Chapter 29
Nicole, Gabriel, and his parents were seated around the dining room table, enjoying breakfast on a Monday morning.
The sunlight streamed through the large windows, warming the room, and glinting off the crystal glasses and polished silverware.
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, toasted bread, and warm pastries mingled with the subtle scent of flowers from the centerpiece, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
“You two couldn’t keep your hands to yourself Saturday night,” Helen teased, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she looked between Gabriel and Nicole.
Gabriel and Nicole froze, their breakfast utensils paused mid-air, eyes widening in synchronized surprise.
“Oh, don’t give me that look,” Helen continued, her tone playful but knowing. “I noticed you guys weren’t coming downstairs to see your guests off, so I came to your bedroom and saw you both sound asleep in each other’s arms.”
Nicole felt her cheeks burn a deep crimson. She glanced at Gabriel, whose expression was somewhere between shock and mild embarrassment.
“Honey, can you just let them be?” Jacob interjected quietly, his tone calm, though there was a small smile hidden in his eyes.
“What did I do?” Helen asked, pretending to be confused, though the glimmer of mischief in her eyes gave her away.
“I mean, I like the fact that she can make my son go to bed early… unlike you,” she added with a small chuckle.
Jacob rolled his eyes at his wife’s antics and continued eating.
Nicole smiled softly to herself, enjoying the little domestic scene. Gabriel was a lot like his father—reserved, understated—but that calm demeanor was part of what she found so endearing.
Gabriel pushed his chair back and stood, signaling he had finished his breakfast.
“I’m leaving for work,” he announced, his voice even but carrying a subtle warmth directed toward Nicole.
His parents waved their goodbyes while Nicole accompanied him to the car. The crisp morning air brushed her face as they stepped outside.
“Have a nice day at work,” Nicole said softly, as they stood beside his car. She hesitated, wanting to give him a goodbye kiss but unsure of his reaction. So, she just stood there, fidgeting slightly, looking anywhere but him.
Gabriel gently lifted her chin with his index finger, turning her gaze toward him. He leaned in, and their lips met in a soft, lingering kiss that sent warmth through Nicole’s chest.
“Mom is watching,” he whispered teasingly, his minty breath fanning her face.
Nicole chuckled and wrapped her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss just slightly, her heart fluttering from the intimate gesture.
“Goodbye,” he murmured after they broke apart, his forehead resting briefly against hers.
She waved as he got into the car, then turned to find Helen standing at the door, a knowing smile on her face. She gestured for Nicole to come over, and Nicole obeyed, walking towards her, allowing herself to feel the quiet comfort of her approval.
“Thank you for making my baby happy again,” Helen said warmly, holding Nicole’s hand as they walked back into the mansion.
Gabriel had gone to another company to finalize a business deal.
Hours of intense negotiations had left him drained yet satisfied, as he was able to seal the deal.
As he stepped out of the boardroom, his personal assistant, approached him, politely informing him that he had received a call earlier from his secretary.
A lady named Samantha Davis was waiting for him.
Gabriel paused, momentarily taken aback. Samantha. He had not expected her to show up at his office. His mind raced—how was he supposed to handle this? He was not in the mood to revisit old emotions, knowing precisely why she wanted to see him.
He stepped out of the building, climbing into his car, the familiar leather seat and soft hum of the engine offered a small comfort.
His chauffeur began the drive back to the company headquarters.
Gabriel didn’t want to be rude to Samantha in any way because she had been there for him in the past but how was he to go about this?
His thoughts immediately turned to Nicole.
He pulled out his phone and typed a quick message, hoping she would sense the urgency behind it.
Meanwhile, Nicole was in the living room with Helen, preparing to head out to the boutique for the finished wedding gown alterations. Her phone beeped, drawing her attention. She glanced at it to see Gabriel’s text:
“Can you come over to my office? I need you here.”
Her brow furrowed. Why did he need her at his office? He had been upset last time she’d visited, so—why this sudden urgency?
She took a deep breath, deciding not to waste her time by overthinking it.
Helen, noticing her hesitation over her son’s text, didn’t protest when Nicole canceled the boutique appointment.
Rather, she urged her to hurry. “Go ahead, honey. I’ll handle things here,” Helen said, giving her a reassuring nod.
Nicole said goodbye and left promptly for Gabriel’s office, feeling a mix of curiosity and concern.
Gabriel arrived at his company and headed straight for his office floor. Upon reaching, his secretary informed him that Samantha was still waiting. With a quick nod, he opened the door to find her seated on the couch, poised and patient.
“I was told you’re here,” he said, his voice calm but edged with controlled caution, bringing Samantha’s attention to him.
“Yeah, I came to see you,” Samantha replied, her smile polite but tinged with expectation.
“I’m sorry to have kept you waiting,” he continued, moving toward his desk.
“It’s okay. I should’ve called ahead to let you know I was coming over. I know how busy you are,”
“Can I get you anything?” Gabriel asked.
