Chapter 103 The Bright and Brave Miss Bush
Teresa and Gabriel returned to the Bennett house, and Croissant had come back with Victoria as well. William was tied up with work and wouldn't be home that evening, so it was just the three of them for dinner at the Bennett's.
After the meal, Gabriel spent time playing with Croissant, while Teresa tended to her own tasks.
It was nearing ten at night when Gabriel tiptoed into Teresa's room, finding her utterly engrossed in her work at the computer, not noticing his presence until he stood close behind her, gazing over her shoulder at the screen. Only when she stretched back into her chair after finishing her slides did she realize with a start that Gabriel was right there.
"What... Mmm!" she gasped in surprise, about to speak when he placed his large hand on the back of her head and pressed his lips forcefully against hers, his intense gaze looming close before her eyes.
This time Teresa did not resist, engulfed as she was in the heat and passion of the moment. Rather, she closed her eyes and began to slowly reciprocate his kiss as she leaned in.
Feeling her response, Gabriel deepened the kiss, fervently wishing he could devour her whole. But the kiss grew too intense, and Teresa struggled for breath, pushing him away gently.
Gabriel immediately released her, forehead still against hers, his voice a husky whisper, "Teresa, let me stay tonight, okay?"
Teresa took a deep breath, looked into his intensely dark eyes, glowing with an almost tangible fire, and briefly lost herself, “No!" she protested, regaining her composure and pushing him away again, “It's late, it's time for you to head out."
He caught her hands against his chest and playfully nipped at her nose, “Would you really have me tossing and turning all night, unable to sleep?" he teased.
"That's your problem, not mine," Teresa retorted with mock annoyance.
"You're heartless!" Gabriel quipped and bent down to kiss her again.
But this time, Teresa dodged and pushed him away more firmly, “It's past ten, go on home. I need rest."
She feared that if Gabriel stayed, she might be completely bewitched by him. Their relationship shouldn't escalate so rapidly, not when they barely knew each other, and she wasn't sure whether his affection and fondness were merely whimsical or had the potential for longevity.
Unable to force her, Gabriel looked down ruefully at his own body and then pleaded miserably, "I'll just sleep next to you, we don't have to do anything."
Teresa glanced in the direction he was looking, then nodded toward the bathroom, “Feel free to sleep there, but don't make a mess."
Gabriel was at a loss for words.
In the end, Gabriel was asked to leave, his face etched with a sullen resentment.
Once he left, Teresa was about to freshen up when her cellphone rang. An unknown number flashed on the screen.
"Hello?" she answered without a second thought.
"Is this Teresa?" A voice cracked through the speaker that was hostile, almost disrespectful. It was a woman's voice.
Teresa frowned, “Who are you, and why are calling me?"
"What's your relationship with Gabriel?" The woman's tone worsened, now laced with anger.
“We're not even close. Why should I tell you anything?" sneered Teresa.
The voice seemed vaguely familiar, but Teresa couldn't quite place where she had heard it.
"You think you can trap Gabriel with your little games?" the woman sneered scornfully, "That's a pipe dream."
The disdain and mockery were clear in her voice, but Teresa found it amusing, “Hey, Miss, instead of wasting time on me, maybe you should focus on how to catch Gabriel's attention. Make him fall for you. Sorry, my time is precious. Don't call me again."
Teresa was about to end the call when the woman snapped, "I let Gabriel go before. It's the only reason you had a chance. Now that I'm back, I won't let him go to anyone else."
Unperturbed, Teresa replied coolly, "Alright, got it. I'm hanging up."
With that, she ended the call. But despite her calm demeanor, a slight furrow creased her lovely brow.
The woman claimed she had allowed Teresa a chance with Gabriel by stepping aside.
Could she be Gabriel's ex-girlfriend?
When did this supposedly happen? Maybe before Teresa went abroad or three years ago?
If it was before she left...
But Teresa doubted Gabriel was two-faced. He had no reason to be.
And if it was three years ago...
Realizing she was getting carried away, Teresa shook her head, put down her phone, and headed straight for the shower.
Well, it's not like many people know about her and Gabriel's situation anyway. If Gabriel can't stay committed, rekindling flames with his ex-girlfriend, then it's clear-cut; they're headed straight for divorce.
That night, for some reason Teresa couldn't fathom, she was restless, haunted by a parade of bizarre dreams that wouldn't let her be.
In the morning, she video-chatted with Diana. They hadn't seen each other for a while and decided to catch up over lunch, because Diana missed Croissant.
Barely had she penciled in plans with Diana, Hayden shot her a text, inviting her out for lunch too.
Teresa had only met Hayden twice and couldn't quite grasp the enthusiasm and friendliness she was showing, going so far as to ask her out. But since she'd already made plans with Diana, she had to decline Hayden's offer.
However, Hayden's response was unexpected; "Do you mind if I join you two?" Her tone, almost that of a pitiful soul left out in the cold, tugged at Teresa's heartstrings. It didn’t hurt to have Hayden together, so she gladly agreed. She relayed the situation to Diana afterward.
The opportunity of dining with Hayden, the esteemed Miss Bush from the capital, thrilled Diana to no end. She agreed without a moment's hesitation.
No sooner had Teresa confirmed with both of them, Gabriel appeared. He walked over to Teresa and the little one who were at the dining table, planting affectionate kisses on both of them before taking a seat alongside his family.
"Daddy, eat this," the little tyke offered, holding out a bun to Gabriel.
Gabriel laughed, took a big bite out of it, cut it in half, and gave Teresa the remaining portion in jest. With beaming satisfaction in his deep-set eyes, he said, "The bun is really good."
Teresa rolled her eyes at him and, not bothering with his antics, grabbed her own bun, taking a satisfying bite.
