Chapter 21
Walking on the street, he always let her walk on the inside, shielding her from cars and crowds.
At first, Gabrielle felt a bit overwhelmed by all this care. She even felt flustered.
After all, in her past twenty years, no one had ever taken care of her like this.
Timothy had treated her well, but it was the kind of distant, courteous care of an older brother.
Her parents had always put the family’s interests above her feelings.
Only Zachary… his care was full of love. Devoted, unconditional, and wholehearted.
Under his gentle persistence, Gabrielle finally opened her heart to him.
She began returning his affection, holding his hand and leaning on his shoulder.
She’d hug him from behind while he cooked.
She’d sit beside him reading while he worked.
Their relationship grew stronger with each passing day.
One day, Zachary said he wanted to take her somewhere special.
The car drove into the scenic suburbs and stopped at a charming. garden restaurant.
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The place was surrounded by flowers. It looked elegant and romantic
“This is one of the hardest Michelin three–star restaurants to book in Mossvale.”
Zachary pulled out a chair for Gabrielle.
“Try their cuisine. It’s got a unique flair.”
Gabrielle glanced through the menu, filled with top–tier ingredients and beautifully plated dishes.
After they ordered, Zachary took her hand across the table.
“Gabrielle, there’s something I’d like to discuss.”
“What is it?”
“I want to officially introduce you to my friends.”
Zachary looked at her, his expression serious.
Gabrielle paused.
She was now someone with a spotless background.
But Zachary’s circle of friends was all people of wealth and power.
Would they notice anything unusual?
“Don’t worry,” Zachary said as if reading her mind.
“My inner circle knows my history. They’re trustworthy.
“All they need to know is that you’re the woman I, Zachary Monroe, have chosen.
“And anyone who dares question that… is going against me.
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Zachary’s tone carried a commanding dominance that left no room for argument.
Gabrielle met his steady gaze and gave a small nod.
She knew Zachary cared for her. This was why he wanted to give her a rightful place in his life.
“Alright.”
Her agreement clearly delighted Zachary.
“Next weekend, I’m planning a small party in our garden.
“I’ll invite everyone over and let them meet you.”
Just then, a snide voice came from the next table.
“Well, if it isn’t Mr. Monroe. New taste, huh? Who’s the new flame?”
The speaker was a flamboyantly dressed young man, a thick gold chain gleaming around his neck.
Next to him sat a woman with a heavily made–up face, who was sizing Gabrielle up with disdain.
Gabrielle wore a simple yet elegant outfit. It was nothing flashy, but her cool and refined aura stood out.
To the woman, however, that only made her seem “plain and boring“.
Zachary’s expression instantly darkened.
He didn’t even bother to glance at the man.
Instead, he leaned toward Gabrielle and said softly, “Don’t waste your time on flies.”
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The man, stunned by being ignored, raised his voice.
“Mr. Monroe, just having fun is one thing, but bringing someone this dull around? Kinda embarrassing.
“Everyone in our circle knows your taste used to be…”
He didn’t get to finish.
Zachary turned his head slowly, eyes sharp as ice.
“Mr. Cooper, right? Your father’s currently bidding on that land in the west, isn’t he?”
Daniel Cooper panicked.
That piece of land was his father’s top priority this year, with major investments and connections poured into it.
“Mr. Monroe, what do you mean by that?”
Daniel’s arrogance deflated instantly.
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.