Chapter 15 Extreme Disgust
As the wait stretched on, Liam and his buddies started with a casual poker game, while Teresa mingled with the girlfriends on the sofa, engaging in light-hearted banter.
The arrival of Gabriel, accompanied by Unity, broke the evening's lull. Unity, known in elite circles through her association with Preston, was an unexpected addition, especially since Gabriel had just returned from overseas.
Her sudden closeness to Gabriel's inner circle raised eyebrows, and her presence alongside Gabriel at this gathering, with Teresa also in attendance, was particularly startling.
Unity gracefully attached herself to Gabriel's arm, her composure was impeccable despite the unforeseen encounter with his childhood friends.
Kyle, never one to mince words, quipped about Gabriel's rumored engagement to a prominent heiress, he questioned his decision to bring Unity instead.
Gabriel responded with a knowing grin, letting Unity hold onto him as they joined the group. His gaze briefly met Teresa's before he teased, "The final choice of bride will remian as a mystery until the very end, won’t it?"
Aaron laughed, impressed by Gabriel's audacity, while Unity played along, her demure response masking her delight at Gabriel's provocative comment.
Liam, wrapping an arm around Teresa, joked about the pre-marriage jitters, to which Gabriel, with Unity in his embrace, agreed, suggesting they focus on the feast and festivities.
The servers swiftly laid out a lavish spread, and the friends, old and new, delved into lively conversation, with Teresa and Liam seated across from Gabriel and Unity.
Teresa felt an occasional piercing gaze but saw nothing when she looked up.
After dinner, the friends gathered around the mahjong table, their camaraderie uninterrupted by time. while Teresa, who’s more of a silent type only watched from behind Liam. When her phone buzzed, she excused herself to Liam, who, slightly inebriated, affectionately kissed her in full view of the group, leaving her flushed.
Gabriel, seemingly preoccupied with his hand of mahjong tiles, took in the exchange without comment but felt an irritating spark of something undefined.
Excusing himself under the pretense of a bathroom break, Gabriel followed Teresa out.
Teresa, at the end of the corridor, was embroiled in a tense phone call about her jeopardized exchange program, urgently discussing needed documentation.
As Gabriel's footsteps neared, she got shocked.
Gabriel's intense gaze held hers, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. In a swift, fluid motion, he drew her close, his hand gently steadying her, and pressed his lips to hers in a bold, unexpected kiss...