“Asher…” Gabriella whispered.
His lips brushed her cheek. “I’m here.”
“About Davenport, and the fight with Drake…” she hesitated. “If your family knew you nearly killed someone because of me, would they call off our engagement?”
Asher kissed her forehead. “They won’t find out. I won’t let that happen.”
She lowered her eyes, voice small. “You shouldn’t risk everything for me.”
“Gabby.” He tilted her chin up, making her meet his gaze. “You’re worth everything. You matter more to
me than my own life.”
His dark eyes burned with intensity.
Gabriella froze, overwhelmed by his words. She hadn’t realized how deeply he cared.
Her eyelashes fluttered with fresh tears.
She was terrified – not of him, but for him. The thought of him nearly going to prison because of her
made her heart ache.
“Why more tears?” His voice drew her back.
She pouted. “Then wipe them away.”
His thumb gently brushed her cheeks.
Suddenly, she wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her face in his chest like a small cat seeking
comfort.
Asher’s heart melted.
“You smell nice,” she murmured against him.
He chuckled. “Enjoy it then.”
“Kiss me,” she whispered.
Asher thought he’d misheard. He held her shoulders, looking into her eyes. “What did you say?”
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Chapter 35
Blushing to her ears, she bit her lip. “Kiss me…”
His lips met hers instantly.
For her first kiss, Gabriella froze, unsure how to respond. Her heart thundered in her chest.
Asher kissed her gently.
When his breathing grew uneven, he pulled away.
Gabriella saw his flushed face and darkened eyes.
“Why did you stop?” she asked dazedly.
“You should rest,” he managed, struggling for composure. “If we continue…”
Gabriella understood his meaning, her face burning. “Goodnight then. Be careful going home.”
He gazed at her intently. “So sweet.”
“What?”
His finger brushed her lips. “Here. So sweet.”
Gabriella’s whole body tingled. She fled to her bedroom. “Goodnight!”
Watching her retreat, Asher smiled tenderly.
The next day, Gabriella prepared to visit the Blackwood estate for dinner.
The Blackwood and Rodriguez estates were in the same exclusive neighborhood in Kensington.
Gabriella stopped at her family home first.
Both Randolph and Victoria were there. “Where have you been staying?” her father asked.
Now knowing the truth about her father’s remarriage–that it had been her mother’s wish–Gabriella’s manner toward him had softened.
“In the flat Alexander gave me,” she replied. “It’s near the firm, convenient for work.”
Randolph nodded. “When you have time, I’d like to introduce you to some associates. Good connections for your practice.”
Appreciating his offer of networking opportunities, she didn’t refuse. “Next weekend would work.”
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Chapter 69
Lucy came running down the stairs, wrapping her arms around Gabriella’s legs. “Sister, you’re back!”
Gabriella patted her head affectionately. “Yes.”
Victoria asked warmly how she’d been finding life on her own.
Instead of her usual coldness, Gabriella simply nodded. “I need to get some things from upstairs.”
As she left, Victoria turned to Randolph. “Did you notice? She seems different–her attitude toward us has
softened.”
Randolph nodded with relief. “She’s growing up, moving past childish resentments.”
In her bedroom, Gabriella changed clothes and approached her dressing table. There she found a crayon drawing–a family portrait showing four happy figures.
She stared at it, emotions welling up. Lucy had drawn their family: Randolph and Victoria on the sides, Gabriella as the taller girl in the middle, and Lucy as the smaller one.
After a long moment, she rolled up the drawing and placed it in her keepsake box.
Properly dressed in an apricot–colored dress with white heels–an outfit chosen to please the older
generation–she joined her family. Lucy wore a red dress with her hair in two buns, adorned with
strawberry clips.
The sisters walked ahead with their parents following as they entered the Blackwood estate. Asher
himself came to greet them.
Inside, Lord and Lady Blackwood welcomed them warmly. Grace stood beside them, making polite conversation. Gabriella’s eyes passed over her without expression.
Dinner was lavish, clearly arranged with care–every dish a favorite of Gabriella’s.
-Afterward, the families gathered in the drawing room to discuss engagement details.
Before Lady Blackwood could begin, Asher spoke. “Now that we’re all here, there’s something that needs
addressing.”
All eyes turned to him.
“Grace,” his voice was cold. “Apologize to Gabriella.”
Grace’s eyes widened, her lips trembling.
“Asher!” Lady Blackwood’s tone was disapproving.
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Chapter 69
Ignoring her, Asher fixed Grace with a penetrating stare. “I said apologize. Did you not hear me?”
Lady Blackwood looked bewildered. “What’s happening?”
“Tell everyone about the incident at the riding grounds,” Asher said, his voice icy.
Grace’s face paled as she looked pleadingly toward Lady Blackwood. “Grandmother…”
“Asher, Grace has already explained that incident to me,” the elderly woman said. “It was a misunderstanding. Don’t be harsh with her.”
Gabriella’s lips twitched slightly, but she remained silent.
Randolph and Victoria exchanged confused glances. “Why does Grace need to apologize?” Randolph whispered to Gabriella. “What happened?”
“Let’s see what she says,” Gabriella replied evenly.
Asher’s patience was wearing thin. “Grace Bennett, tell everyone exactly what happened that day. If you hide anything, I’ll tell them myself.”
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.