn’t expect. “How?”“You are hardworking and loyal like me. I wasn’t born with all the wealth, darling.” His stare was elsewhere as he pondered about the past. “Sometimes I had to eat the remaining food. After my father’s death, life was worse, and it pushed me to find a better life.”“I see.” Who would have thought Gabriel, the zillionair
Rosalind shook her head and scooted along the couch to create a distance from Gabriel. “I can’t make an important decision as quickly as that. Give me at least a week.”Gabriel didn’t close the distance between them. He only stared at Rosalind for a while. “Fine, a week, but not more.”“Thank you.” As he stayed on the couch and didn’t show any intention of leaving soon, she finally stood. “Do you want orange juice? Maybe milk? Wine, perhaps? Though it’s still too early for that.”“Do you have coffee?”She nodded. “Sure. How do you want your coffee?”“Black and thick.”Rosalind lifted her eyebrow. “Straightforward and no-nonsense, huh?”As he leaning his back on the couch, Gabriel grinned. “Yes, it’s me. See how you learn to know me just from my coffee? I’m sure we’ll get along great together.”She laughed a little and shook her head. Gabriel and his determination were unbelievable. He might be the one who could sell the sand to people in the desert. “Gabriel, I know why you can be so
Rosalind then grasped Gabriel’s hands. Without taking more time to consider it, she said, “I agree.”“Agree?” He raised his eyebrow. “About what?”She took a deep breath. Her voice was low, as she was desperate. “I want to be your lover, but in a condition.”“Okay, name it.”“Please give me a million.” Her eyes gazed at him with a pleading look. “I must transfer the money right away. Please, Gabe!” She sobbed again. “I have never known my parents. When I was five or six, I went to an orphanage, but they separated me from Richard. I even didn’t remember him until now ….”Gabriel said nothing, as he knew Rosalind was panicked. He wanted to give her time to explain it and supported her.Shaking her head, Rosalind wiped her tears. “I often have nightmares. In my dreams, I heard someone call me ‘Rosa, Rosa,’ but I couldn’t remember who called me. After reading the note, seeing the picture in the locket, and the video, I was sure it’s Richard.”She gulped and wiped her tears. “I might be to
“Rose, let’s go to my apartment.” He kissed her forehead. “I want you to stay with me. Besides, my lawyer may send the contract in a few hours.”Rosalind stared at Gabriel for a few seconds, but then she nodded. With a million dollars, she already sold her freedom. She couldn’t refuse what Gabriel asked. “I need to pack my clothes first.”“Just bring a few. I’ll ask Kathy, my personal assistant, and some maids to help you pack the rest of your belongings.” He whispered, “I can’t wait to make you mine.”Blushing, Rosalind went to her bedroom and packed some casual clothes, sleeping dresses, underwear, and a few makeup and skincare in her luggage. She also packed Richard’s necklace inside her luggage, as it was a precious thing for her and his brother. When she pulled the travel bag, Gabriel took it over and wrapped an arm around her waist. “You are quick. I love it.” He placed Rosalind’s belongings on the car baggage and then drove to his apartment at the WLS (West Luxury Side) Apart
Kathy arrived at the WLS after two hours. She brought a lovely rose bouquet and a small shopping bag. A staff greeted Kathy, opened the door lift for her, and escorted her to the level 45, where Gabriel’s apartment was. When they arrived at the destination, the staff smiled and nodded. “Enjoy your afternoon, miss.”“Thank you.” Kathy stepped out of the lift and walked to Gabriel’s apartment. After ringing the bell, she waited. Her curiosity was high because she had already been working for Gabriel for five years, but it was the first time Gabriel gave her a job to buy presents for a special woman. Gabriel opened the door and grinned. “You’re on time. Please put the bouquet on the table.”“Yes, boss. I got the jewelry set too.”“Great! I’ll give more instructions tomorrow.”“Yes, sir!” Then, Kathy looked around but saw no one. She cleared her throat. “Uh, boss?”“Yes?”“Where is your woman?”Gabriel chuckled and shook his head. “She is resting. You must wait later to see her.”“Ah, t
Rosalind’s eyes were still closed when Gabriel kissed her lips. His kiss didn’t wake her. He smiled a little and kissed her neck too. She sighed and shifted a little, but didn’t open her eyes yet.Then he rubbed her cheek with his thumb. “Wake up, Sleeping Princess. The lawyer will come soon.”Rosalind’s eyes blinked a few times before she opened them reluctantly. She yawned, gazed at Gabriel, and then gasped when his words sank in her mind. As Rosalind sat on the bed later, she touched her face and tidied her hair.“What time is it? When will your lawyer come?” she asked, while combing her hair with her fingers. “It’s 3.24 p.m. My lawyer will send his assistant to bring our contracts in a half hour, but they can arrive sooner than that.”She yelped, then jumped and ran to the bathroom. Rosalind could hear Gabriel’s laughter to see how she rushed to the bathroom. “We will sign the contract in the living room,” he shouted. “I’ll wait for you there.” Then he left her room.After takin
Gabriel nodded at his mother. But then he bent his head, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. He wiped his eyes quickly, but Anna could see a drop of tear fall from her son’s eyes. Later, Gabriel straightened his back and smiled as if he didn’t shed his tears for the woman he loved. Doctor Gianni then walked out of the VVIP room. He smiled to see the Da Costa family. First, he shook hands with Leonardo, Anna, Bianca, then he smiled at the youngsters. “Gabriel, you can go inside to see Rosalind and the baby,” the doctor said. “Both are healthy. Congratulations to your new son!”Gabriel shook hands with Doctor Gianni. “Thank you so much, Doctor. I don’t know what I have to say.”The doctor patted Gabriel’s shoulder. “Go inside. Rosalind is waiting for you.”When Gabriel entered the room, the nurse was still wiping and cleaning their baby. So, he approached Rosalind first and kissed her sweaty forehead. “Thank you, baby. You have fought so hard. I can’t imagine what you had been th
Gabriel called his mother right away while waiting for Rosalind to deliver their baby. “Mom, please come to Good Health Hospital. Rosalind’s water has been broken!”Anna was excited but also worried because it was a week faster than the doctor’s prediction. When she delivered Gabriel and Bianca, those two times were even past the due dates. Bianca delivered Jeremy and Isabella passed the due dates too, but with Antonio, the delivery was faster by only two days.Gabriel’s mother frowned as she recalled her memory about hers and Bianca’s giving birth.“Okay, I’ll come to the hospital right away. I’ll call your grandpa and Bianca too.”“Yes, Mom. I’m nervous now. Rosalind asked me to wait outside while I wanted to accompany her.”
