Chapter 19 Call Him Husband
Jessica almost thought she had misheard him. Why on earth would he throw away her pajamas?
"Did you throw them out?" She tried to keep her anger in check and patiently asked.
"Mhmm," was his indifferent reply.
"Gabriel..." The restraint crumbled, and now fully incensed, Jessica stood with hands on her hips, the very picture of a woman on the verge, "You owe me a clear explanation. Why did you throw out my pajamas?"
"They were out of style. Years old and frankly, a bit childish," he commented.
"Childish? How were they childish?" Jessica was fuming. Her pajamas were adorable, super cute, and yet he had the nerve to call them childlike.
"They're characters, Gabriel. One has Doraemon, one Pikachu, and there's also a bunny pair. Remember, I was a young girl when I got these, but now..." she trailed off.
"And now what?" he prodded.
"Now I'm married. I'm a wife," she stated, barely hiding her annoyance.
Gabriel cleared his throat conspicuously, feigning concentration on his book, as Jessica's cheeks flushed a shade that could rival a baboon's backside. The term 'wife' wafted in the air with an innuendo that didn't sit well with her.
Defeated, she retreated to the sanctuary of the bathroom to shower.
After showering, she slipped into her lace nightgown and dove into bed, wrapping herself up tightly like a burrito. Just as she started to relax, Gabriel's voice pierced her cocoon, "You think I didn't see you just because you made a quick dash?"
Jessica was speechless. It was starting to become clear to her that Gabriel was doing this on purpose, always bringing up the most teasing topics, fully aware of her shy nature.
Her cheeks had already been rosy from the warm shower, and now they were burning even brighter—if that was even possible, looking as red as cherries.
"You always enjoy making me the butt of the joke," Jessica grumbled from under the covers, before burying her head underneath them.
Without hesitation, Gabriel plucked her out from her makeshift hideaway. Jessica emerged gasping for air, her face radiantly flushed with a mix of irritation and the lack of oxygen.
"Why are you always scurrying under the covers?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his tone.
"Maybe I like how the air smells under there?" she retorted, baffled by his unusual logic. "I do not. It's just... you're always teasing me for no reason."
"Who says I'm teasing?" Gabriel inched closer, his breath warm and moist on her face, "Jessica, don't forget—we're not divorced yet."
"Of course I haven't forgotten," she replied, tinge of annoyance in her voice.
"So, we're still husband and wife. What if I wanted you to fulfill your wifely duties?" His words lingered, laced with an undeniable suggestiveness.
Suddenly sitting up, she pushed him away, "You're getting back at me, aren't you? Revenge for interrupting your cozy moment with Diana today. You just want to make fun of me."
Gabriel's dark eyes softened, and he tenderly ruffled her hair, his voice deep and soothing, "No, that's not it. I just want to remind you to take care of yourself."
"Especially around men. Always keep your guard up," he added.
Looking into his eyes, Jessica questioned, "You're a man too. Does that include you?"
"Uh huh," Gabriel nodded earnestly, "Including me." No one could tell just how much restraint it took for him to control the surge of impulsiveness that gripped him the moment he laid eyes on Jessica.
After Jessica fell into a deep slumber, Gabriel lifted the covers and stepped out onto the balcony. The night was thick around him, the sky outside his window sprinkled with twinkling stars. He then lit up a cigarette and took deep, brooding drags, his brows furrowed as if they were craggy peaks.
Two years, it was neither a particularly long nor short time. But he couldn't lie to himself; his feelings had undergone a profound change.
At the beginning of their marriage, he couldn't wait for the three-year mark to rush upon them so he could snatch up the divorce papers. But at some indistinct point, he started to feel a twinge of reluctance.
She was beautiful, highly educated, gentle and sweet, witty and smart. Jessica had all the qualities many men looked for. If they were to divorce, no doubt there would be a line of suitors vying for her attention.
The thought of a future wherein she was holding hands with another man, sleeping in another man's embrace, left a sour taste in his mouth.
Of course, by the time the cigarette had burned down to the filter, Gabriel chalked all these emotions up to mere male possessiveness.
It was only because she was still Jessica Walton, still his wife. Once they were completely divorced, formalities complete, he was certain these feelings would dissipate. Gabriel told himself, firmly, that this was indeed the case.
But time has a way of revealing our errors, and how could he know that his beliefs were so profoundly mistaken?
The day of Xavier's birthday celebration arrived quickly.
Jessica got up extra early, thinking she'd beat Gabriel out of bed, but to her surprise he was already dressed to the nines, ready for the day.
Draped in a crisp, black suit without a wrinkle in sight, Gabriel looked every bit the part of the refined, elegant man he was ever so strikingly handsome.
Observing him, Jessica couldn't help but marvel. Some people were just born to wear clothes well, and he was one of those—strikingly handsome without fault, as if favored by the gods themselves.
She suddenly thought of the baby growing inside her. If it were a boy, and if he took after Gabriel, he’d surely be quite the looker.
"Woke up this early? Why not sleep in a bit more?" Gabriel asked, seeing her up and about.
"No need," Jessica shook her head. "Today's Xavier's birthday. How could I sleep in? I want to be the first one to wish him well."
"Well, you're already behind then, Dad and Mom have already left."
Jessica gasped. Quick on her feet, she immediately retorted, "I can't catch up to them. Of course, they are his son and daughter-in-law; they naturally should be first. I meant among the grandchildren."
No sooner had she finished speaking when Gabriel's deep voice filled the air, "Sorry, Jessica, but you can't be the first of the grandkids."
"Who says?" she challenged.
Gabriel raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his tone. "I'm all set. I'm heading over now."
Undaunted, Jessica pouted playfully and faced him. "Go ahead, hurry up. But if Xavier sees you alone, he'll think you're bullying me again. On such a festive occasion, do you really think Xavier wants to see us solo or as a charming pair?"
She had hit the nail on the head. Gabriel conceded while checking his watch, he said, "Fifteen minutes."
"Deal," she replied, slightly relieved. Even though he wasn't giving her much time, luckily it was summer, and her clothes were easy to slip into.
As for makeup, her skin was always flawless, delicate, and fair. A light touch of makeup was all she needed. And today, for this event, she hadn't planned to attend as Gabriel's wife.
Gabriel furrowed his brows, noticing Jessica hadn't put on the prepared gown. "Why not wear it? It's just close kin and friends today. We're not announcing it publicly, so it's okay if they know."
Shaking her head, Jessica insisted, "It's not necessary. We've kept it a secret for two years; there's no need to reveal my identity the day before our divorce."
"Today's all about Xavier; I'm just a backdrop," she added.
"And what about Xavier? What will you tell him?" Gabriel inquired, his gaze lingering on her.
"Don't worry, I'll handle it with Xavier," she assured him.
"All right," he said, not dwelling any further.
They were ready to leave.
"Hold on." Suddenly, Jessica’s eyes fixed on Gabriel's neck. She spun around, found a matching tie, and handed it to Gabriel, "You forgot your tie."
He didn't reach out to take it; instead, he looked down with a tender voice, "Help me put it on."
"I’m not great at it, but if you don’t mind it being a bit off, I’ll do it," she warned.
"Mm, I won’t mind," he said, simply.
Jessica nodded and, with her delicate fingers, looped the tie around Gabriel’s neck. As Gabriel straightened up, Jessica still clutched the tie, and without warning, she tipped forward.
Suddenly, her nose brushed against Gabriel's mouth.
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