Chapter144 Can't Live without You?
Teresa laughed as the tiara sat elegantly on her head, "I'm no royal princess. Even if I were going to a gala, I wouldn't need to wear a tiara!"
"It doesn't matter. In the eyes of Gabriel, you are his princess, his queen.”
Teresa playfully scolded her, feeling her cheeks warm with embarrassment, "If you keep praising him like that, I'm going to start wondering if you're in cahoots!"
Hayden looked at her, noting that despite the rough incident she'd been through and the bruises she bore, her face radiated happiness and well-being, "Gabriel really treats you well," she said with genuine envy.
Teresa smiled, "My brother is also a very considerate person."
But Hayden's smile gradually faded, "You don't think your brother will be unhappy to see me later, do you?"
"Why would he be unhappy? You've never wronged him," Teresa casually replied as she removed the tiara from her head and carefully stored it.
Realizing she'd said too much, Hayden quickly changed the subject, "I've picked out a few Elie Saab gowns, help me take a look."
Elie Saab, that's something Teresa was acquainted to. It's an haute couture brand recognized by the French High Fashion Council, and one of the most prestigious. Typically, only the elite of society, celebrities of the highest caliber, have the privilege of wearing such couture, with prices starting at half a million. It was no secret that Hayden's social status was exceptional, as most women of high society could only dream of one Elie Saab gown, yet she had several.
"Sure, I love Elie Saab gowns too. Show me what you've got," Teresa said with immediate excitement.
"Yeah, you should totally get some. Elie Saab's ethereal designs are just perfect for you," Hayden said, appraising Teresa.
"I've never tried their couture before. With such high standards, do you think they'd even design for me?" Teresa asked, suddenly unsure of herself.
Hayden teased her, "You're not just a Bennett, but also the beloved darling of Mr. Garcia. If you want, Elie Saab will let you choose anything from their couture line, or even have their head designer tailor something just for you."
Teresa looked at her friend and couldn't help but laugh, "That sounds exaggerated."
"Try it and see."
Teresa sighed, "Alright, I'll give it a shot."
Hayden whipped out her phone, and they settled into the lounge area on a couch, scrolling through Elie Saab's latest couture collection.
Elie Saab's couture really did have a magical and otherworldly charm. Teresa, with her height of 5'7", just over a hundred pounds, fair skin, slim where it mattered and curves in all the right places, had the perfect figure. She was not only gorgeous and vibrant but in an Elie Saab couture gown, she would look every bit as stunning as any model.
While they were deep in discussion over Elie Saab's collection, two familiar male voices called out from the doorway. Teresa looked over and immediately greeted them with joy, "William!"
William had entered with a smile, but as soon as he caught sight of Hayden beside Teresa, his cheerful expression vanished almost instantly.
"Gabriel, William," Hayden greeted them with a casual smile, but as her gaze met William's suddenly icy stare, her heart felt as if it had been pricked by a needle, sending a jolt of pain through her.
"William, I bumped into Hayden nearby, so I invited her to join us for a meal. There are four of us; I've already made a reservation," Teresa cheerfully informed William, latching onto his arm.
Gabriel extended his long arm, pulling her in close, "It's getting late. Let's head out."
"I just recalled I have..."William stated.
"William, the reservation's all set, just around the corner. Let's head out," Teresa said quickly, cutting off William’s excuse to leave.
"If William doesn't want to dine with me, there's no need to force it," said Hayden, trying to offer a smile as she looked at William.
William's attitude was icily distant, too much so. Better to let him leave than endure an awkward meal together.
"Well, if Hayden says so, it'd be rude to reject the invitation, wouldn't it?" William replied, his lips curving into a chilly smirk before he gestured politely for them to go ahead.
Hayden felt a sting in her eyes as she watched him, but she held back the tears, grabbed her purse, and strode out.
Teresa, observing both, finally sensed something off between them. They seemed to have a history with misunderstandings.
"Darling, let's go," Gabriel said, wrapping his arm around Teresa and leading the way to the private elevator, with William and Hayden trailing behind.
There were four people in the elevator, but nobody spoke, so the mood was rather stifling.
Thankfully, the descent was brief. After a ding-dong, the doors slid open on the ground floor, and Gabriel whisked Teresa out without waiting for the others, heading straight for the car and off to the restaurant.
Hayden followed William out of the elevator, irritated by his indifference to wait for her. She quickened her pace, overtaking him, and then settled into her car with a huff.
"Do you mind if I hitch a ride with you?" William asked, even though his car was right next to hers and his driver had already opened the door for him. It was as if some force had drawn him to Hayden's side.
Was William asking for a ride in her car?
Hayden thought she misunderstood and looked up abruptly.
Before she could respond, William had already placed a hand on the car door and slid in beside her.
Instinctively, Hayden scooted over to make room for him. As she turned her head to find that face she'd longed for now beside her, Hayden's heart lost all rhythm.
"To XXX Restaurant," she instructed the driver ahead, feigning composure.
"Yes, Miss Bush," the driver in front acknowledged and immediately drove off.
"Haven't you had enough fun, Hayden?" William's icy voice snaked into Hayden's ear as the car rolled away.
In an instant, Hayden turned her head towards the man who was just inches away. Her eyes welled up with tears, blurring her vision.
"William, are you blind or just heartless, I..." Her words were cut off by a gruff muffle.
As Hayden was about to erupt with the rage and cold fury she could no longer bear, William's grip tightened on the back of her head, and he kissed her fiercely. It was more of a devouring act than a kiss, fueled by towering rage, a domineering and absolute possession.
She had dared to seduce him, make him fall for her, and then, heartlessly and cruelly, left him, tangling with another man. And now, she dared to reappear before him, to provoke and tease him!
Damn it, Hayden!
At that moment, William had only one thought: to “consume” her piece by piece, ensuring she would never have the chance to leave him again.
A sharp pain spread from her lips, along with the taste of blood, prompting a stifled whimper from Hayden. She instinctively pushed against William's chest, trying to shove him away.
