Chapter 10
Nicole followed Gabriel into the dining room, her steps careful on the polished floor as she took in the luxurious surroundings.
She felt a mixture of curiosity and nervousness, and slightly out of place, though the grandeur around her didn't intimidate her-it simply amazed her.
The air smelled faintly of freshly polished wood and fresh flowers.
After they settled comfortably on their chairs, Gabriel's sharp eyes immediately noticed Nicole's expression.
Her lips were curved down slightly, her brows carried a tiny furrow, and her eyes betrayed the subtle weight of her lingering thoughts.
He studied her for a moment. Nicole was wearing a sad face, though she tried to hide it, and it didn't escape Gabriel's attention.
The maids approached, carrying an array of dishes, each one seemingly more lavish than the last. The dining table was a work of art, laden with colorful plates of fruits, meats, pastries, and delicacies Nicole had never imagined she'd see in one sitting.
Her eyes widened with delight and curiosity.
The maids began to serve the meal, walking carefully around the table, and she didn't hesitate; she asked for a piece of each different meal, her fingers lightly pointing at the colorful spreads of food as if she wanted to taste every flavor.
Gabriel's brow arched as he watched her carefully select her portions, her plate slowly piled up with portions of everything on the table. Is she seriously going to eat all of it? He thought silently, watching her with a mix of amusement and concern.
"That would be enough," he said firmly, waving a hand to stop the maid from piling any more food onto her plate. Nicole's lips pouted in mock annoyance, and she turned her gaze toward him, raising her eyebrows with playful defiance.
"I don't want you gaining weight. I'd prefer you remain this way," Gabriel said, his tone serious but not unkind.
Nicole's face immediately brightened, her lips curved into a smile.
"If that's a compliment, then thank you," she replied with a soft laugh. "But just so you know, no matter how much I eat, I don't get fatter than this," she added, pointing to herself with a teasing gesture, still smiling.
Nicole couldn't believe it. Gabriel just told her he liked the way she was. So, he took notice of her? She thought, warmth spreading through her chest.
Gabriel, on the other hand, noted the smile and the sparkle in her eyes. It wasn't the answer he was expecting, but it worked. He was pleased to see that the sad look had faded from her face, replaced by something livelier.
After finishing their meal, Gabriel excused himself to his study to catch up on work, while Nicole decided to retreat to the mansion's private theater.
She curled up on the soft leather seats and lost herself in the movie, letting the story carry her away from the lingering thoughts about her sudden life changes.
By the time the credits rolled, she felt the exhaustion in her body and realized she needed rest. She decided to say goodnight to Gabriel before heading off to bed.
Rising from her seat, she padded softly to Gabriel's study, knocked lightly, and stepped in when she heard his familiar, low voice.
"I don't mean to bother you, but I just wanted to say goodnight," she said, her voice gentle, catching his attention.
"Goodnight, then," he replied simply, eyes already returning to the papers in front of him.
Nicole turned, about to leave, but she hesitated at the door. Something made her turn back, her lips curling slightly into a mischievous smile.
"About your compliment earlier... thank you," she said softly, allowing the weight of the moment to linger.
Gabriel's head lifted, curiosity evident as he looked at her.
"I was never really convinced that I had a great body," she continued, her voice tinged with sincerity, "but hearing it from you... I guess I'm convinced now," she said, a playful but shy smile spreading across her face.
Nicole waited, deliberately letting the moment linger, hoping for a response from him. She wanted him to engage even just a little, to say something-anything. Gabriel rose from his chair and walked toward her, his presence commanding yet calm.
"I didn't know you took the time to look at my body," she teased, her smirk playful and challenging.
"I meant what I said earlier," he replied simply, now standing just a few inches from her.
"About my body. I know, I know. Thanks," she said lightly, attempting to maintain her joking tone.
Gabriel's expression darkened slightly, seriousness returning to his features.
Didn't she understand that I meant it when I said I didn't want her adding any more pounds? He thought, frustration mixing with care.
"I'm not joking," he stated, voice steady, his piercing gaze fixed on her.
Nicole chuckled softly, nodding in mock surrender. "Okay, okay. I won't add more pounds. I promise I'll eat healthy."
But she didn't move away. She found herself wishing he would speak more.
He was a man of few words, but that wasn't her only desire-she wanted to hear his voice, its calm, yet mesmerizing and measured tone.
She had already begun to notice the magnetic pull of his voice, how it seemed to capture her attention without effort.
She started to walk toward the door but paused, turning back suddenly. On impulse, she leaned forward and planted a gentle kiss on Gabriel's cheek.
"Goodnight," she whispered softly before finally stepping out of the study.
He will open up eventually. He just needs a little push, she thought, a quiet smile spreading across her face.
Gabriel stood for a moment, watching her leave, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
She was stubborn and cheerful at the same time.
.. staying angry only for a moment, he reflected.
It was disarming, and he realized he didn't want her to feel bored tomorrow while he was away at the office. But what could he do to prevent that?
He pondered different ways to keep her occupied.
