Chapter 22
球367%痛
It had only been a few days, but every time Gabriel saw her, he couldn’t help but want to hold her.
But the moment he wrapped his arms around Serena, she shoves him away with surprising strength. Her eyes were full of suspicion as she glared at him.
Gabriel felt a flicker of disappointment in his chest. His dark eyes held her gaze.
“If I hadn’t stepped in just now, that drink would have gone straight down your throat. His voice wasn’t angry, but his eyes lingered on her pale face. “You look terrible. And you still thought it was a good idea to drink?”
Serena looked down, memories of the job she’d lost flooding her mind. A bitter feeling spread through her chest.
“Andrew asked for your help. You didn’t want to make things awkward for him.” She replied, “It was just one drink, nothing serious. It’s not like I was gonna die from it
Gabriel furrowed his brow, his gaze sharp. “Did 1 do something to piss you off?” He couldn’t shake the feeling that she was especially fiery tonight.
“Don’t you know your own limits?” He grabbed her arm. “Last time, if I hadn’t been there, do you really think that White would have just left you alone?”
“You’re being ridiculous. Serena couldn’t hold back an friends.
briel, Tll say this one last time–Andrew and I are just
“Just friends? He gave her a pointed look. “Friends who drag youunto places like this?”
“You don’t get a say in this. Even if Andrew and I were together, it’s none of your business” Serena’s voice had an edge, as if she were a porcupine bristling in defense.
If Andrew hadn’t shown up tonight, she’d still be shaking from that close call at the police station. And yet Gabriel kept making assumptions about her and Andrew. And on top of that, her job–taken by him.
Gabriel’s lips twisted into a cold smirk, his fingers digging into her chin. Serena tried to turn her face, but he increased the pressure, forcing her to meet his eyes.
His voice was calm, but there was something dangerous in it. “Are you really with him?”
Serena bit her lip, choosing not to answer,
Gabriel’s dark eyes narrowed, a flash of anger flickering. “Answer me, Serena.”
“Leave me alone.” Serena trembled under his intense gaze, her eyes beginning to shimmer with unshed tears.
But Gabriel didn’t stop. “Are you short on cash? Or is it just men? I gave you money before, but you turned me down. You didn’t want to be with me, but the moment Andrew shows up, you’re practically glued to him?”
Serena couldn’t bear to hear it. “Stop! Just stop!”
Gabriel didn’t relent, pushing her back against the cold wall. Then break up with him, Or next time, I’ll kiss you right in front of him.”
Serena’s whole body trembled with anger. “Gabriel, why can’t you leave me alone? I just want to live my life.”
“Why? Can’t you live well with me? Do you have to be with White Gabriel’s voice was low, his eyes shrouded in a mist she. couldn’t read.
144
www
14:29 Tue, Dec 24
Chapter 22
G
EL67%,
“How am I supposed to live when I don’t even have the right to choose?” Serena’s voice cracked as she spoke, the tears falling as frustration and helplessness poured out all at once. “Every time I think there’s a way out, I fall right back into the mud. How am I supposed to go on like this?”
Gabriel watched her, a strange ache in his chest, something he couldn’t explain. “You have the right to choose if you’re with
- me.
For the first time. his voice softened, but Serena was too far gone in her emotional whirlwind to hear him. She couldn’t separate herself from the tide of pain that was drowning her.
He probably said the same thing to Josic, didn’t he? The thought rendered in her head. He had so many women in his life, but she didn’t want to be just another one. She didn’t want to be some hidden mistress.
Gabriel’s eyes locked onto her pale face, her helpless expression tugging at something deep inside him. He cupped her face. his touch soft yet firm. “Serena, be my girl, okay? I’ll give you whatever you want.”
He gently wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes and leaned in to kiss her. But the moment his lips brushed her cheek-“Slap!” Serena’s hand landed right on his face.
Gabriel froze, his body stiffening in shock. He pulled away, his tongue instinctively brushing the spot where she’d struck him. The warmth that had been there moments before was now replaced with an icy chill in his gaze.
Serena hadn’t slapped him hard. If it wasn’t the
almost felt like she’d just touched his face lightly.