Rosalind kept smiling to see how happy their little family was. They had been through a lot, and now they were together in peaceful harmony and happiness. What a priceless gift! She wouldn’t trade her family for anything.“What are you thinking of, baby?” Gabriel said.“Nothing, just how happy I’m to see us together.”He squeezed her hand and nodded. “Let’s have breakfast first.”“Let’s eat!” She nodded and smiled.After eating, they went to the university with Luca as their driver. They walked to the entrance to see many students who would attend the graduation day had already gathered there.
Time went by so swiftly. It was the time for Rosalind’s graduation. To her surprise, she would have a graduation day along with all students who attended the study in the university. So, she was excited to attend the graduation event.Gabriel hired the makeup artist and hairdresser to help Rosalind on her big day. At dawn, they were already busy putting makeup on her. When the makeup artist had finished with her job, it was time for the hairdresser to arrange Rosalind’s hair in an elegant bun.“Mom, you are so pretty!” Jane said. She jumped around as she was excited to see her mother in makeup.“Oh, thank you, sweety.” Then Rosalind glanced at the makeup artist. “Can you help to put on some powder and lip gloss for my daughter?”
Gabriel kissed Rosalind’s forehead and turned her body so he could spoon her. “Baby, you won’t need to worry about,” he stopped for a while, “Richard anymore.” He decided not to tell Rosalind the truth.“What happened?”“Well, I sent him to a rehabilitation center. Then he would go to jail.”Rosalind was quiet. She blew her breath and shook her head. “Richard only brought us troubles …. I’m sorry ….”“It’s not your fault.”“But he’s my brother.” She let out a long sigh.Gabriel had no choice because without telling Rosalind the truth, his wife would keep
After some reassurances from the doctor, Gabriel brought Rosalind back to the car. He nodded and smiled at the couple whose he cut the queue. “Thank you so much for letting us go first. I truly appreciate it!”“Don’t mention it. Is your wife okay? The baby?” The pregnant woman asked.“Yes, My wife and our baby are okay. She only needs a complete rest.”The woman smiled and nodded. “Thank God! We are happy for you.”Gabriel nodded and smiled at the kind woman. “Thank you so much!”Since the doctor’s assistant then called the woman’s name, she waved her hand at Gabriel and entered the examination room with her husband.
Gabriel shook his head again. “No, you just try to get away from the consequences of what you have done, not because you are truly repentant. It’s the punishment that scares you, not the hideous effect of what you have done to Rosalind and Jane. You are a hopeless case! The jail will help you to realize what you have done.”“You will send me to jail?!” Gregory’s voice pitched higher.“Yes.”“Then, go ahead!” Gregory spat to the ground. “I’m not scared!”Gabriel smirked and looked into Gregory’s eyes. “We’ll see. Once you are inside, you’ll shout to ask them to let you die.” Then, he straightened his back. “I’m the man of my word. Since I alr
Warning: this chapter contained violence and heavy cursing. Reader discretion is advised.Again, Pietro followed what Gabriel commanded and poured the water into Richard’s head and body. The man was conscious after a while.“If you don’t want to die, there’s no better time than now to confess,” Gabriel said. “Your name!” he shouted.“I-I’m … Ric—”A punch struck Richard’s cheek. “Again, one lie will get a punch. Keep lying to me and don’t blame me if you will die with no teeth and blood left.”“I’m truly Richard—”Gabriel hit Richard again. “Go on! I
Warning: this chapter contained violence and heavy cursing. Reader discretion is advised.Pietro stared at Gabriel who stood and stared at Richard with a menacing look. As he had been working with Gabriel for twenty years, he knew his boss would do harsh things to Richard. Yet, what Richard did was too much. So he could understand Gabriel’s mood. So Pietro cleared his throat. “Boss, what will you do?”Gabriel only grinned to hear that and removed his tie and opened his button shirt one by one. He even took his time to fold the shirt and tie neatly, then put them on a table. Later, he took his phone from his trouser pocket, pressed some buttons, and put the phone on the table next to his shirt and tie. Pietro gulped again. It reminded him when Gabriel was in his late twenties or early thirties. It was the time when he dealt with someone who betrayed him. “Boss, remember Mrs. Rosalind and little Jane? You don’t want to—”But Gabriel stopped Pietro’s words. “Remove his shirt.”It was a