Chapter 194
Sitting in her office, Teresa stared at the results on the computer screen, thinking she had entered the wrong information.
But there was no mistake. Her name was there, with her photo. There was no error.
How had she not passed the written exam, not even meeting the pass mark in one subject?
How could this be?
Teresa couldn't accept it. This couldn't possibly be right!
Rechecking her score on the official website for what seemed like the hundredth time, Teresa hastily dialed the administration of foreign service examination at the capital, eager to know if she could review her test answers.
"Absolutely," the voice on the other end said after she provided her candidate information. "Leave your contact details with us and we'll be in touch."
She hung up and sank back into her chair, staring at her computer screen in blank concentration. She saw the numbers, but found it difficult to claim them as hers.
Wasn't she certain that every answer she'd given was correct?
Could she have been so utterly mistaken during the exam? No, that seemed impossible; every question, every answer was still crystal clear in her mind.
No, it wasn't her fault. There had to be a mistake with the grading process.
As she brooded, a knock echoed at the door. Terry didn't wait for a response, striding in, his eyes immediately landing on Teresa who was staring unbelievingly at her screen.
"Teresa, what's wrong? Is everything okay?" he asked, moving closer to her. Taking the initiative, Terry placed his hands on her shoulders.
"Terry?" Startled, she snapped back to reality and looked up at him, "Did you need something?"
"Teresa, you seem out of sorts. What's going on?" Terry's concern was palpable.
"I..." Teresa's voice trembled as she met Terry's eyes, the comfort of his concern making her emotions surge, "I'm fine," she tried to assure, her voice choked.
"You're not fine," he insisted, leaning in closer, his grip reassuring, "Teresa, you can talk to me. Maybe I can help..."
"Honey."
Before Terry could finish, an intimately familiar and endearing voice came from the direction of the doorway, causing both to turn their heads. Terry tactfully withdrew his hands as Gabriel appeared at the door.
"Darling!" Teresa exclaimed, her voice filled with sheer affection. She rose and rushed into Gabriel's embrace.
Opening his arms wide, Gabriel enveloped her in his chest and kissed the crown of her head tenderly. His voice, raspy and gentle, inquired, "What's the matter?"
"Darling, I..." Teresa's voice quivered, with a slight pout that betrayed her distress as her eyes began to well up with tears, "I can't believe I failed the foreign service written exam."
Did not pass? Are you sure?" With a surprised expression, Gabriel cast a quick glimpse at the woman cradled in his arms.
Teresa raised her head to meet his gaze, fighting back tears as she nodded, "I've already called to request a review of my exam paper. There must have been a mistake during the grading."
Gabriel's handsome, narrow eyebrows drew together tightly as he looked at her, his heart aching, "Did they say when you can expect to hear back?"
She shook her head, "If there's no response by tomorrow, I'm flying to the capital. I'll confront them in person and demand to see my test paper."
Watching her, a dark glint passed through Gabriel's deep-set eyes, and his brows tensed further. He embraced her tightly and kissed her forehead with a tenderness that enveloped them both, softly assuring, "It's okay. If it doesn’t work this year, then try again next year. And even if becoming a diplomat doesn't work out, it's not the end of the world."
"Of course, it matters!" Teresa retorted, both hurt and annoyed, lifting her head from his embrace to glare at him, "Being a diplomat has been my dream since I was little."
"Okay, okay," Gabriel quickly soothed, gently cradling the back of her head to rest her face back against his neck, planting a kiss on the crown of her head as he continued to console her, "You'll make it next time. Don't be upset."
Not far away, Terry stood there, watching their devoted connection, the realization hitting him that he truly stood no chance at all.
He had previously believed Teresa and Gabriel's relationship was primarily motivated by the Garcia family's riches and power, as well as the advantages that such alliance may provide for the Bennett family.
But now, it was clear to him that Teresa's attachment to Gabriel exceeded his wildest expectations.
"By the way, what brought you here?" Still in Gabriel's arms, after a little while, Teresa's mood steadied, and she looked up at him with curious eyes.
As if Terry didn't exist, Gabriel leaned in nonchalantly and tenderly pecked Teresa's lips, a gentle and doting smile gracing his features, "I missed you, so I came."
Speechless, Teresa paused, a blush creeping onto her cheeks, and then she suddenly realized something as she turned her head.
Sure enough, Terry was still standing by her desk.
Quickly disengaging herself from Gabriel's embrace, she turned to face Terry with an apologetic smile, "Terry, I'm so sorry. Did you need me for something?"
Gabriel seemed to only then realize Terry was around. He glanced at him with disinterest, then pulled Teresa back into his embrace.
Teresa shot him a sideways glance and stayed silent.
"It's not a big deal. I would like to know if you are available tonight to assist with the New Year's Eve party rehearsal at the academy," Terry stated, trying to maintain a casual smile.
Teresa didn't hesitate to nod with a smile, "Sure, what time will the rehearsal start...?"
"Honey, today's my dad's birthday," Gabriel's deep, mellow voice sounded just as Teresa was about to continue speaking.
