Chapter 173: When Love Outshines Pride

Chapter 173: When Love Outshines Pride
Gabriel's POV

I leaned back in the plush chair of the backstage lounge, eyes glued to the massive screen broadcasting the opening ceremony of The Story Studio. Luna stood front and center, poised and professional in a sleek gray suit.

Sophia and Isabella flanked her as they cut the red ribbon together. The moment the fabric fell, camera flashes lit up the room like a storm.

This was her big transformation—no longer just a scriptwriter at my company, but the boss of her own empire. My chest tightened with a weird mix of pride and possessiveness, watching her shine without me right there beside her.

She's fucking magnificent, I thought, as she navigated the crowd with effortless grace.

The event shifted to Q&A, and I tensed up, knowing how these reporters could turn vicious. Some blonde with a shark-like grin stood up.

"Ms. Gray, as we all know, your dad racked up nearly 200 million in gambling debts, which forced you into that engagement with Mr. Anderson. How'd you rise above such a messed-up family background?"

The room went dead silent. My jaw clenched; I gripped my coffee mug so hard it nearly cracked. I fought the urge to call security and boot her ass out. On screen, Sophia stepped forward protectively, but Luna waved her off gently.

Luna took a deep breath, her gaze steady. "First off, instead of thanking hardship for toughening me up, I'd rather thank myself for never stopping until I found a way out. We all have imperfect pasts—what counts is how you shape your future."

Her voice was calm but packed with steel. The crowd burst into applause. A grin tugged at my lips. That's my girl—elegant and deadly. The reporter slunk back into her seat, totally outplayed. Luna had come so far from the woman who dodged fights; now she faced them head-on, with a poise that shamed the vultures.

The lounge door swung open, and Oliver strolled in, phone in hand. He glanced at the screen, then clapped sarcastically.

"Gabriel, I've been scrolling those online conspiracy theories. The whole internet's betting you'll get revenge on Luna. Gotta say, they're giving you way too much credit."

I kept my eyes on the screen, watching her glow. "Revenge for what? Being the best damn thing that ever happened to me?"

Oliver plopped down beside me, smirking like a kid with a secret. "For rejecting the great Gabriel Ashford, obviously. Netizens think you've spent three years plotting the ultimate payback—seduce her again just to shatter her heart. Some twisted Romeo and Juliet vibe."

I snorted. These idiots had no clue about us. Our story wasn't some trashy soap opera.

"I've got some vintage gold here," Oliver said, waving his phone. "Wanna see? This video was worth 80 million back then—I saved your ass by buying it off the media. Never leaked till now."

"Not interested," I said flatly, though the memory hit like a gut punch.

"You sure?" He arched a brow, taunting. "If not, maybe I'll drop it online. Set the record straight on who's really been pining?"

I finally looked at him, face blank. "Do whatever the hell you want." Truth was, I didn't care anymore. Let the world see me on my knees for her—it was the realest I'd ever been.

Grinning like trouble, Oliver tapped his screen. "Posted. Caption: 'They say Gabriel Ashford wants revenge on Luna Gray? Let's see who's really the pathetic one.'"

My phone lit up with notifications instantly. I knew the video without looking.

It opened with shaky footage of a silver Koenigsegg parked roadside, steadying on a younger Luna straddling me in the driver's seat. My face was clear—sharp features, pale skin against a black shirt, throat bobbing as I swallowed hard.

In the clip, she tried to pull away, but I grabbed her waist, drawing her close. The audio caught our clothes rustling, then my voice—raw and stripped of control.

"Luna, I'm sorry. Please love me again, just one more time."

I watched my past self break, pride gone, eyes red-rimmed. I'd never begged anyone—except her. And I'd do it again without blinking.

The memory crashed back: the panic of thinking she'd walk out forever, tearing down my walls. For a guy who never needed anyone, she was my one exception.

"Trending already," Oliver said cheerfully, flashing his screen. A million views in under an hour. Hashtags like #AshfordBegging, #LunaAndGabriel, and #PowerCouple were blowing up.

I skimmed comments, half-amused:

"OMG! Ashford can be this pathetic too!"

"The way he looks at her 😭 I NEED THIS KIND OF LOVE"

"If Gabriel Ashford begged me like that, I'd forgive anything"

"Anyone else see she's fighting tears? THEY'RE SO IN LOVE"

Oliver eyed me. "You're not pissed? This makes the mighty Gabriel Ashford look like a lovesick fool."

I shrugged. "It's just the truth." I'd built my life on being cold and untouchable, but with Luna, that didn't matter. She'd seen my worst and stuck around.

"Damn, you've got it bad," Oliver laughed, shaking his head. "Never thought you'd ditch your rep like this."

"Some things matter more," I said simply.

The door burst open, and Luna rushed in, looking panicked and confused. "Gabriel, about the video..."

I pulled her into my arms, instantly steadier. "I know."

She glanced at her buzzing phone. "Shouldn't you get someone to handle this? Take it down? The comments—"

Oliver chuckled from his spot. "Luna, he watched me post it. You've dealt with enough speculation from those online trolls. Time Gabriel took some heat. This closet romantic wants the world to know how bad he's got it for you."

Luna stared at me, incredulous. "Is that true?"

I met her eyes steadily. "Eighty million. Might as well use it." My mouth quirked. "Let 'em talk."

"But... your image—" she stammered.

"Fuck my image," I said softly, tucking hair behind her ear. "I'd rather they know the truth than think I'm out for revenge."

Her eyes softened, a smile breaking through as understanding hit—this was my way of killing those dumb rumors for good.

"No buts, baby." I grabbed her coat, helping her into it, then wrapped her scarf snugly. "It's cold out. Keep this on."

Still dazed, Luna let me lead her to the car. At the door, she paused. "Where are we going? What about the company? It just opened."

Even after hours of ceremonies and press, work was her first thought. My workaholic girl.

I held the door open, half-worried she'd bolt. "It'll survive without you for a bit. We've got something bigger."

Luna slid into the passenger seat, bewildered. "Bigger than this?"

I fired up the engine, smirking. "You'll see."