Chapter 47 Ending Things with Diana
While she wanted to honor Xavier's final wishes and protect their marriage, and the home they built, she had no desire for it to be merely a shell of a relationship.
She could tolerate staying married to Gabriel for Xavier's sake, even accept his lack of love for her, but... the thought of Gabriel continuing a relationship with Diana while still married to her was unbearable.
What would that make her in the end?
It hadn't been long after Gabriel departed when Jessica received a call from Grace.
"Jessica, let's grab some coffee at our usual spot, I'm back in town."
"Back already? I thought you weren't wrapping up until next month?" Jessica's voice carried a tone of surprise.
"Yeah, well, the leading man got injured doing a stunt. Looks like we're on hold for a while,” Grace said.
Grace, the hottest A-lister, and Jessica's closest friend was back in town—a reason for Jessica's elation.
After a quick tidy-up, Jessica headed straight to the coffee shop they'd always frequented. Coincidentally, it was just a stone's throw from Gabriel's office. Situated in the bustling downtown district, it was a spot where every square foot was prime real estate.
But it was worth it—spacious, luxurious, the epitome of class. The fresh-ground coffee there was second to none, and both Jessica and Grace were fans of their rich blends.
Considering Grace's celebrity status, Jessica picked a table at a secluded corner. Arriving first, she ordered a cappuccino which was their old favorite, and a glass of water for herself.
After months apart, Jessica almost didn't recognize Grace. "Is that really you?" she exclaimed.
Grace, touched by the concern in her friend's eyes over her tanned skin, lamented, "Oh God, is it that obvious?"
"It sure is," Jessica confirmed after a sip of water, nodding emphatically. "It couldn't be any more obvious."
"All that sunscreen and BB cream, and still," Grace sighed, "my delicate skin got toasted. But the sun there was just brutal, and I was running around outdoors constantly. It was bound to happen."
"Don't worry about it," Jessica reassured her with a laugh. "Even with a tan, our girl is still the most stunning movie star out there that knocks everyone else out of the park."
Grace chuckled, "That's quite an overstatement, but I do love your sweet talk."
The two bursts into laughter. When Grace took a sip from her cup, she noticed Jessica was only drinking water.
"What's up, Jess? You're not... pregnant, are you?" Grace asked, astounded by her guess.
"Yes, I am," Jessica replied, with uncharacteristic simplicity.
There was no hesitation, no moment of doubt. If Grace was asking, Jessica saw no need for secrets.
It took Grace a moment to process the news. "Jess, you're not pulling my leg, are you? You honestly have a baby on the way?"
"Do I look like I'm kidding? I've even given up my favorite coffee," Jessica said, her gaze falling on the clear glass of water in front of her.
That settled it for Grace. Jessica was indeed expecting.
Almost immediately, she started railing, "Gabriel, that jerk, that bastard, knew you were pregnant, and he still wants a divorce?"
"How did you find out we're getting a divorce?" Jessica asked, surprised.
"I just know, okay? Nothing stays secret for long in this town," Grace replied.
Jessica thought for a moment before realizing, "Quentin Taft told you, didn't he?"
No sooner had she spoken, Grace blurted out in frustration, "Speak of the devil, and he shall appear."
"What?" Jessica was caught off guard.
"Gabriel," Grace ground out between clenched teeth.
Jessica was still catching up when Diana's familiar greeting "Long time no see" hit her ears, bringing it all into focus.
She turned around and there they were – Gabriel and Diana.
Diana was dressed in a long white dress, her smile warm and radiant, the picture of sophistication and elegance.
She ordered coffee, grabbing one for herself and handing one to Gabriel.
Gabriel took the cup and steered Diana toward a secluded corner.
"Long time no see. I'm thrilled you could meet me today," Diana said with a false innocence, her smile soft and harmless. "I heard about Xavier – my deepest condolences. Calling me here must mean you're starting to move on, right?"
Gabriel took a big sip of his coffee, the usually rich and flavorful brew tasting exceptionally bitter today.
Watching all this unfold, Grace struggled to contain herself and rose to confront them. But Jessica yanked her back by the hand.
"Jessica, they have the gall to openly date right in front of you. Watch me teach this shameless couple a lesson," Grace fumed, poised to defend her friend.
"Hold on, they might be breaking up today," Jessica explained.
"Breaking up? What's going on?" Grace asked, bewildered.
"Xavier's passing hit Gabriel hard. We've decided to call off the divorce and work on the marriage,"Jessica explained.
Grace immediately grasped Jessica’s hand with concern. "Jessica, are you sure about this? Are you truly willing to stay in this marriage with a man who doesn't love you?"
Tears brimmed in Jessica's eyes as she looked up, blinking them back fiercely. Taking a deep breath she turned to Grace, "Yeah, I've made my decision. I want to try again."
"We had agreed on three years, and there's one year left. I want to give it one last chance. If after one year he still feels nothing, no matter how painful, I'll let go," Jessica reasoned with a hint of sadness in her voice.
Grace looked at her with heartache and finally let out, "Silly girl, is he even worth it?"
"Maybe not, but I need to give myself a definitive reason to let go... and besides..." Jessica's hand rested softly on her belly, a tender gaze washing over her features. "We're expecting a baby," she said, her voice glowing with warmth. "I want to give our child the chance to grow up in a whole family."
Grace understood everything through Jessica’s eyes. She didn't try to talk her out of it. Because in so many ways, they were alike.
Despite knowing it wasn't worth it, that it was like a moth drawn to a flame. But without hitting a dead end, without being utterly shattered, they would never turn back.
Over at the coffee shop, Diana noticed Gabriel kept drinking coffee. In less than three minutes, the cup he held was drained.
Finally, unable to contain herself, she broke the silence, "Gabriel, did you want to meet up today because there's something important you needed to discuss?"
With Xavier gone, he and Jessica would be getting a divorce. Gabriel asking her to meet undoubtedly meant a marriage proposal was coming.
Visibly, he was nervous, incredibly so, which explained why he downed a whole cup of coffee in one go. So, Diana naturally assumed until Gabriel spoke, "There is something important I need to tell you in person."
"Yes, go ahead." Diana's eyes sparkled with anticipation and excitement.
"Diana, we should part ways. It's time for you to find a good man to marry," Gabriel said bluntly.
"What?" Diana asked in disbelief, lifting her head in shock, "Gabriel, what are you saying? I don't understand."
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