Shopping came to mind immediately. From what little he had observed, it was clear she had exquisite taste and a genuine appreciation for quality.
He could tell she enjoyed shopping. But the question lingered: how would she react if he offered her his credit card?
Would she feel offended? Overly conscious? Would she accept without hesitation? Would she think he was being patronizing? He wondered. Yet, he knew it was only fair-she was doing him a huge favor by agreeing to his unusual request, despite being practically a stranger.
He thought about her comfort and happiness. Then, an idea struck him. Yes... this is how I'll get Nicole shopping, he concluded.
The next morning, Nicole woke stretching like a carefree child, arms reaching high above her head, her body releasing the tension of a long, peaceful sleep.
She hadn't slept this well in years. Work, bills, and chores always weighed her down, but today was different.
Today, she felt an unfamiliar, yet welcome sense of freedom.
She padded to the bathroom, brushing her teeth with deliberate care, then proceeded downstairs for breakfast. The dining room was bright and inviting, morning sunlight streaming through the tall windows.
When she asked about Gabriel, she was informed he had already left for work. She was served a modest bowl of fruit salad. Her lips pursed as she stared at the plate. There is no way Gabriel is making me have this for breakfast... she thought in disbelief.
Was he seriously placing me on a diet? She wondered, her brow furrowing slightly.
"Umm... come over here, please," she said to the maid who had served her breakfast.
"Could you make me some bacon, fried eggs, and toast?" she requested, a playful glint in her eyes.
"Yes, ma'am," the maid replied, taking away the fruit salad and heading toward the kitchen.
Nicole felt a small surge of satisfaction.
She was going against Gabriel's instructions, yes, but she wasn't doing anything wrong-she just wanted to satisfy her own taste buds. Besides, he didn't have to find out.
After breakfast, Nicole hurried to the bathroom to take a much-needed shower. Emerging refreshed, she walked into her closet-but froze. Her heart thumped violently. The closet was empty.
She screamed. The sound echoed faintly through the room, and a young maid startled by the scream came running immediately.
Nicole searched frantically through the closet in disbelief, finding only a single pair of underwear, a black double-breasted trench coat, and a single black thigh-high boot.
"What is the meaning of this?" she demanded, continuing to search, hoping to find something else hidden away.
"Where are my clothes?" she asked, anxiety creeping into her voice.
The maid's hands trembled slightly. "Ma'am... Master asked us to take out all of your things," she admitted quietly.
"Why?!" Nicole's voice rose, frustration laced with disbelief.
"I don't know, ma'am," the maid whispered.
"Where are they now?" Nicole asked, her eyes narrowing as she studied the young woman.
The maid hesitated, fear evident in her eyes as she visibly trembled.
"I'm waiting..."
"Umm, ma'am, h-he asked us to throw them away," the maid admitted in a barely audible whisper.
Nicole's mind spun. How could I not have noticed anyone coming in? Am I really such a heavy sleeper? She wondered, more frustrated than ever.
Fuming, she grabbed her phone from the bed and dialed Gabriel's number immediately. Three rings later, he answered.
"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS? WHY DID YOU ASK YOUR MAIDS TO THROW MY THINGS AWAY?!" she yelled, not caring that the maid was still in the room.
"Is that why you called?" Gabriel responded, his tone calm and dry.
"Really?! Is that all you have to say? What do you expect me to do with no clothes?" she demanded, frustration bubbling over.
"I specifically asked them to keep something you could wear for the day," he replied, his tone precise and unwavering.
"You're not being serious, are you? Is this a joke to you?" she asked, already feeling her patience thinning from his indifference.
"There is a credit card on my study desk. Use it for shopping," he said simply.
Nicole froze for a moment. Her breath caught. Did she just hear him correctly? Did he just say... I can go shopping for new clothes? Her excitement rose internally, almost making her squeal.
"Do you mean it?" she asked softly, disbelief lacing her words.
"Yeah. I want you to go out shopping and don't worry about the amount. The card is unlimited," he confirmed.
Nicole's heart raced. She could barely believe her ears. Gabriel was trusting her-offering his credit card freely. The thought made her chest tighten with a combination of excitement and nervous anticipation.
"Really?" she asked again, almost in a whisper, not wanting to break the spell of the moment.
"It's up to you if you can manage with just a dress-then you can forget it," he added, practical yet teasing.
"No, no! I'll go shopping," she said quickly, eager not to let him change his mind.
"Okay then, I need to get back to work. If you'll let me," he said, calmly.
"Sure, thanks," Nicole replied, unable to hide her grin.
"You don't need to thank me," he simply said.
Nicole turned slightly and realized the maid was still present. Immediately, she cursed herself inwardly. How could she be so careless? The maid had just heard her entire conversation!
Her cheeks heated, and she blurted out instinctively, "Um, bye. I love you."
She quickly ended the call, not waiting for a reply. She had said those words solely to cover up her nervousness in front of the maid.
Taking a deep breath, she turned back to the maid with renewed composure.
"How about we go shopping?" she said, her smile now radiant and filled with excitement.