06.14
Chapter 218
C
Gabriella’s POV
The next morning, I was so nervous. My stomach turned and twisted. My fingers shook slightly as I buttoned up my blouse. I wasn’t trying to impress anyone.
My outfit was simple. No makeup, and no jewelry. I didn’t care who this man was. I was going to tell him straight to his face that I had no interest in marrying him.8
I glanced at my phone. There were no messages, or missed calls.
I wasn’t surprised that Zander hadn’t responded to my texts or calls. He was upset, and I understood why. But once I was done with this meeting, I would go to him to explain everything and set things straight.
I took a deep breath and stepped outside, heading to the meeting place my parents had arranged. It was at a five–star restaurant, my favourite restaurant.
As I entered the restaurant and to the VIP area, I froze, and my breath caught in my throat.”
Zander.
He stood near one of the private dining areas, dressed in a sharp, tailored suit. His dark hair was neatly styled. He didn’t look like the same man that I had spent the past week taking care of in a hospital room.
His dark blue eyes pierced into mine with intensity.
He gave me a small smile as I approached.
I gaped at him. “Where the hell are you going dressed like that? You just got discharged yesterday.”
He smiled softly. “I need to talk to you.”
I swallowed hard. I knew what he wanted to talk about. I could see it in his eyes.
“Zander, can we talk later?” I asked quietly. “There’s something I need to handle first.“}
“The engagement?” he asked softly.
I hesitated. Then, I nodded.
An unreadable expression crossed his face. “Your parents told me you want to cancel it.”
I stiffened. “What?“&
“They told me last night,” he said, watching me closely.
My mind raced. Why would my parents tell Zander about this? I knew they were very close, but why->
Suddenly, it clicked.
My breath hitched as realization dawned on me. I gaped at him in disbelief.
“No… You’re not-”
Zander’s gaze softened as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. He placed it on the table between us.
“I’m the one you were supposed to meet today, Gabe.“}
I stared at Zander, my mind struggling to catch up with what he had just said.”
He was the one??
The very man I had dreaded meeting, the stranger I was ready to reject outright, had been Zander all along?
My heart pounded. The shock lasted only a moment before it melted into outrage.
“You absolute bastard!” I shrieked, holding my bag tightly.
Zander barely had time to react before I started hitting him with it.”
“Why didn’t you say anything?!” I yelled, hitting him again. “You kept me guessing! You knew! And you just let me walk around, confused out of my mind!“&
He lifted his arms, laughing as he blocked my hits. “Gabe-“}
“Don’t you ‘Gabe‘ me!” I snapped, hitting him one last time before crossing my arms, breathing heavily. “Do you have any idea how insane this past week has been for me? And you–you just sat there, knowing everything!“}
His laughter softened, and he held my wrist gently.
“I wanted to tell you,” he said, his voice serious now. “But I needed you to see me as me first, not some man your father arranged for you to marry.”
My chest heaved. “That’s not fair,” I whispered.”
Zander gave me a soft smile. “It was the only way, Gabe. I’m sorry.“}
I sighed, shaking my head. “You idiot. You really are an idiot. Gosh, you’re so lucky I love you.”
As the words slipped out, I froze in shock.
Zander paused, and his expression changed. “What did you just say?”
He stepped closer to me, lifting my chin gently, with his hand.
“What did you say?” He murmured softly.
My heart pounded in my chest. “I love you.” I repeated.”
