Chapter 86 Trying to Help Might Make Things Worse
"What were you doing all that time after lectures?" Gabriel inquired, playing with her delicate, soft hand, clearly in a good mood.
Taking a deep breath and setting aside her irritation, Teresa spoke earnestly, "I've agreed to teach. I'm starting at the college tomorrow, leading a German class for freshmen."
He smirked affectionately. "You know, honey, Capital Construction has been expanding a lot these past few years, especially over in Germany. We could really use someone like you..."
"Hold on a second!" he wasn't done speaking when Teresa cut him off, "That's Capital Construction's business and yours, not mine. I have my own things to deal with, and I might not even stick around teaching at the college. I've applied for the diplomatic service exam, which is in three months."
"You're aiming to become a diplomat?" Gabriel frowned.
"Yeah." Teresa nodded.
That made Gabriel hesitate. If Teresa actually became a diplomat, she'd hardly ever be home — most diplomats are either stationed abroad or at the capital.
Despite River North being an economically thriving metropolis, it wasn't the capital city.
"What's up?" Teresa noticed his troubled expression.
"It's nothing!" Suddenly, Gabriel reached over, pulled her into a tight embrace, and rested his chin gently on her head.
Teresa glanced at him and tried to push him away.
"Honey, just let me hold you for a bit. You have no idea, the little one kept me up nearly all night," Gabriel held on tight, not ready to let go.
Of course, it wasn't really the baby that had kept him up. He knew the real reason all too well.
Teresa looked up at him.
His eyes were closed now, and there really was a dark area under his eyes.
Perhaps it was Gabriel's use of Croissant as an excuse that softened Teresa's heart. She stopped resisting, let him rest, and pulled out her phone to attend to her own business.
Gabriel had only intended to steal a moment of affection, but before he knew it, he had actually fallen asleep.
Even so, he never loosened his grip on Teresa, his cheek resting on the top of her head, pressing down on her.
Teresa felt somewhat uncomfortable under his weight, but after nudging him a couple of times without any response, seeing him sound asleep and not wanting to disturb him, she endured the discomfort the whole ride until the car pulled into Garcia’s estate and came to a stop.
"Hey, Gabriel, let go, we're here!" After being pressed by the nearly six-foot-three man for half an hour, Teresa felt her neck and back could hardly straighten. She pushed him forcefully, almost crying out, "My arm's numb, my neck's about to break."
Gabriel had actually awakened but the feeling was just too good to give up, so he continued to feign sleep.
At the sound of Teresa's voice, nearly breaking into sobs, he opened his eyes and released her. He reached to massage her hand.
"Get away from me, you pest!" Teresa, peeved that he'd feigned sleep, yanked her hand back and hopped out of the car through the door held open by a housekeeper.
"Mommy, mommy..." No sooner had she stepped out than Croissant ran toward her, his chubby adorableness absolutely irresistible.
"Baby!" Teresa ran to scoop up the little tyke, showering him with kisses.
"Hehe..." Overjoyed in her arms, he kissed her cheeks repeatedly as well, then pointed excitedly toward a spot not far away, "Mommy, look — the playground!"
"Wow, do you love the playground Grandpa and Grandma built for you?" Teresa glanced at it. The Garcia family had truly outdone themselves. Such an extravagant playground erected so quickly, and all for Croissant.
"I love it, I really do! Have fun with me, Mommy!" The little guy was dancing with joy.
"Missing daddy?" Gabriel came over in a playful bid for attention, wrapping his arms around Teresa and bringing his face close to the little one.
"Daddy!" Croissant, in high spirits, cooed and planted a big kiss on his face.
Gabriel leaned in to return the affection, having his cheek touched Teresa's slightly in the process, and said with immense delight, "That's my boy."
Teresa just looked at him.
"Teresa, come on in. We’re waiting for you," Katherine called, stepping out with a smile.
"Katherine." Teresa smiled back and nodded, then let Gabriel escort her toward the main building.
Inside the grand hall stood a line of well-dressed men and women who, upon seeing them, greeted with smiles and respect, "Gabriel, Mrs. Garcia."
Teresa returned the greeting with a nod, recognizing two of them as top designers from a famous haute couture brand.
What was this all about?
"Teresa, you're now part of the Garcia family, and as your mother-in-law, it's my responsibility to ensure you have everything you need," Katherine said with a warm, welcoming smile as she guided Teresa over. "Let me introduce you to our designers. They're the ones who create custom clothing, jewelry, and accessories exclusively for the Garcias. Every season you'll get to choose from a new collection they've put together."
Teresa nodded, following Katherine attentively as she made introductions. Meanwhile, Gabriel was comfortably seated on the couch, playfully cradling their son in his arms.
Life in high society was beyond the understanding of ordinary folks. Everything they wore or used had to be the finest and the newest. Their wardrobes were filled with custom-made clothing and shoes, refreshed every quarter. The world's most exclusive jewelry, handbags, and luxury items were at their disposal, available for their first pick. Only the items they passed on were released to the public.
The Bennetts were certainly rising stars in elite circles, yet even they couldn't quite match the opulent lifestyle of top-tier families.
After the introductions, Teresa and Katherine joined a group of designers in a side room. They asked about Teresa's preferences and took her measurements. By the time they were done, Mason and Raymond Garcia had arrived, just in time for dinner.
"Teresa, I heard about your father's successful surgery, all thanks to Logan. Mrs. Harriman's birthday party is tomorrow, your brother is also coming, right?" Mason asked affectionately as they settled down for dinner and he wiped his hands with a warm towel passed by their housekeeper.
"Yes," Teresa replied, wiping Croissant’s hands with a towel as well. "I'll be accompanying my brother tomorrow evening."
"Teresa, you're a Garcia now. Why would you still be going with your..."
"Mom, our marriage was a bit sudden, and I'm not ready for a public announcement just yet. Let's give each other some time," Gabriel interjected before Katherine could finish, protectively breaking in for Teresa.
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