"Hi, Dad. It's Grandpa's death anniversary, so I came to see him. That's not all, though. I also wanted to tell you that I'm gonna divorce him soon. I'm sure you'll be surprised to hear this."It wasn't too long ago that I was telling you about how well he treated me, right? It's only been a few months since then, but we're about to part ways soon. Will you find this ridiculous?"I think it is, too. From the day he brought up the divorce till now, I've been quite lost. How did we end up here …" Gabriella trailed off.After a while, she continued, "If someone had told me back then that Henry and I would be getting divorced just a handful of months later, I never would've believed them. How could I possibly agree to a divorce when I loved him so?"Yet that's exactly what happened. It's a long story, but I don't really know where to start. I'm pregnant, Dad. You're about to have a grandkid. If you can hear me from the afterlife, I hope you'll bless my baby and make sure they come to t
Gabriella recounted the accident with as much detail as she could remember. It was pretty much the same as what the police had seen from the surveillance cameras.The policeman recorded her statement. "You're guessing that the black and white cars did this on purpose, right? Are you sure you don't know the driver in the black car?""I'm positive," Gabriella said."Then, did you see the face of the driver in the white car?""No. He was too far behind me. I saw him a couple of times from the rearview mirror when I was switching lanes, but he was too far for me to get a clear glimpse at his face.""Got it." The policewoman took a comforting tone as she said, "Don't worry. We're already thinking of ways to determine the suspects' identities so we can arrest them. It shouldn't take too long."There were surveillance cameras everywhere nowadays. They wouldn't be able to hide."Thank you," Gabriella said."You can call your family now. We didn't find your handphone at the scene of the
To Gabriella's surprise, Henry asked, "What do you wanna have?""What can you cook?" she asked in return."Anything.""I'll have a bacon-and-egg stir fry, then. Throw some vegetables in, too," Gabriella said."Alright, then. I'll go buy the ingredients." Henry put his phone on the table. "I'll leave my phone here. Maria will call when she arrives, so you can tell her the room number.""Okay." Gabriella nodded while looking at him, but her eyes were dazed. She didn't expect Henry to agree. Did this mean she held a tiny spot in his heart?As soon as this thought formed in Gabriella's mind, she shoved it out. She had to stop thinking so highly of herself. Henry didn't like her at all. They still had to get the divorce over and done with tomorrow.She was afraid she wouldn't ever muster the courage to bring it up again if they were to miss this round.The phone rang. Gabriella picked it up but could only see a blurry screen. She answered the call to hear a woman's voice ring out on
Early Monday morning, Gabriella washed up and got ready. She changed out of the hospital gown and waited patiently for Henry after having her breakfast. She ended up waiting the whole morning.Henry only arrived at the hospital in the afternoon. "Sorry, I got caught up with something in the morning."Gabriella shook her head with a smile and stood up to leave. "That's fine. It's not too late yet."Henry felt uncomfortable when he saw how she couldn't wait to go. "Are you that happy about our divorce?"Gabriella felt bitter on the inside, but she kept her smile in place. "Yeah, I am. I'm finally gonna be free."Free. The fact that she'd used that word was probably enough to show how disappointed she was in this marriage.Henry's expression darkened. He said, "Congratulations.""Let's go." Gabriella looked at him.He grunted and opened the door to reveal two police officers standing outside. They'd just been about to knock on the door. The policewoman was taken aback to see him.
There was a long silence in the car."Gabby, I'm the one who got you into this accident. I apologize." Henry looked at Gabriella's quiet face with a darkened gaze."You've already apologized. No one would have expected those crazy fans to not let the past go. I don't blame you for this." Gabriella looked calm.Henry gaped at her, but he did not know what to say.It was true. She still did not know about the incident the day before. She thought it was due to the makeup incident.At that moment, she could not see clearly what was written on her phone or computer. He no longer needed to worry that she would see the comments and insults aimed at her on the internet. Yet, he wasn't happy at all."I'm sorry," he said once more."It's fine. This is behind us."The car was once more in silence. After some time, Gabriella asked, "What time is it?""2:10 pm.""How long has it been? Why isn't Maria here yet?""Maybe it's hard to get a taxi or something happened on the way. Let's wait a
The skies were dark. Aster looked at Henry and said, "Ry, it's pointless for you to wait here. Gabby's head is still injured. Why don't you take her home? When your grandfather comes out of the operation theater, I'll get Oliver to call you.""No," Gabby refused vehemently. She held Aster's arm. "Grandma, I'm not going back. I'm staying here to wait with you all."Whether Albert was fine or not, she had to be the first one to see him."Grandma, we'll stay and wait together," Henry said.Seeing how insistent they were, Aster said nothing more. Another two hours later, the lights in the operation theater were finally switched off. Henry, Gabriella, Oliver, and Aster all stood up at the same time and waited for the doctor by the doors.The doors opened."Mr. Howser, how is my grandfather?" Henry asked immediately. His voice was hoarse. It also trembled a little.Gabriella looked at Ivan intently with reddened eyes. She silently prayed for good news.Ivan took off his mask. "The
