Chapter 49 A Gamble, Who Will Gabriel Choose?
Even though Jessica knew that his choice wasn't made out of love for her, her heart couldn't help but pound fiercely in her chest.
"Thank you, Gabriel, for your decisiveness. And for not hesitating," she remarked.
Perhaps it was due to her pregnancy that, on the way back, Jessica felt waves of drowsiness. Gabriel reached out his arm and drew her head to his chest. "If you're tired, take a nap."
"Okay," she murmured obediently, snuggling into his embrace and closing her eyes.
On the surface, she appeared calm. But only she knew the turmoil churning inside her heart. Was her decision today right or wrong? And could he truly let go of Diana?
Just as she had told her persistent thoughts, for the sake of the baby, she wanted to try, to give it one last effort.
"Gabriel, Gabriel," she whispered inwardly, "I've given you everything I have, hoping you won't prove this gamble a loss."
Jessica was certain that Diana wouldn't sit still. She had anticipated that Diana would seek her out. But she didn't expect it would be so soon.
"Jessica, let's meet up!" Diana's direct approach caught Jessica off-guard when she called.
"If you’re calling to persuade me to divorce, save your breath. Gabriel has already made it crystal clear, and I have no intention of repeating myself."
"You're wrong. I have no such intentions. I just want to invite you for tea," Diana responded, throwing Jessica for a loop.
"I'm not available," Jessica replied, cutting her off entirely.
"I'm at the same coffee shop we visited last time. If you don't come, I'll come to you. Your call," Diana insisted, stubbornly.
Jessica sighed, left speechless, and resigned herself to get dressed and hailed a cab.
When she arrived, Diana had already ordered her coffee. Sipping it gently, she wore a soft smile that betrayed nothing of a woman scorned; instead, her face was flush with a rosy glow, her captivating smile.
Jessica couldn't quite grasp what game Diana was playing but resolved to stay on guard. As soon as Jessica sat down, Diana passed an envelope across the table.
"Have a look," she said with a smile.
Jessica pinched the envelope, feeling its stiff contents, an all too familiar texture. She had an inkling it contained photographs.
And if her guess was right, they would be pictures of Diana and Gabriel from their days together. Though Jessica was quite aware of their past relationship and had heard plenty about their sweet romance, hearing about it was one thing.
Confronting these moments frozen in time laid out before her was quite another. She admitted to herself that she was rattled, both pained and envious. But she refused to concede or let Diana glimpse the fear in her heart.
Lifting her head, Jessica offered a cool smile and pushed the envelope back towards Diana, "No need, I've already guessed what's inside."
"If you've guessed, then why the hesitance to open it, Jessica? Are you scared?" Diana stared into her eyes, certain of herself.
"What nonsense. Why would I be scared?" Jessica denied.
"If you're not, then prove it. Open it, Jessica. Show me your courage," Diana taunted.
Jessica had to admit, she was provoked.
Suddenly, she was insanely curious to see those photographs. On how they loved each other, how deeply etched their memories were to keep Gabriel from letting go.
"Fine, I'll open it." Taking a deep breath to steady her trembling hands, Jessica tore open the envelope and spilled the photographs out.
The photos were numerous, a thick heap of them. As they scattered on the floor, her gaze fell upon the images of Diana and Gabriel together.
Back then, they were younger, both in school uniforms.
Some showed them standing side by side; others captured them exchanging tender smiles. There were moments of them sitting together in the library, and even a snapshot under the warm sunlight where Diana stood on her tiptoes to kiss Gabriel.
So, there had truly been so much 'once upon a time' between them, so much beauty.
"If these aren't enough," Diana continued smugly, "I have many more at home."
"Jessica, you certainly understand why Gabriel won't divorce you. I know you feel triumphant now, but what about it? Does he love you? Can a loveless marriage ever be happy?
"No matter how fiercely Gabriel might reject me, I know I hold a place in his heart that he can't simply erase," Diana asserted with a certainty that nearly broke Jessica.
Jessica's heart ached and the pain was palpable. She grieved over his youth, his early years—precious times she would never share.
She lamented his past loves, his former flames, and times when another held his heart. Yet, logic needed to prevail, didn't it? No one could rewrite their youth; life offered no potion of regret.
Drawing a deep breath, Jessica's gaze met Diana's again, her eyes clear and resolute, "Even if every word you've uttered is true, what does it matter? It's all in the past, Diana, you've lost him."
"Now, he is my husband and I'm his wife, and knowing that is enough for me," Jessica remarked, cooly.
"Is that so?" Diana's chilly laugh carried a challenge. "Jessica, do you dare take a bet with me?"
"On what terms?" Almost as if bewitched, Jessica agreed.
At her acceptance, a sly, almost predatory smile curled at the corner of Diana’s lips.
"Call Gabriel now, ask him to come here, and within five minutes, you'll have your answer."
"Fine."
Jessica did just that, shooting Gabriel a quick text. The reply was swift, "Okay."
At that moment, Diana gestured to the server, "Hand me a fruit knife."
Without blinking, she took the knife and drew a swift, deep cut across her palm. Blood started to gush forth in a crimson tide. Soon, Diana's hand was drenched in red.
She handed the knife to Jessica, "Your turn. I'm curious to see if Gabriel will rush you to the hospital, or me."
Jessica took the knife, her hand wavering ever so slightly, almost ready to mirror Diana's grim act. She had to admit, a part of her wanted to know—just a modicum of concern from him would suffice.
But as the icy steel touched her skin, she came to an abrupt, freezing realization.
Dropping the knife, she fixed a cold stare on Diana, "I refuse to engage in such a mindless charade. Play by yourself if you must."
Diana's laugh was scornful, "Jessica when it comes down to it, you're afraid, you don't dare. And yet, you claim to love him."
"I do love him, but not in a way that requires self-harm to elicit his pity. Pity is just that—pity, not love."
Diana scoffed at her naivety, "If a man can't even muster sympathy for a woman, how could he possibly love her?"
Right then, Gabriel walked into the coffee shop. Diana glanced at Jessica, "Here he comes. I told you that you'd lose. Just watch."
Stressing with every step Gabriel took, it felt to Jessica like he was stepping right on her chest—with anxiety, panic, and even fear gripping her.
Her heart felt like it had leaped into her throat.
