Chapter 88
With this little good laugh at the table, the atmosphere instantly returned to a state of harmony and joy. Although it was only their second meal at the Garcia's, Teresa felt perfectly at ease, as if it had always been her place at the table.
After dinner, with Cynthia's birthday party on the horizon, Katherine eagerly pulled Teresa into her treasure trove of jewelry to choose something to wear for the next evening's celebration.
With the Bennett family's current wealth, Teresa knew they were no strangers to fine jewelry. But out of warm politeness, she decided to entertain Katherine's enthusiasm.
Yet, what Teresa didn't expect was the sheer opulence of Katherine's collection, which quite frankly took her breath away.
After selecting an exquisite diamond necklace, Teresa went to look for Croissant.
A housekeeper informed her that Croissant was in Mason's study.
Approaching Mason's study, she saw the old and the young together — Mason stood beside a chair at his desk, guiding the child's hand as he drew broad strokes with a marker on a piece of paper.
Croissant was surprisingly focused, his tiny handled by Mason's, drawing the strokes with care. The scene was one of harmony and affection.
Seeing them so content, Teresa didn't have the heart to interrupt. She quietly left there and headed downstairs to the garden, leaving the two to their bonding moment.
No sooner had she stepped into the garden when her cell phone rang. Pulling it out, Teresa answered the call without hesitation.
As she did, a pair of long arms reached from behind, enveloping her in a warm and ample embrace. There was no need to guess; she knew him by his unique scent and the warmth of his body — familiarities that seemed impossible to achieve within just a few days.
Glancing back with a nonchalant gaze, she found herself without the slightest urge to struggle or fight his hold. Instead, she continued her conversation on the phone.
Seeing Teresa's unexpected compliance, Gabriel couldn't help but lean in, entwining with the nape of her neck and leaving a kiss upon her earlobe.
Her body involuntarily quivered at his breath, though she was on the phone, and her fair cheeks took on an attractive flush. The garden's dim lighting set off the color blossoming on her skin.
Feeling bold, Gabriel teased her as she hung up, attempting to advance with a kiss. "Out here alone for a stroll, aren't you lonely?"
Quick on her feet, Teresa raised her hand to cover his mouth and pushed him back, then turned within his embrace. "It's getting late. I should head back. I still have lectures to prepare for tomorrow."
Despite her words, she made no move to free herself from his arms, their bodies intimately close. This proximity was exhilarating, a thrill like no other for Gabriel.
Unable to resist, he bent once more and kissed her forehead swiftly. "Honey, you really don't have to work so hard."
Teresa shot him a sideways glance. "And what do you suggest? That I stay home and play the dutiful wife?"
Gabriel chuckled, his eyes brimming with joy and adoration. "No need. Just spend the money and charm the world with your beauty."
Teresa frowned in mock annoyance. "Speaking of which, I forgot about the black card you gave me today. I said I was going to swipe it for a Boeing 747, didn't I? I'll do that tomorrow."
Gabriel smiled, leaning in for another kiss which, yet again, Teresa blocked.
"One jet or ten jets — it doesn’t matter, as long as my wife finds them useful," he said, undeterred by the affectionate rebuff.
Teresa playfully scolded him, "The baby is going to stay here. I’ll let your parents know I'm leaving early."
Given her lecture planning, she didn’t have much time to spend with their child.
Gabriel proposed eagerly, "Or you could stay, and I’ll take care of the baby without disturbing you."
"No," Teresa replied flatly. "And another thing, try to interject less when my mother-in-law talks about me."
Gabriel laughed. "You're my wife. Whom else would I support if not you?"
"You're your mother's son; that's all I need. My son will help me," said Teresa.
She fears that his good intentions might lead to poor outcomes, and the more he tries to help, the more he complicates things, causing Katherine to feel uneasy or even start resenting her.
Gabriel gazed at her, feeling encouraged, "Honey, how can you be so amazing?"
Speechless, Teresa pushed him away, "It's getting late. I really have to go now, I want to check on the baby, and say Good-bye to your parents."
Gabriel wrapped his arms around her, "Stay with me for a moment."
"Gabriel, let go!" Teresa was getting annoyed.
Obediently, he let go, instead taking Teresa's hand as they walked into the house together.
...
