Chapter 16
Gabriella’s POVS
I continued. “Claire, my best friend, knew everything. She was part of it.”
“They were dating when they noticed that I had money, so they decided to play me. Their plan was to kill me after getting everything.”
Zander exhaled sharply, tightening his grip on me. “Gabriella…” His voice was low and dark. “I swear to you, they’ll pay for this.”
I laughed bitterly. “I don’t want revenge, Zander.” I shook my head, “I just want to heal and move on.”>
He was quiet for a moment, then he nodded. “Then that’s what we’ll do,” he said firmly. “I’ll be by your side always to make sure of that.”
Warmth spread through my chest at his words, and my heart raced.
“Thank you, Zander.” I murmured softly.
He leaned towards me and pressed a soft kiss on my forehead like he did when we were kids. “Anytime, Gabe.”
At that point, I realized that I was in trouble.
My heart wouldn’t stop pounding even after Zander dropped me at home, and left.
Whenever my mind flashed back to the way he held me, my breath would hitch. He had always been my childhood best friend, the boy who used to chase me around the garden, the boy with chubby cheeks and bright eyes. But now, he was a man, strong, and steady. And I was starting to see him differently.
I shook my head, pushing the thought away. I couldn’t afford to think about Zander that way. I was getting engaged to a stranger soon.
A soft knock at my door startled me, breaking me from my thoughts. I sat up quickly, wiping at my face.§
“Come in,” I called, my voice was still hoarse from crying.
The door opened, and Elise walked in with a gentle expression on her face.
“How are you feeling?” she asked, stepping closer. “Zander told us what happened.“>
I forced a small smile. “I’m fine.”}
She gave me a look that said she didn’t believe me, but she didn’t push it. Instead, she sat down on the edge of my bed and studied me for a moment.
After a moment of silence I asked. “Who is he?”
She blinked, looking confused for a second. “Who?”
“The man I’m supposed to marry.“}]
Elise sighed. “We told you, you’ll meet him soon enough.”
I clenched my jaw. “Why won’t you just tell me?”
She gave me a small smile, but she didn’t reply.
I scoffed and looked away. That wasn’t fair. This was my life, my future. But arguing wouldn’t change anything.
I shrugged. “Anyway, it doesn’t matter. If I don’t like him, I can always cancel it.”
Elise sighed. “Gabriella, I know this is difficult, but this arrangement is for the best. Trust your father.”
I faked a smile, pretending to believe her. When she left, I laid on the bed and stared at the ceiling, my mind racing with several thoughts.
! was supposed to be marrying someone I didn’t even know, but my heart was already starting to betray me.§
My phone buzzed, causing my heart to race as I thought it was Zander.
>
However, I frowned when I realized that it was an unknown number. I hesitated before I pressed the answer button. “Hello?“}
“I warned you to stay away from him, but it looks like you’re too clingy. I saw you crying on his shoulder earlier like a big baby.” A familiar voice said from the phone.
Chills ran down my spine at the voice. I gripped the phone tighter. “Who is this?” I demanded.”
“Oh, come on, Ella. Don’t tell me you’ve already forgotten me.” Her voice dripped with sarcasm. “It’s Ginny, I came to see you this morning.”
I stiffened, “How did you get this number?“>
“Does it matter?” she murmured darkly. “You should be more worried about what happens next. I warned you, but you didn’t listen. So watch your back, Ella. I’m coming for you.“>>
The line went dead.!
I stared at the screen, my fingers shook. How did she get my number? What was she planning?
A bitter laugh escaped my lips as I threw my phone on the bed. Of course, things couldn’t be so simple. Everything had to be complicated.
