Chapter 208 Marriage Certificate and Vow
Teresa’s heart raced as she tapped into the trending news on Twitter.
The news had been released by a prominent entertainment outlet. In just minutes, the story had shot up to the number three spot on the trending list and was accompanied by three images.
The first showed Gabriel, ever the gentleman, standing at the car door, hand held up against the roof for Kay Baxter to step out of the car.
The second was an animated photo of Gabriel and Kay side by side, laughing and chatting as they entered a restaurant.
The third captured them seated at a table in front of floor-to-ceiling windows, cheerfully clinking wine glasses.
In the photo, Gabriel wore a dapper suit that fit him to a tee. His tall, slender frame was as statuesque as the gentle image etched into Teresa's mind. His chiseled profile was insanely handsome.
He was smiling warmly at Kay Baxter.
Staring at the images on her phone, Teresa's heart felt as though it was being pricked by countless fine needles. The pain made her body jerk involuntarily, and tears, unbidden and uncontrolled, began to fall, drop by drop, onto her phone screen.
Kay Baxter had become a highly desired lady in Hollywood over the past couple of years. She was virtually a household name, renowned for her raving reputation and scandal-free career. She was always known for her pure and charming personality.
In the photograph, Paige gazed at Gabriel with undisguised admiration and affection, her smile timid and enchanting. Together in the frame, they looked... indescribably perfect, utterly well-matched.
Absorbed in the picture, Teresa found herself forcing a smile.
He had gone to Miami on business without a word to her.
And now, without so much as a heads-up, he was having dinner with this endearing actress, visible to everyone. It didn't take long for them to rocket up the trending charts.
Gabriel, oh Gabriel, did you plan this rendezvous or did it happen inadvertently?
Whatever the answer may be will not assuage the public derision and odium to which Teresa has become exposed in the town.
What a counter-play—Gabriel's retaliation was harsh.
He had said that he poured all his heart into someone who didn't appreciate it
.
She had said that she chose her dreams over him.
Since they had both let go, what was there for her to be sad about? Wasn't Gabriel's behavior expected?
Ha...
With self-deprecating laughter, Teresa switched off her phone not bothering to read the comments, wiped away her tears, and locked the screen immediately.
Looking out of the car window, Teresa's heart was like a still pond, unrippled even by the windstorm outside.
“Buzz...”
The car smoothly made its way to the Garcia house. After what seemed like an eternity, Teresa's phone vibrated in her pocket. Pulling it out, she saw it was a call from William.
"What's going on between you and Gabriel? Why is it getting worse?" William's weighty voice came through as she answered.
"William, you didn't want me meddling in your business with Hayden. Could you please extend the same courtesy and stay out of mine with Gabriel?" Teresa responded coolly.
"It‘s a minor issue between both of you that can easily be solved if you decide to have a talk. There’s no reason to take it this far," William sounded annoyed on the other end of the phone.
"He betrayed me, William! I didn't pass my exam because of him. How does that translate to a minor issue?" Teresa's voice was calm but filled with a hint of bitterness.
"If you're determined to become a diplomat, simply retake the exam next year."
Teresa let out a contemptuous laugh, "Yeah, I can retake it next year, however who can predict the events of next year?"
"Teresa, just listen to me, and don't be so stubborn!"
"If Gabriel and I can't get past this hurdle, how can we be sure we won't have issues down the line? I need some time to cool off. Can you please just let it be?"
After a moment of silence, William spoke up again, "What about Dakota? Are you going to tell Gabriel about that?"
"That's not for now. I'll wait for the right moment."
Hearing Teresa's steady voice, William sighed helplessly, "If you don't want to stay at the Garcias, you can come home with your son for a few days."
"Okay, I will," Teresa replied, her voice cracking with emotion, "Thanks."
......
In a Michelin three-star restaurant in Miami, Gabriel's dinner with Kay Baxter was interrupted by his phone vibrating in the pocket of his jacket.
He excused himself with an apologetic smile, "I'm sorry, I need to take this."
"Please, Gabriel, go ahead," Kay said with a graceful smile, gesturing for him to proceed.
Gabriel nodded appreciatively and walked toward the restaurant entrance with his phone in hand.
Outside the restaurant, his bodyguard Luke saw Gabriel emerge and respectfully greeted him.
"Are the reporters gone from downstairs?" Gabriel inquired as he made his way to the elevator while holding a still-vibrating phone.
"Yes, all cleared out, sir," Luke replied, walking in stride with him.
"Let Kay Baxter know I had to leave. Tell her to take her time and enjoy her meal," At the elevator, Gabriel's instructions were delivered with the same calmness, his face, once gentle in Kay's company, now hardened.
"Understood." Luke nodded and promptly relayed the message.
When Gabriel approached the elevator, the restaurant staff quickly hit the call button for him. The doors slid open, and he slumped inside, followed closely by Luke.
Only once inside the elevator did Gabriel finally answer his ringing phone.
"Gabriel, what the hell are you playing at? Don't tell me you're done with Teresa," Mason barked as soon as the call connected.
Gabriel scrunched his narrow brows and retorted irritably, "Far from it, but Teresa is done with me."
"Bullshit! It seems to me like you're the one messing up, not acting a bit like a man," Mason fumed on the other end.
