Chapter 348 Growing Old Together in This Life
The meeting between Gabriel and Rolf Haugen dragged on all afternoon. When Gabriel finally got back, he had this relieved grin plastered on his face.
It looked like the negotiations had gone well, which made Jessica feel a lot better.
"You look so happy, got some good news for me?" Jessica asked, trying to sound casual.
Gabriel pulled her into a hug. "Jessica, the company's been in a bit of a mess lately, and it's been stressing me out. But today, Mr. Haugen agreed to invest. Once the funds come through, we'll get through this crisis in no time."
"Really?" Jessica's face lit up with joy.
Gabriel nodded. "Yep, once the company's back on track and we sort things out with Jack, we'll have our wedding."
'A wedding? What a beautiful word!' But she didn't dare to hope for it anymore.
'I'm sorry, Gabriel, I have to go. I've broken my promise this time. I can't grow old with you this time.' Maybe they were just meant to be apart.
Jessica's heart felt like it was being torn apart. He was going to get married soon. But the bride wasn't her; it was Chelsea.
Her heart hurt so much she could barely breathe. Even though she tried to hold it in, a tear still fell onto Gabriel's hand.
He looked up and immediately turned Jessica around, worried. "Why are you crying?"
Jessica quickly wiped her tears and forced a smile. "No, no, I'm just too happy. They say a woman is most beautiful in her wedding dress. I'm just so looking forward to marrying you."
Gabriel gently cupped her face. "It's okay to be excited, but I don't want to see you cry."
Jessica smiled and nodded. "Okay, I'll stay happy."
With that, she put on a bright smile. But inside, her heart was already filled with bitterness.
In the following days, Jessica stayed with Gabriel at the company. He was still super busy, spending most of his time buried in documents, handling work, and attending meetings.
During this time, Jessica had set up an easel in his office. She had never formally learned how to paint; everything she knew came from her mom, who loved painting despite life's hardships. Jessica had picked up some techniques from her.
One day, she was struck by the sight of Gabriel working at his desk with sunlight on his face. The scene was too beautiful to ignore, and without thinking, she began to capture it on canvas.
After two whole days, she was almost done.
Jessica nodded in satisfaction when she finished the final stroke.
Stretching, she was about to turn around when Gabriel's voice startled her. "Is that a painting of me?"
Jessica jumped, not expecting anyone behind her, and accidentally waved her paintbrush.
As she turned to answer Gabriel, she noticed the paint on his face and burst into laughter. Her charming face lit up with a radiant smile.
Seeing her laugh so beautifully, Gabriel playfully grabbed her hand and asked, "What's so funny? Why are you laughing so hard, huh?"
Looking at his colorful face, Jessica couldn't help but laugh again, "Nothing, I just think you look especially handsome today."
Gabriel found it hard to believe. When did she learn to flirt?
"Are you messing with me, huh?" He raised an eyebrow and looked at Jessica.
Jessica immediately shook her head with a smile. "No, no, you really do look handsome today, even more beautiful than the prettiest flower," she said, looking at his colorful face.
Gabriel was puzzled for a moment, then reached up to touch his face. When he saw the paint on his hand, his expression changed to one of exaggerated shock.
He put on a mock stern face and looked at Jessica. "This is what you call more beautiful than a flower, huh? Colorful indeed. I must say, it's quite the look."
"But I think..." Jessica had a bad feeling.
The next moment, he reached out and gently smeared her face. Instantly, the paint was all over Jessica's face.
"Hey, you're so annoying!" Jessica laughed and looked at him.
"Now we're a perfect match, and we both look the same."
After playing around for a while, Gabriel hugged Jessica from behind, and they looked out the window together.
Jessica knew she was about to leave. This might be their last moment together. She didn't want to speak; she just wanted to lean quietly in his arms.
She inhaled his scent, listened to his heartbeat, and felt his breath. In that moment, she felt completely content.
They stood there for what seemed like an eternity. Suddenly, Jessica's eyes widened, and she looked out the window with excitement. "Wow, Gabriel, look, it's snowing."
It was snowing heavily, with large flakes falling.
In the evening, when Gabriel got off work, the outside was already a white expanse.
Getting into the car, Jessica looked at Gabriel. "How about we have some barbecue tonight?"
"Sure," Gabriel replied. He then booked a private room.
When they arrived, Jessica looked at the steaming barbecue and then at the snow outside. The stark contrast between the cold and warmth made everything feel a bit surreal, just like Gabriel in front of her.
But this time, she didn't want to make it sad, nor did she want to spend the last precious moments in sighs and sorrow. She wanted to seize these last few hours, holding onto them tightly—tightly enough that she wouldn't have too many regrets when she looked back.
After the barbecue, Jessica remembered that home wasn't far from here. So she suggested, "Gabriel, how about we walk home?"
"I'm fine with it, but I'm afraid you'll get cold or tired."
"It's okay." Jessica immediately pointed to her down jacket from head to toe.
"I'm dressed warmly today. And pregnant women have a higher body temperature than usual, I won't be cold."
"But what if you get tired?"
Jessica smiled and replied, "Then you can carry me!"
Gabriel nodded and looked at her lovingly, then took her hand and walked out.
When they left the barbecue place, the snow had thickened even more. Their feet crunched on the snow, and Jessica found the sound strangely pleasant.
The snow showed no signs of stopping, instead, it fell heavier and heavier, swirling down.
Hand in hand, they walked through the thick snow. Behind them were a series of footprints.
Snow fell on their heads, shoulders, and clothes. Some even slipped into their collars, cold and icy.
Looking at Gabriel's snow-covered hair, Jessica suddenly thought of a saying: "If we can share the snow, we can grow old together."
Her eyes suddenly welled up, and she couldn't hold back anymore. Hugging Gabriel tightly, she whispered, "Honey, I'm tired. Can you carry me home?"
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