Chapter 199 More Surprises Than Anticipated
Staring back at him, Teresa managed a humorless smile, "If that's what you think, then so be it!"
With that, Teresa gripped her phone tightly in her hand, cast one deep, tearful look at Gabriel, and then turned on her heel and walked away with long strides.
Standing motionless, Gabriel's hands by his sides clenched into fists, and upon hearing the loud bang of the door slamming shut, he punched the tempered, floor-to-ceiling windows with a ferocious blow...
Late into the night, Teresa returned alone to River North. She didn’t go back to Foxglove Fields, nor did she return to the Garcia family mansion. Instead, she headed straight for the Bennett residence.
When she arrived at the Bennetts' in the early hours, Patrick and Sophia were already asleep, but William was still up in the study, busy with his work. Seeing her come back so late, he couldn’t help but be surprised.
"Why are you back at this hour? Is something wrong?"
William heard a disturbance and came out of his study to see Teresa stroll by. She had tears in her eyes, making them bloated and red, looking as big as two walnuts. With haste, he extended his hand and took her arm.
Surprised by the sudden grip, Teresa couldn't help but stop and look at William.
But the thought of his attitude towards Hayden instantly irked her, and with a forceful jerk, she shook off his hand.
It seemed like all men were the same; none were without flaws.
"Hey, what have I done to deserve this attitude?" William, seeing Teresa's annoyed and defiant expression, wasn't the least bit angry. He calmly asked, "Did you have a fight with Gabriel?"
"If you break up with Michelle and marry Hayden, then I might just tell you," Teresa stated flatly.
William's brows furrowed at the mention of Hayden, and he let out a deep sigh, "Teresa, can you please stay out of my business with her?"
"Then you stay out of mine," she retorted and headed straight to her bedroom.
Watching her go, William let out another sigh but didn't try to stop her or ask further questions.
Unraveling a knot often requires the hands that tie it. Just like the situation with him and Hayden, if Teresa didn't want to talk about it, it was best to leave it be. He trusted that Gabriel could handle their relationship issues.
Teresa was undoubtedly too exhausted from her journey's emotions. She returned to her bedroom and promptly dozed off.
Gabriel, after calming down from his burst of anger, decided to go back. By the time he reached the Bennett residence, it was almost 2 a.m. The mansion was dark, except for a few dim path lights still on. Not wanting to disturb anyone, he parked the car outside and stayed in.
Unable to sleep in the car, Gabriel fished out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter, got out of the car, leaned against the door, and smoked while looking in the direction of Teresa's bedroom, waiting for dawn.
He knew ever since meeting Teresa that she was different from other women. She had everything growing up but still worked hard, surely chasing a dream in her heart.
And now, without her consent, he had arrogantly ruined her dream. Her anger, her rage, even her mentioning of divorce, seemed justified.
He used to think that loving someone meant keeping them close and giving them the best of everything.
But that "best" was only best in his eyes, not necessarily what Teresa really wanted.
Now, he finally understood that the more selfishly he tried to keep Teresa locked by his side, the more it stirred her desire to struggle and rebel, which only led to a counterproductive outcome. Ultimately, it could even result in losing her altogether.
So, to love her meant he needed to give her the freedom she deserved, to let her soar and revel in the joy of flying, to pursue whatever her heart desired.
It was freezing at midnight in December. Gabriel spent more than three hours leaning on the door of his automobile while wearing little more than a light jacket.
As the sky finally began to lighten with the first hint of dawn around six in the morning, the Bennett family's housekeeper stepped out to run errands and spotted Gabriel waiting outside the mansion. She kindly invited him in.
Teresa had fallen into bed and was asleep the night before but had a restless night and woke up early.
After taking a shower and getting dressed, she descended the stairs, only to lock eyes with Gabriel, who had been ushered in by the housekeeper. Their gaze met.
Without any surprise on her face, Teresa broke the eye contact emotionlessly and headed toward the kitchen. She hadn't eaten anything since yesterday afternoon and was famished.
Gabriel watched her go and followed suit.
Sensing the tension between the two, the housekeeper quietly excused herself, giving them space, and went about her own duties.
