“Not a chance!” Gabriel shook his head. “She ended her relationship with him just now.”“Oh!” Pietro said. “I wonder … Uh ….” He scratched his head because he was unsure to ask Gabriel.“Man, you can ask anything. You have followed me for twenty years. I don’t think of you as an outsider.”“Gee, thanks, boss.” Pietro grinned to hear it. After working with Gabriel for twenty years, he felt his boss wasn’t only a superior, but more like a family and a friend. Yet, he didn’t want to cross the line with Gabriel’s personal matter. After scratching his head again, he finally asked, “Will she be your new woman?”“Yes.”“Oh! It’s about time.”“Why did you say that?”Pietro shrugged and tilted his head. “Well, boss, you have been without a woman for too long. When I heard you brought a woman to your apartment last night, I thought it was just a fling.”“From who did you hear about it? Luca?” Gabriel asked. He clicked his tongue. “Pietro, you must know me better than that. I wouldn’t bring a fli
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