Chapter 186 A Melancholic Farewell
When Jessica got in the car, Gabriel was glued to his laptop.
He was lounging in the back seat, legs crossed, with the top two buttons of his white shirt undone, showing off his sexy collarbone.
From Jessica's angle, he looked absolutely stunning.
Gabriel was drop-dead gorgeous at that moment.
So handsome, it was almost unfair.
Jessica felt her heart flutter as she watched him, unable to resist the urge to kiss him.
Thinking this, she moved towards him, as quietly as a kitten.
With one hand supporting her chin and her head tilted, she admired the sharp, strong lines of Gabriel's profile. He was truly a masterpiece.
Such a beautiful work of art, it would be a crime not to kiss it.
After a while, Jessica's gaze fell on Gabriel's thin, moist red lips.
Just then, Gabriel looked over, his lips parting slightly. "Why were you so quiet when you got in? You didn't even say hi."
"Planning something big." Jessica said.
Gabriel chuckled, a sexy low laugh escaping his throat, "What big thing are you planning, so mysterious?"
"Well, it's just..."
Halfway through her sentence, Jessica suddenly felt it was the perfect opportunity. She closed her eyes, gathered her courage, and leaned forward, her soft pink lips aiming right for Gabriel's.
But the expected softness didn't come.
Instead, her head was gently pushed back.
"This is the big thing you were planning?" Gabriel laughed softly.
Jessica's face immediately turned red, and she retreated a bit, denying, "No, you misunderstood."
"Silly girl, your actions already gave you away." Gabriel laughed.
"No way! Do you even know what I was going to do?" Jessica retorted stubbornly.
Glancing up at where the car was, Gabriel closed his laptop, reached out, and pulled Jessica into his arms.
His forehead pressed against Jessica's, and he breathed lightly, "Silly girl, I knew you were after my good looks the moment you got in."
Jessica's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly explained, "No, no way, and besides, you're so narcissistic."
"Can't help it, people who are handsome and capable like me are all narcissistic."
Jessica laughed and tickled him, "Gabriel, when did you become so shameless?"
"You get shy, so I act a bit shameless to balance it out."
"Who's shy?"
"Not shy? Then why do you blush every time I kiss you?"
Jessica immediately straightened up, defiantly saying, "I'm a girl, of course, I get a little shy."
"Alright, Jessica, you can be shy if you want. I like seeing you blush, and I like seeing you shy. As long as all your expressions are for me, I like them all."
Gabriel's words hit Jessica right in the heart.
She felt as sweet as honey inside.
At this moment, nestled in Gabriel's arms, she felt like she had the whole world, filled with warmth and strength.
Time stood still, and life was simple, just Gabriel and her.
Gabriel also held Jessica, her body soft and comfortable in his arms.
Seeing the gentle smile on her lips, he felt a deep sense of joy and satisfaction.
If he could, he would hold her a little longer, spend a little more time with her.
But recently, the company's business had surged, and due to expansion, the internal organization was chaotic, requiring his personal attention, making him very busy.
Since they got together, Gabriel hadn't had a single day to spend entirely with her.
Thinking about his upcoming business trip, Gabriel felt a deep sense of guilt.
'I'm sorry, Jessica.' he thought, lowering his head to plant a kiss on her forehead.
Just then, Jessica looked up, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Where are we going for dinner?"
"Didn't you say you wanted steak?" Gabriel asked.
"Yes, so are you taking me for steak?"
Seeing Jessica's expectant and happy expression, Gabriel couldn't bear to disappoint her and nodded heavily. "Yes we are."
"Okay, thank you, Gabriel. Thank you for taking me to eat what I like. Next time, I'll accompany you to eat what you love."
"Alright."
As the car approached the mall, Gabriel, despite his reluctance, had to speak up.
"Jessica."
"What's up? Is something wrong? You are frowning, not handsome at all." Jessica leaned against him, reaching out to smooth his furrowed brow.
"Sorry, Jessica, I booked the table, but I can't be with you. Grace will have to accompany you."
Jessica's hand on his brow paused.
After a moment, she reacted, lowering her hand and gently asking, "Are you going on a business trip again?"
"Yes, there's an issue with the overseas company. I need to go personally."
"Is it serious? How long will it take?" Jessica asked.
"Five days, maybe ten days..." or even longer.
Gabriel didn't say the last part, fearing to see the disappointment in her eyes, and fearing he might change his mind and never want to leave her side again.
Jessica got up from his arms, a gentle smile on her lips, nodding lightly. "Okay."
"Then go ahead, I'll wait for you."
"Sorry, Jessica." Gabriel was still filled with guilt.
Jessica reached out, smoothing Gabriel's brow again. "You know, what I least want to hear is you telling me you're sorry. I've heard it many times, and I don't want to hear it again."
"If possible, I hope to hear every day, 'I like you, I love you.'"
"Okay." Gabriel's eyes were gentle. "Jessica, I love you."
"Be good and wait for me, I'll be back."
"Okay." Jessica nodded. "Then it's settled. When you come back, you have to take me for steak again. You can't let someone replace you to have dinner with me."
"Yes!"
At this moment, the driver stopped the car beside the mall.
Jessica knew that even if she was reluctant, they had to part.
Last time, Gabriel had also gone on a business trip, and they had been apart, but that time was long.
This time, whether it was because of the long duration or something else, she had a bad feeling.
She couldn't say exactly what it was, just that it didn't feel good.
"Then I'm going in. Be careful on your flight, and let me know when you arrive safely."
"Okay, go ahead. Grace is waiting for you inside."
"Then I'm going. Take care."
With that, Jessica reluctantly turned to get out of the car.
Just as she was about to step out, Gabriel suddenly pulled her into his arms, and the next moment, his kiss, wild, passionate, and unrestrained, landed on her lips.
