Chapter 37 Loyalty required
Teresa's eyes brimmed with unshed tears, her gaze was fixed on Gabriel, who appeared unfazed by the blood trickling from his hand. She reached for her purse, poised to leave.
"Teresa, what should I tell Liam if you storm off?" Gabriel stopped her.
She shot him a withering look. "Don't worry about Liam. I'll explain it myself."
As she stood, Gabriel's firm grip caught her wrist.
"Okay, I admit my mistake. Please sit down" he urged, his attention shifting to Liam re-entering the restaurant. "Liam's back."
Teresa followed his gaze and saw Liam. She wrenched her wrist away, her jaw set.
Gabriel watched her, a cryptic smile on his face. He discreetly hid his bleeding hand under a napkin.
"What's wrong, Teresa?" Liam's concerned voice reached her as he neared.
"I feel unwell. Can we go home?" Teresa's voice was steady, but her eyes pleaded.
Liam didn’t want her to feel any discomfort. "Of course, let’s go." He addressed Gabriel briefly, "Enjoy your meal. We're heading out."
Gabriel's "Okay" was faint as Liam and Teresa left.
Alone now, Gabriel's gaze lingered on the departing figures, then drifted to the cityscape outside, where the lights couldn't brighten his somber mood.
Liam sensed the tension as they reached the elevator. "Did you and Gabriel clash?"
He laughed it off. "Gabriel's always been like this—sharp-tongued, except with Mason. Give it time, you'll get used to him."
Teresa's eyes met his, her expression soft but troubled. "I just don't feel well."
Her vulnerability touched Liam, reminding him of a delicate, distressed puppy.
He hadn't seen this side of Teresa before, and it enchanted him.
He enveloped her in a comforting embrace. "Shall we go see a doctor?"
She shook her head. "I just need a rest. Maybe I'm worried about my uncle."
Liam's tone deepened with affection. "Teresa?"
"Yes?" She answered.
His kiss landed gently on her forehead. "I'd marry you right now if I could."
She blushed,, and smiled shyly. "Let me finish my studies abroad first, then we marry."
"Deal. But no second thoughts, or there'll be consequences," he said jokingly.
She nodded, a silent promise was made.