"Gabby, what happened to your head? How did you get hurt? Is it serious?" Albert asked in a raspy and feeble voice, looking at the dressing on Gabriella's head. Albert was already so sick, yet he was still concerned about her small injury. Gabriella's nose burned. Tears instantly fell."What is it? Does it hurt a lot?" Albert asked worriedly, seeing her feeling aggrieved.Gabriella shook her head. "Grandpa, don't worry. I just accidentally bumped my head. It's nothing. It doesn't hurt.""You have to look after your body. Don't be like me. My body is failing me. I don't have much time left to live," Albert said weakly."No, Grandpa. Don't say that. You will surely get better. You'll live a long life." Tears welled up in Gabriella's eyes."Why are you crying like a child?" Albert raised his hand and wiped away the tears on Gabriella's face."As long as you're well and healthy, I won't cry," Gabriella said hoarsely, choking up."Gabby, I'm old. Everyone will die someday. I'm read
An hour after they had their breakfast, Gabriella thought that Albert must have woken up already. She headed to see him once more with Henry.At that moment, there were two others in his ward. They were both Henry's relatives. There was also a pile of gifts by the corner. Clearly, other people have visited."Ah, Ry and Gabby are here.""Hello, Aunt Meredith and Aunt Agnes," Gabriella and Henry greeted them.It seemed that Albert was not up yet."Let's sit next to Grandma," Henry said to Gabriella. There was a coffee table and two stools in the middle. Henry was worried Gabriella could not see clearly, so he deliberately helped her over to the couch where Aster was."What a great couple," Meredith said delightfully. She had seen the news of Henry and Hannah, but she thought nothing of it. All men were the same. No matter how much they fool around outside, they would still return home to their wives."I know. Ry and Gabby are the most perfect couple I've ever seen," Agnes said a
Carmila, dressed in a gorgeous wedding gown, entered with Zain.After exchanging rings, Shawn and Carmila headed toward their parents in the front row.Layla's seat was on the opposite side, and the gorgeous flowers on stage hid her view, so she could only hear what was happening.The newlyweds appeared on stage with the four elders for a group shot.She narrowed her eyes and noticed that Shawn's mother resembled her landlord.Chris also had the same realization and whispered to her, "Layla, do you think that person looks like our landlord?""They do look quite similar."The ceremony was over. The newlyweds left, and the waiters began serving dishes.Carmila was pregnant and didn't need to toast. Only Shawn came forward to drink with the Sanderson elders.After toasting, he placed the wine glass on the tray, followed the elders' instructions, and turned to the next table.When he noticed a familiar figure at the table, he stopped and narrowed his eyes. He looked at Layla, the
Shawn and Carmila's wedding was rescheduled once Henry had been safely released from the detention center.However, Carmila's pregnancy was already showing, so the wedding was kept simple.Firstly, everyone thought she would appear unsightly if she married while being visibly pregnant. The second reason was that they feared the complex wedding would exhaust her and the child in her womb.Carmila was displeased, but she had no say in the matter. Furthermore, insisting on a bigger ceremony would make it appear that she didn't care about the child.The wedding car left Florin around 5:00 am and picked her up at 8:00 am.Shawn was in a suit, and Carmila was in a wedding gown. They stood together and carried out the ceremony amidst their elders' blessings.Then, he helped her into the bridal chamber.Meanwhile, Gabriella, along with Megan and several close relatives, entertained the guests who were seeing off the bride.Everyone left for the hotel around 10:00 a.m.Although the wed
Naturally, Elaine wouldn't tell the truth. "I've told you about Moabia before. They're the ones who took the watch. "I ran into Fay's friend at the mall two days ago. She recognized and mocked me! I was outraged and tried to scare them today. But they smashed my car, pinned me to the ground, and beat me!"Unexpectedly, Sam scowled. "Nothing would happen if you didn't scare them."As soon as he heard about Moabia, he knew that Gabriella's friend, whom Elaine mentioned, was Colene.Although he hadn't returned to Chatan at that time, he had been following Colene's Twitter account and checking it frequently. He knew she had accompanied Gabriella to Moabia.She wouldn't let herself suffer, and she wouldn't mock others without reason. There must be a reason for everything.Furthermore, Elaine's words lacked credibility.Everyone would choose to portray themselves favorably, including her. Just like when she broke a person's leg and said it was just a minor injury. Elaine couldn't b
