Chapter 268
"Mom told me," Teresa replied as she sat next to him, handing little builder blocks to Croissant and explaining.
She had indeed inquired to Katherine, who confirmed it.
"Sweetheart, has Brian been bothering you at school?" Gabriel asked Teresa intently, noticing a flicker of sadness in her eyes.
"How could he bother me?" Teresa quickly denied it, not wanting Gabriel to worry. "Do you think he became a teacher at our academy just because of me?"
"As long as he's not, that's good." Gabriel reached out, gently cradled the back of her head, and kissed her forehead. "Honey, we don't necessarily have to rely on Brian for the marrow. I'll find another compatible donor, so don't worry."
"Okay." Teresa nodded, looking at him earnestly. "Our baby and I absolutely need you with us."
Gabriel's eyes were bright with emotion as he gazed back at her. "I know, and I'll be here. I'll be fine and watch our child grow up. Together, we'll age gracefully."
"Daddy and Mommy won't get old, and when I grow up, Daddy and Mommy still won't get old," Croissant suddenly chimed in, lifting his head from the block tower he was meticulously constructing.
Teresa smiled and kissed Croissant gently. "Okay, Mommy will never get old, but forever young."
Croissant nodded vigorously, seriously echoing, "Yes, Mommy will be forever young."
"Exactly, my sweetheart is forever young," Gabriel agreed.
Teresa playfully scolded him with a glance, her eyes brimming with happiness that seemed to overflow.
As long as Gabriel was All right, she was willing to endure any hardships life might throw her way.
When the clock struck a little after seven, Mason and Raymond returned, and the butler came upstairs to announce that dinner was ready.
Descending to the dining room, the rest of the family was already seated, waiting for their arrival.
"Grandpa, Dad."
"Great Grandpa, Grandpa."
Teresa called out, and little Michael's gleeful squeals joined in. His adorable face lit up like a blossoming flower, radiating pure joy.
"Hey there, champ!" Raymond had a soft spot for Michael, much like Mason doted on his grandson Gabriel. He swooped the toddler up into his arms, and they shared a laugh or two before Raymond settled him into the high chair and returned to his seat.
"Our little Michael is such a bright and charming boy, just like Gabriel was at his age," Christine remarked with a smile as she watched Michael from across the table.
"I'm quite envious, Gabriel. You've got a sharp and sweet wife like Teresa and a smart, adorable son like Michael," Brian said from beside Christine, directly across from Teresa, his compliment delivered flawlessly.
"If you're envying your cousin, then it's high time you found a lovely girl to marry. Your future kids could then play with Michael," Katherine chimed in with a laugh.
"Let's eat!" Mason declared, picking up his spoon and diving into his soup.
"Right, let’s dig in," Katherine echoed cheerily. Everyone quieted down and began the meal.
Gabriel sat next to Teresa, intuitively serving her favorite dishes, reciprocating her gestures occasionally. Midway through the meal, Teresa suddenly felt a brush against the side of her leg.
It wasn't from Gabriel's side, so obviously, he wasn't the culprit. It had to be that man.
Teresa's brow furrowed for a moment, and she glanced across the table.
Brian appeared nonchalant, eating and joking with Katherine as if nothing happened.
Clearly, it was a deliberate provocation from Brian.
But could she call him out? The answer was no. He could just claim it was an accident.
Before anyone could notice the shift in her emotions, Teresa quickly composed herself and continued to eat.
However, not long after, her leg was touched again in the same spot.
It was not a mere accidental touch but a slow, deliberate caress.
This was Brian's bold move at the Garcia family dinner. If Teresa didn't put a stop to it, there was no telling what troubles lay ahead.
"Brian..." she started to say.
But just as she spoke up, Gabriel suddenly clenched his fist, pressing it against his lips.
"Honey, what's wrong?" Teresa asked with concern.
"Son, what's wrong?"
Teresa and Katherine weren't the only ones concerned when they saw his condition. Mason and Raymond's hearts leaped into their throats.
Gabriel turned to Teresa, about to gesture that he was fine, but the churning in his stomach was too much. Without a moment's delay, he pushed back his chair and hurried toward the bathroom.
"Honey!" Teresa called out.
"My boy," Katherine added anxiously.
Teresa and Katherine quickly stood to follow him, filled with worry. Mason, with a furrowed brow, watched for a few seconds before trailing after them.
"Grandpa, what's wrong with Dad?" Michael, with his large, dark eyes gleaming like black grapes, looked up at Raymond, a mix of confusion and unease on his young face.
"Everything's okay, champ. Dad's going to be just fine," Raymond reassured the little guy.
The side effects of the medication were probably kicking in. Gabriel was in for a rough time with the upcoming treatments.
But Michael shook his head and, pointing in Gabriel's direction, said, "Grandpa, let's go check on Dad."
"All right, let's go see your dad," Raymond replied as he stood up and carried the little boy to follow the others.
After they had left the table, a sinister smile crept onto Brian's face.
He couldn't wish for anything more than for Gabriel to pass away sooner.
If Gabriel were gone and he could be with Teresa again, Brian would have everything he wanted.
"What are you smiling about?" Christine, catching the unsettling expression on Brian's face, frowned and questioned him.
"It's nothing," Brian quickly masked his chilling demeanor and served Christine a slice of steak, "Here, Mom, have some more."
Christine gave him a sharp look and then also stood to check on Gabriel.
In the bathroom, Gabriel was hunched over the sink, violently sick.
He had wanted to vomit several times before but had held it in, not wanting to worry everyone.
Now, as he retched, he felt a wave of guilt and remorse overwhelm him.