Yet as soon as her hand made contact, she regretted clenched the fist that had struck him, her nails digging into her palm.
“What have I done? Her heart twisted painfully. She tried to stay alm, but her voice trembled. “Don’t touch me. What! want… you can’t give it to me.”
“Mr. Harrington? Ray called out, hearing the noise from outside
“It’s fine. Gabriel straightened up, rubbing the spot where Serena had slapped him.
It was a first. Nearly thirty years of his life had passed without anyone ever daring to slap him. And of all people, it was her who did it.
Well, he deserved it. Seeing Serena with another man had been unbearable, but he had pushed her to this point. He had practically begged for it, and now here they were.
“You really don’t want to be with me, do you?” he asked, his voice colder than usual, but with a hint of self–mockery. “Serena, look out for yourself”
After the party wrapped up, Serena returned with Andrew. But Andrew, along with his assistant, were still talking about what had happened earlier.
“We
We were fine earlier, but after Mr. Harrington went to the restroom, he just came back to turned down the contract. Did someone say something to upset him?” The assistant complained
Serena stared out the window, her mind wandering back to the restroom confrontation with Gabriel. If he hadn’t cornered her, none of this would have happened. But it always ended the same way whenever they were alone…
Don’t overthink it. It’s probably just something with the contrac Andrew sighed. “We’ll fix it up and come back next month.”
He then turned to Serena, his tone softening. “By the way, Serena I’m heading to Faliden tomorrow. I think you can just
“Wait, Andrew, Serena sat up with a jolt, “You’re going to Falider
THE
O
14:29 Tue, Dec 24 TGG
Chapter 22
24 67%
#
Andrew smiled gently, as if her surprise amused him. “Yeah I go some business to take care of. Is Jonathan still in Faliden?
“Right, um…” Serena hesitated, her thoughts lingering on Jonathan “Is it okay if I come with you? I’ll pay my own ticket.” She asked cautiously.
It had been ages since I last saw Jonathan Sise thought to herself bitterly. I used to visit him every month without a second thought.
But after uncle’s family lost contact, I could barely afford the flight. I just wanted to check on Jonathan and make sure he was getting the treatment he needed
Andrew raised an eyebrow, “Of course you can. But forget about paying your own way. After all this time, you’re still treating me like a stranger?
“But 1…”
Serena hesitated, but Andrew’s eyes softened with a quiet understanding. “Serena, we haven’t seen each other in years, but you have always been like a sister to me. It hurts when you push me away.”
“I’m sorry.” Serena murmured, feeling the weight of his words. It’s just that Jonathan always said not to take help for granted. I don’t want to owe too much.
The memory flooded back to her. She remembers
rely too heavily on others.
rother had always advised her to keep her dignity and not
Since the disappearance of her uncle’s family, she hadtolated, and accepting help felt like a betrayal of everything Jonathan had taught her.
Life had been tough, but that didn’t mean anyone owed her anything. As long as she could stand on her own, she’d stick to her principles
“Look, Serena,” Andrew gave her a soft smile. “Jonathan’s my friend too. Think of it as me visiting him. Don’t turn me down this time.
“Okay.” Serena finally nodded to agree. Thank you, Andrew.”
The heavy traffic outside did little to ease the tension in Serena’s chest, and eventually, the exhaustion of the day overtook her. She leaned against the car window, finally giving in to sleep.
Andrew glanced down at her, gently adjusting her so she rested more comfortably. His assistant, who had been quiet for most of the journey, finally spoke up.
“Mr. White,” the assistant chimed in, “If Ms. Murry is struggling. Why doesn’t she just ask you for a loan?”
Andrew glanced at Serena, still fast asleep, then spoke in a cold tone. “If you ever bring that up in front of her again, don’t bother following me.”
The assistant quickly fell silent, feeling the weight of Andrew’s words. Andrew’s expression softened as he looked at Serena her face serene in sleep.
Slowly, he reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers gently His gaze lingered on her, a quiet ache in his chest. “Serena,” he whispered softly, “when are you finally going to let me take care of you?”
3/4
14:29 Tue, Dec 24
