Chapter eight

Gabriel POV

“Just let me handle him,” I said to Henry after he'd punched the man who had snatched the bag.

"You should learn not to touch things that belong to me!" Henry smirked, snatching the bag back and walking away.

"You!!," I said to the man sitting on the floor, "Get out of here!"

Then I hurried after Henry.

Since Camelia came around , I've been seeing sides of him I'd never noticed before. “Were they always there, and I just ignored them? Or is he only now developing these traits?”

For 15 years, I'd stood by Henry's side, witnessing firsthand the scars of his loveless childhood. He had learned to rely solely on himself, to shield his heart from the world. But in doing so, he built walls that kept everyone at arm's length including me. “I'm still confused about what changed.”

“Don't you think you're doing too much?” I asked as I hurried behind him.

“Doing too much, you say?” Henry shot back. “A stranger just snatched my wife's bag!, and you think I'm doing too much?”

“Your contract wife, you mean?” He scowled at me when I said that.

"Yes! Which makes her my wife — for now!" he snapped.

“Wait... Henry, do you have feelings for her?”. “What sort of absurd question is that?” he scoffed. “Of course not! I'm just performing the duties of a husband.”

“If you say so,” I muttered with a shrug.

And how long are you going to keep it from your mom?" I asked, my voice low but firm.

Gabriel sighed. “She already knows. Lydia saw her the other day at home.”

I exhaled sharply. “Great.” Don't worry about that, I'll handle Mrs. Raymond, he concluded. “But you really should tell Camelia about Lydia.”

“I told you before, I'll do that soon. His tone was clipped and defensive.”

“Henry–”

“Can you stop?” he cut in, raising an eyebrow. As we neared where Camelia was waiting, I watched the way Gabriel adjusted his collar and squared his shoulders, His lips curled up into a charming smile. Deep down, “I couldn’t help but wonder if he was just pretending to be the perfect husband?”

*****

It had been a long and busy day—from shopping to unexpectedly catching a petty thief. By the time we were on our way home, exhaustion weighed heavily on all of us.

Glancing into the rearview mirror, I noticed Henry dozing off. His head shifted slowly, tilting toward where Camelia was sitting. I cleared my throat, hoping the sound would prompt him to adjust or at least sit up properly. But to my surprise, his next move left me even more perplexed.

“Mind if I just stay like this?” Henry mumbled, his voice half-drowsy yet deliberate.

To my astonishment, Camelia simply smiled and said, “It's fine”.

I stole a few more glances through the mirror and caught a faint blush across her face. Her eyes flickered down, almost shyly, while Henry remained comfortably settled in place.

I kept my focus on the road, driving quietly until we reached home.

“We're home,” I said clearly, making sure my voice carried enough weight for Henry to hear me. He stirred but didn't seem particularly surprised, as if he'd been aware all along.

I couldn't help but wonder if he had ever truly been asleep or if he'd just found a clever excuse to stay close to Camelia.

****

I had the maids help us with the bags. “We can handle it,” I told Henry. “You should go inside and get some rest.”

“Yes, you should. We'll join you soon,” Camelia added with a warm smile.

I couldn't help but stare at her — there was something about her presence that doesn't sit well with me. “Okay then,” Henry replied to Camelia, leaving me without a word and he walked inside.

Camelia grabbed a bag while I held another. Just as she turned to head inside, I called out, “Miss Camelia.”

She paused, glancing back.

“I'm sure you know all this... this kindness and attention — it's just an act. Don't let it get into your head.”

Her brow furrowed. “I don't understand what you mean by that, Gabriel.”

“Well, you will soon enough.” I shifted the bag in my hand. “I'm just telling you to know your place!.

Mr. Henry might be kind, but he doesn’t like people invading his private space — and I think you’re already crossing that line.” My voice hardened. “It'll save you a lot of trouble if you stay calm and quiet. Because I don’t know what Miss Lydia would do once she finds out you’re getting too comfortable.”

“Troubling his peace?” She asked, her voice wavering slightly.

“I have nothing more to say to you, Miss Camelia.” I shoved her shopping bag toward her. “Here you go, since you wanted so many clothes!.” Without another word, I turned and walked away, leaving her standing there alone.

*****

Henry POV

“Breakfast is ready,” Camelia said as I rushed downstairs, pausing briefly to adjust my tie. The scent of warm bread and something savory filled the air. “Did you make this?” I asked, staring at the dining table.

“Yes, I did,” she replied with a smile. “It's my way of saying thank you—for the clothes, finding my purse, and... well, everything else.’

“You didn't have to,” I said, touched by her thoughtfulness. “I was only doing what I needed to.”

“Still... thank you.” Her smile widened.

“Thank you,” I whispered back as I sat down. The aroma alone promised a wonderful meal, and it delivered. Every bite was delicious, but the salmon stood out the most—perfectly seasoned and cooked just right.

“This is amazing,” I said between mouthfuls. “I've always had the maids prepare my dishes, so this is... different. Better, actually.” I paused, then added thoughtfully, “I might just have to ask you to cook more often.”

Camelia chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling.

When I finished, I stood up and grabbed my briefcase. “I'll be off now,” I said. “You can come by the office later if you'd like. Feel free to use any of the available drivers. Don't worry you're in safe hands.” I hesitated, then added with a smile, "I should also introduce you to them.”

“Alright.” she replied warmly.

As I stepped outside the door, I couldn't help but think that breakfast had never felt quite this comforting before.

*****

In less than 30 minutes, I was in the office. “Gabriel, what's today's schedule?” I asked as I walked in.

“We have a meeting regarding the launch of the new fitness supplement,” he replied.

“Has it passed the testing process yet?”

“Yes,”Gabriel confirmed.

“After how many trials?”

“Three, sir.”

“And you're sure it's ready for launch?”

“Yes, sir. That's what the report says.”

I frowned. “I don't want what the report says. I want something that is certain and effective!. Tell the team to review it again, and have the team leader come see me.”

"Yes, sir," Gabriel responded, hurrying off to deliver the new instructions. I entered inside my office, settling into a chair.

Where's Henry!!? A voice boomed from a distance.

I could tell even in my dream who that voice belonged to—Mrs. Raymond. “What is she doing here at this time?” I smirked.

The receptionist walked in. “Sir, your m…”

“It's fine, you can go back,” I cut her short. Only for Mrs. Raymond to walk in with Lydia.

“Can someone explain what is happening?” I demanded.

“Why have you not been taking my calls? And you are not replying to my messages either!” Mrs. Raymond fired back.

“I've been busy,” I grumbled.

“Have you and Lydia met since she got back? And what is this I'm hearing about a lady in your house?”

“Camelia!,” I quickly thought. I reached for my phone to message her not to come anymore and realized I didn't have her number. Fuck!

“Am I not talking to you, Henry? Or has it become a habit for you to ignore me?” Mrs. Raymond's voice cut through my thoughts.

“I'm here with you,” I muttered.

“Oh hell, you're not!” she clapped back.

I wasn’t ready for this drama. These ladies were stirring up this morning.Just then, the door creaked open.

“Someone is here to see you,” the receptionist announced. And Camelia walked in from behind her.