Alicia looked over and saw Colene drag Elaine by the hair and push her to the ground. Colene even tied her hands with a rope as she struggled.Gabriella straddled Elaine, grabbed her chin, and slapped her twice.It was a rare opportunity to teach Elaine a lesson. She naturally wanted to settle the scores!Alicia was speechless. Sam's plane was about to land. She didn't want to face him with a bruised and swollen face."Ah! Just wait and see! I'll kill you bitches! Let go of me! My uncle will shoot you both! Ah! Fay, you bitch!"Elaine was crying and howling on the ground, her voice shrill. It was the first time in her life that she had suffered such humiliation! She swore to take revenge on them!She would make sure Blake had them jailed and executed!Elaine's cries attracted several passersby.Seeing that the destroyed car was a Maserati, they realized they couldn't intervene. So, they just watched from the side. No one dared to step forward.Someone was filming Gabriella, bu
They were her nemesis!Elaine fixed her gaze on Gabriella and Colene, filled with rage. "I must teach them a lesson!"Alicia, trying to discourage her, said, "Elaine, I don't think it's a good idea. We're in Chatan…""My uncle's here. What are you afraid of?" Elaine replied unconcernedly, "Follow me."Gabriella and Colene stepped into a clothing store while talking. The clothing in the store was stylish. Gabriella chose a one-shoulder dress and entered the changing room.Colene was outside and exclaimed with astonishment, "Damn! So the woman standing with Henry outside the women's restroom door that day was Elaine?"Gabriella frequently videocalled her while in Draken, telling her about her situation there.She then realized that Gabriella had met the self-righteous foolish Elaine, the young lady of the Draken's wealthy family, on the plane again."It's her," Gabriella responded as she changed clothes."She came to Florin?""Do you remember that we met a big shot at the pol
Then she turned slightly to see that Felise was still fast asleep. However, they were so close that they might wake her up.Gabriella didn't want Felise to catch them in the act.Henry didn't answer. He blew hot air onto Gabriella's neck, and goosebumps prickled her skin. He caught her earlobe and sucked it hard.A jolt of electricity seemed to shoot through her, and she shuddered. She curled her toes and shrank back.Suddenly, Gabriella became fully awake, and she tightened around Henry's hand. "What… what are you doing?"Henry's mouth was next to her ear, and his breath was hot on her earlobes. "I'm helping you relax.""No…""When you're relaxed, I'll sleep."Gabriella remained silent. Then, she bit her lip. "No, Henry… don't… uh, Lise is beside me… don't…"A light seemed to flash across her brain, and she stiffened suddenly, and her eyes went out of focus as she stared at the ceiling. Her breathing turned heavy.Henry kissed her cheek and got some wet towels to wipe her do
Felise hadn't seen Gabriella in two months, and she missed her dearly.After school, Felise got in line with the other children to leave the kindergarten. She looked around and heard her seatmate say, "Lise, your parents have come together to get you!"Felise followed the gaze of her seatmate, and she saw a man and a woman standing side by side, their eyes searching through the crowd of kindergarteners. The man wore a black shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing his lean forearms. He wore black pants and a leather belt, which showed off his long legs. He looked like a model.The woman wore a fitting white lace blouse, and there was a white-gold necklace around her creamy neck. Her arms were fair and slender, like snow, and she wore a short khaki-colored miniskirt. Her legs were slim and fair, and her skin was flawless. They were a very good-looking couple, and they attracted the attention of many of the parents. Even the children couldn't help looking over at
It was already noon. Henry told the driver to make a detour to a restaurant. The waiter led them to a private room on the second floor and politely handed them a menu.Henry had come here a few times before. Perhaps it was because he didn't like lamb, but he only just noticed that there were several signature lamb dishes on the menu. Gabriella looked through the menu and ordered a few at random.Henry heard her orders and told the waiter, "Add a braised lamb and lamb rack.""You have great taste, sir. These are our signature dishes." The waiter smiled and noted it down."Will it be too much?""It's okay. We can bring it back if we can't finish it." Henry gave the menu to the waiter. "That's all."While they waited for the food to be served, the two of them chatted casually.Henry told her in detail about all the affiliated companies under Toussaint Holdings and the new products the studios were about to launch. He asked Gabriella which of these she was interested in. As lo
Then Layla heard something that made her lose all hope."Layla, come to my office."She opened her mouth, then deflated and said, "Okay."The intern looked curiously at Shawn's retreating figure and said, "Why does Mr. Shawn want to see you?""I don't know. Whatever it is, I'll find out when I go. I'm leaving." Layla carried an expression of dignified resignation.She guessed that Shawn wanted to see her about the office romance issue. She wasn't dating Robin, but it was worse than dating. Shawn had just stepped into the office when Layla followed him in. Her head was lowered, and she looked uneasy. "Mr. Shawn, what do you want to see me about?" she asked, her voice hoarse. Shawn sat down behind the desk and arranged the documents on it. He asked casually, "Do you remember what I asked you during your interview?""Y-yes… you asked me what I think about office romances." Layla lowered her gaze and answered in a small voice. Her palms were sweating, and her heart was in her t