“No, I’m fine. I only came so we can finish our conversation,” She said with a seductive smile, making Gabriel uncomfortable.
Gabriel could feel the subtle charge in the air, her presence alone stirring old memories he had long tried to suppress. There was a hidden meaning to her statement. He suddenly regrets letting his depression over Ashley’s breakup get the better part of him back then.
He cleared his throat, maintaining composure.
“So, what brings you back to New York?” he asked, attempting to steer the conversation safely, hoping that would redirect the focus and distract his thoughts.
“Well… my dad’s recovering well. The doctors said he needs to get outside more.
So, I decided to take a break from the company so he could resume running it, and…
I also came to check on you,” Samantha explained, standing from the couch, and walking towards him, as he leaned against his desk.
Her movements were smooth, deliberate, designed to invade the personal space between them.
The faintest brush of her hand against his arm sent a ripple of tension through his chest.
“It’s been almost a year since we’ve been apart… I missed you so much,” she added, her voice lowering seductively.
“I don’t think coming over to say hi was a bad idea... Or is it?” She asked caressing his cheeks.
Gabriel remained steady, leaning against his desk, keeping a careful distance.
“It’s not a bad idea to check in, Samantha. But you have to understand—I’m engaged now. We can’t be like this anymore. Besides, we resolved this issue a long time ago,” he said gently, removing her hands from his face, asserting the boundaries clearly.
Samantha’s eyes shimmered with hurt. His actions hurt her more than his statement.
“Your engagement to that lady is too sudden... Gabriel, you don’t love her and we both know that.” She spat through gritted teeth, her vulnerability blending with anger, taking Gabriel by surprise.
“Nicole. Her name is Nicole, and I love her,” Gabriel replied firmly, his voice steady, unwavering.
His eyes locked onto hers with a gravity that left no room for doubt, as he was trying so hard to stop himself from overreacting.
“She isn’t going to take care of you like I will… She doesn’t even know you the way I do,” Samantha whispered, almost on the edge of tears. Her words carried a mix of sorrow and longing.
Gabriel’s chest tightened with pity but he remained resolute. She had to understand that he was never going to love her that way. She’s his best friend, and nothing more.
“Please think about us,” she pleaded.
Samantha leaned in, brushing her lips briefly against his in a tentative, pleading gesture.
Gabriel froze.
At that precise moment, the office door swung open, revealing Nicole. Samantha’s eyes widened in surprise, and she instinctively stepped back. Nicole stared between Gabriel and Samantha for a few seconds before finally grasping why Gabriel needed her presence.
“Hey, baby. I thought I should come pay you a surprise visit,” Nicole said, her smile bright and confident as she walked directly to Gabriel. Without hesitation, she pressed her lips to his in a deep, passionate kiss.
Gabriel responded instantly, relief and desire intertwining. He pulled Nicole closer, savoring her warmth, her presence grounding him after the tense moment with Samantha.
“I hope you aren’t mad at me for suddenly showing up?” Nicole asked, her fingers playfully tugging at his tie.
“You know I can never be mad at you,” Gabriel replied, his voice gentle, a smile curving his lips.
Nicole’s grin widened, and she pressed a gentle kiss to his lips once more, savoring the sense of belonging, filling the room with warmth.
“Ahem,” Samantha interrupted sharply, breaking the intimate bubble. Both Nicole and Gabriel turned toward her.
“Oh, hi. Do I know you from somewhere?” Nicole began, feigning innocence.
“Right, you’re the lady from our engagement party! Nice to see you again… I hope I’m not interrupting any business transaction or discussion?” Nicole added smoothly, extending her hand in greeting.
Samantha hesitated but accepted, hiding the mixture of surprise and irritation in her expression with a smile.
But Nicole didn’t miss the flash of disappointment across Samantha’s face from her presence.
“Okay, if you say so… would you mind excusing us, so, you know?...” Nicole asked, a mischievous smile on her lips.
Samantha was surprised at Nicole’s request, but she decided not to show it.
She thought Nicole was too bold for her own good.
Her eyes flickered to Gabriel, to see if he also wanted her gone, but Nicole kept him distracted with soft touches and playful caresses, ensuring Samantha could only stand there, flustered, silent, and angry.
“Oh… see you another time, Gabe,” Samantha muttered quietly, retreating from the office, frustrated yet dignified.
Nicole and Gabriel bade her farewell as she left the office. They exchanged a victorious glance as the door closed behind her.
“So… How was I?” Nicole asked once she was certain Samantha was gone, a teasing sparkle in her eye.
“You were great. Thanks,” Gabriel replied warmly, a genuine smile spreading across his face.
“Now you owe me lunch,” Nicole said, pretending to be slightly upset, “I had to cancel my appointment with the designer for my wedding dress to take care of your emergency.”
Gabriel chuckled. “Okay. Let’s go then.”
“Yay!” Nicole exclaimed, jumping slightly with excitement as he led her out of his office, their hands intertwined, leaving the tension and discomfort behind.