Chapter 20 Tying His Tie
In an instant, his warm breath sprinkled across her nose and lips, carrying a scorching magic that seemed to envelop her face.
Her cheeks flushed fiercely, and with one hand gripping his tie, she found herself in a dilemma—neither advancing nor retreating was an option. Her heart hammered against her chest, chaotic like a frightened fawn.
"Stand up straight, please," she said, cheeks flushed, as she tried to redirect her focus.
"Are you sure?" Gabriel's tone was as usual, but under the circumstances, it seemed to Jessica unbearably gentle and alluring.
Especially since his lips were brushing the tip of her nose, his breath warm, making the simple task of tying his tie impossibly complicated.
"I'm sure," she said, adamant in her ways.
"All right."
With that said, Gabriel straightened up like a tall pine standing firm.
Jessica's face turned a deeper shade of red. It was from sheer embarrassment. When they used to spend more time together, she'd never noticed the height difference until now. Standing up straight, he seemed much taller, and she could barely reach his tie, even on her tiptoes.
Due to the little baby growing inside her, Jessica had been extra cautious these days, sticking to flats for safety. That only accentuated the difference in their heights.
Moreover, she couldn't for the life of her figure out why, but the tie just wouldn't cooperate. She kept looping it over and over without success. Jessica was skilled at many things, but evidently, tying ties was not one of them! Or was it normally this hard?
Just as Jessica's frustration peaked, Gabriel's laugh broke the silence, "Now, who insisted that I stand up straight?"
That was enough to ignite Jessica's temper. She shot him a fierce glare, shoved the tie into his chest, and said, "Forget it. Tie it yourself."
Realizing that he had struck a nerve, Gabriel quickly grabbed her wrist to pull her back. When he saw a desk nearby, he simply lifted her up and placed her onto it. "Okay, now keep tying,” he urged.
In that instant, Jessica's mind went blank, her hands frozen, clutching his tie. This scene felt all too familiar. It was something she had watched in romantic dramas, never imagining it could play out in her own life.
As she tied his tie, Jessica was focused, looking down intently. Truth be told, she had never known how to tie a tie before...she'd never needed to. But when she found out they were going to get married, she scoured the internet, meticulously following step-by-step tutorials. The beginning was rough, but after buying a tie and practicing relentlessly, she finally mastered it.
Back then, she dreamed of their mornings where she would be making breakfast for him, tying his tie, and sending him off to work. It felt like a ritual, overflowing with joy and contentment, something precious between spouses.
However, throughout their marriage, he never once asked her to tie his tie. And to think that this one time, the only time, would be on the eve of their divorce.
The first time and would also be the last. With the tie neatly done, Gabriel lifted her down, and they descended the stairs hand in hand.
The Walton family home was decked out in festive cheer with splashes of bright red, the color of joy and luck most cherished by the traditionalists, accented by other hues that brought the place alive with celebration.
Despite the festive atmosphere, the elegance and extraordinary taste of the Waltons were evident throughout.
Xavier was clad in traditional crimson attire befitting his age, while Danielle had styled her hair, especially for this day, complementing her vibrant red dress. She looked spry and robust, the image of good health.
"Xavier, from Gabriel and myself, we wish you a very happy 80th birthday," Jessica said with grace. "May you always be lucky, healthy, and happy."
Together, Jessica and Gabriel bowed deeply, extending the gift they held out to Xavier.
With a beaming smile, Xavier accepted the gift and gently lifted them back to their feet. "Thank you, thank you, my granddaughter-in-law and grandson for your blessings."
The living room buzzed with laughter and happy chatter, a space filled with contentment and joy.
It was then Danielle approached. "Gabriel, Jessica, tidy yourselves up a bit. Our friends and other guests will be arriving soon. Head to the door and greet them."
As she finished, her gaze fell upon Jessica's attire. "Hmm, what are you wearing? Didn't you see the red dress I had prepared for you?"
"That would be a festive match for Gabriel's suit, a perfect couple's set. Go on, change into it."
Jessica clenched her fist, took a deep breath, and replied, "Mom, I saw the dress, but I'm not ready to reveal my identity today."
"You've been married to Gabriel for two years now, " Danielle remarked. "Today is a perfect opportunity. If not now, when?"
"Xavier, Mom," Jessica continued, her voice steady, "I haven't completed my degree yet. I'm still a student, and I prefer not to announce my marital status for now. Once I finish my defense and officially graduate, Gabriel and I will make a public appearance to announce my identity. Does that work for you?"
Gabriel chimed in, "Exactly, there's too much gossip on campus. We're also doing this to protect her."
Jessica's explanation was sound and convincing, leaving little room for objection.
Xavier nodded first. "Jessica has a point. It's not about today or tomorrow; after all, she's already my granddaughter-in-law and won't be going anywhere anytime soon. Let her decide the timing."
"All right, Dad," Danielle agreed with a smile. "If you've said so, I'll respect your wishes."
In a moment, she pulled Gabriel aside. "Tell me the truth, are you two still planning to divorce?"
"Mom, this matter is between Jessica and me," Gabriel replied earnestly. "We have our plans. Can you let us handle this on our own?"
"No," Danielle firmly stated. Without a second thought, Danielle flatly rejected the proposal.
Gabriel furrowed his brow deeply. "Mom, it was never about love when she and I got together. So, it's only natural for us to part ways. A marriage out of obligation can never bring happiness. You and Dad are the living proof, aren't you?"
"All these years, you and Dad may not have divorced, but let me ask you, are you truly happy?"
Danielle glared at him fiercely. "We're talking about you and Jessica, not Dad and me. Besides, our situations are completely different. How can you compare the two?"
"I'm warning you now," she said with finality. "As long as I'm here, forget about getting a divorce." With those words, she stormed out.
As Jessica was about to sip her juice, a warm, firm hand suddenly clasped hers. She looked up and saw Gabriel's strikingly handsome face.
"It's too cold. Don't drink that." His voice was commanding as he took the juice away and replaced it with a glass of warm water.
"But warm water has no flavor. I wanted something sweet." Lately, her taste buds had been deprived of any sensation, and just when she finally found an opportunity to satisfy her craving, he snatched it away from her.
Seeing her pout with a pitiful look, Gabriel's heart softened, and he handed the juice back to her. "Just a little. Drink too much and you'll get a stomachache later."
"Mhm." She wouldn't have drunk much anyway. She was just too tempted and wanted to indulge with a small sip. Plus, with a baby on the way, she knew to be extra careful.
Gabriel took a call, and his expression changed. "Jessica, I need to step out for a bit. I'll be back as soon as I can."
Today was Xavier's birthday, and Gabriel wouldn't leave without good reason - it had to be someone vital or something of utmost importance.
Who else could it be but Diana? Jessica thought, knowingly, "She's the one calling you, isn't she? Is it that urgent?"
"If it's not too urgent, I'd rather you..." Before Jessica could finish, Gabriel interrupted.
