Chapter 187
A clique of socialites stepped out of the residence and their gaze was instantly caught by the elegant black Rolls-Royce Phantom that was parked in the most noticeable location at the gate. Teresa had observed it too, surrounded by her friends. She hadn’t expected Gabriel to come pick her up without text or call; she had no idea how long he had been waiting there.
As the group silently speculated whose car it might be, Gabriel swung open the rear door and stepped out with a long stride.
"Hey, isn't that Gabriel? Teresa, you’re about to make us all green with envy!" exclaimed the first to recognize him, teasing her with a knowing smile.
Teresa's face lit up with a beaming smile at the sight of the tall, handsome man striding her way, "I had a great time today, thanks everyone. Let's get together again soon," she said to the group.
"We feel the same, meeting you was a blast. We must do it again," someone replied with a hearty laugh.
Teresa nodded, "Absolutely. We’ll do it again."
In the midst of this conversation, Gabriel had walked up. Teresa stepped forward, and Gabriel slipped off his coat to drape it over her shoulders. Then, with a swift movement, he wrapped his arm around her slender waist, pulling her into an embrace.
The group of elite women watched them, unable to contain their excited screams and showered Gabriel with compliments.
"Thank you all for taking care of my wife tonight. We’ll be heading out," he nodded at everyone, then guided Teresa into the car.
Teresa turned back and waved to the group one last time before getting into the vehicle.
"Have you had enough fun?" Once inside the vehicle, Gabriel asked in a low voice, pushing the center control button over his head to lift the partition, separating the cabin's front and back. Then, with his dark eyes riveted to Teresa, he reached to raise her chin.
Teresa smiled and nodded, but then she crinkled her nose in distaste. "Why do you smell like cigarette smoke...?" "Hmm!"
Before she could finish her complaint, Gabriel leaned in, sealing her lips with his, his voice a low murmur, "Now that you've had enough fun, it's my turn..."
...
"Gabriel, have you been overworking yourself lately? You look thinner," Katherine furrowed her brow the moment she saw him.
The next day, Teresa and Gabriel flew back to River North. Upon returning to the estate, Katherine's maternal concern was apparent. Teresa glanced at Gabriel, who was casually holding Croissant, and realized she hadn’t noticed any change herself, likely because she spent every day close by his side.
"Do I look tired to you? I feel great," Gabriel said as he walked into the house, one arm cradling his son, the other wrapped around Teresa.
Inside, he played with the boy while Teresa changed her clothes. Right as she had slipped into something comfortable, Katherine appeared at her door, knocking gently with a tray of homemade cookies in hand.
"Katherine, you are far too kind, bringing it up here," Teresa said with a grateful smile, hurrying over to take the tray from Katherine.
Katherine entered, smiling at Teresa, "Dear, these cookies are newly baked. Grab some."
"Of course," Teresa agreed amiably, sitting down on the couch with the tray. She took some bites and grinned, "Oh, this is so good."
“Glad you like it," Katherine replied, sitting beside her, "If you enjoy it, I'll ask the cook to make more."
"Mhm," Teresa nodded, continuing to savor her soup.
"So, Teresa, when do you and Gabriel plan on giving Michael a little brother or sister?" Katherine asked, seizing the moment as Teresa appeared content.
"It's really up to Gabriel," Teresa deflected. After all, her mother couldn't get upset with her son over such a matter.
"From the look of things, I don't think Gabriel is considering doing something about it," Katherine said candidly.
Gabriel seemed to be relishing his time with Teresa, dreaming daily of moving out to Foxglove Fields for more privacy. It didn't seem like he wanted to expand their family just yet.
Teresa simply smiled and didn't reply, focusing instead on the cookies.
"Teresa, dear, has Gabriel lost weight recently? Are you two staying up late?" Katherine asked, treading lightly with a knowing smile.
Teresa was about to agree; they did keep late hours; but reconsidered the implication in Katherine's words. Was she suggesting they were indulging too much?
With a chuckle, Teresa looked at Katherine, "We'll be more mindful, Katherine. We'll make sure to get to bed earlier."
"That's good to hear," Katherine said with satisfaction, patting Teresa's hand affectionately. "While I'm eager for another grandchild, your and Gabriel's wellbeing comes first. As long as you're both healthy, there's no rush for another baby."
"You're right, Katherine; thank you. Gabriel and I will both be more mindful from now on." Teresa gave a submissive nod, her expression evoking her good-natured compliance.
"Alright, you better finish your cookies before it gets cold; it won't taste as good then."
"Okay," Teresa continued with a cheerful smile, chewing the cookies.
...
