?? 。
“Gabriel doesn’t even want to marry me.” Lily slumped on the couch,ining bitterly.
“Come on, sweetheart, I know it’s been hard, but we’ve gotten through so much already. We’re just one step away from sess-you’re not giving up now, are you?” Mrs. Rose stroked Lily’s hair, trying to persuade her.
“But he’s impossible to deal with! Even though I got rid of Ste Rivers, he’s still thinking about her 24/7. I me you and Dad for misjudging him. If I’d known he was this devoted, I should’ve just killed Ste during that first kidnapping,”
“Who knew that boy had such resilience? We killed his parents and he still managed aeback. But you were smart, darling-once you marry him, the Sterling empire will be ours.”
“Mom, what do you think his expression would be if he knew his precious woman was getting tens of thousands of hate messages and constant death threats every day under his so-called protection?”
“Just thinking about it gets me so excited! Remember when Ste begged for three or four months to get that role, and I took it away from Gabriel with just two sentences? You should’ve seen her heartbroken face-such a shame I didn’t record it.”
“And Mom, you know what the best part was? I had someone kidnap Ste recently, just meant to scare her into leaving. But you know what that psycho did? He actually carved whore’ into her arm!”
“Brilliant-I never would’ve thought of that. Too bad he was hard to control, or I would’ve had him film it. Mom, you should’ve seen when Ste called for help only to realize it was me on the other end…”
Gabriel couldn’t hear anything else. His mind wentpletely nk.
He’d suspected his parents’ deaths weren’t idental, had investigated for months but found no leads. Eventually he’d chalked it up to bad luck. Now he liscovered it had all been deliberate.
And what did she mean about Ste receiving tens of thousands of threatening messages daily? Why hadn’t he known about any of this?
f it was true, Gabriel couldn’t bear to think about what he’d put her through.
His blood felt frozen in his veins.
Everything he’d done with Lily was supposed to protect Ste. Now he learned that the real source of Ste’s suffering was him.
The people inside hadn’t noticed they were being overheard. Gabriel turned to leave-he’d originallye to give Lily an easy way out and rify their
tionship.
The Rose family’s housekeeper knew him and had let him in without question.
But darling, this kind of talk stays in the house. Be careful outside-no one else can ever hear this.”
Don’t worry, Mom. Gabriel will never know any of this, not even on his deathbed.” <fn8e49> Official source is find{n}ovel</fn8e49>
jabriel gripped his palms so tightly that his fingernails cut deep, drawing blood. He stopped dead in his tracks and backed away from the door.
Je wouldn’t spare a single person who’d hurt Ste.
Mr. Sterling, leaving already?”
he housekeeper was still at the door.
I forgot the wine I brought for Mr. Rose-it’s in my car.” Gabriel forced his emotions down, and when he re-entered the Rose house, he wore a gentle smile as it he’d heard nothing.
Oh, Gabriel’s here! Come in,e in!”
Mrs. Rose beamed, nudging Lily who was still on the couch.
Look at my daughter-I’ve spoiled her rotten since childhood, no manners at all. Gabriel, you’re such a good boy, please be patient with our Lily.”
Mrs. Rose didn’t expect much of a response.
But Gabriel smoothly replied: “Of course. Marrying Lily would be my blessing-1 should be the one spoiling her. I was confused recently and hurt her feelings. That’s why I’m here to apologize.”
“You…”
Even Lily stared at Gabriel in shock.
Tve been thinking these past few days, and I realized Lily is still the one I love most. As for Ste Rivers-I think I confused gratitude with love. Now I see clearly.”
Gabriel spoke with apparent sincerity as he took Lily’s wrist.
So I want to have a wedding as soon as possible-one the whole world can witness. Will you?”