Chapter 15
By the time they left the club, it was already deep into the night.
Gabrielle returned to her villa and began handling her final affairs.
She placed a few sentimental items into a secure safe. She just couldn’t take them away.
Then she wrote a letter with no recipient. It was just a record of her thoughts during these past days.
Maybe someday, someone would find the box and read the letter.
But by then, Gabrielle would be on the other side of the world, living a new life.
Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, a week had passed.
The wedding day.
The most prestigious seven–star hotel in Balamora had been fully booked by the Goldstein family.
Luxury cars lined up outside, and journalists with long lenses stood ready.
Nearly all the city’s elite had received an invitation.
The union between the Cobbett and Goldstein families was the most talked–about event of the year.
Gabrielle’s parents had returned from Tharion.
In the hotel’s luxurious bridal suite, the makeup artist was putting on
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the finishing touches.
The mirror reflected an exquisitely beautiful face.
The custom–made wedding gown made her look like an angel descended to earth.
She was breathtakingly beautiful.
And yet, there was no trace of joy in those eyes.
Calmness and resolution were all she had.
Her mother Darlene stood by with a satisfied smile.
“Gabby, you look stunning today.”
She stepped forward to adjust her daughter’s veil.
“Once you’re married into the Goldstein family, you’ll be Mrs.
Goldstein. You have to be mature and gracious.”
Darlene offered words of “wisdom” from someone who had been there before.
“Timothy is young. It’s natural for men to slip up now and then. But they always come back home.
“Your status is what matters most. Do you understand?”
Gabrielle didn’t respond. She just quietly looked at her reflection.
She had heard these words so many times. They barely registered anymore.
Her father Andrew, walked in, dressed in an impeccable tuxedo.
He paused when he saw her. A flicker of complicated emotion flashed
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in his eyes, but it quickly vanished.
“Are you ready? It’s almost time.”
His tone carried unquestionable authority.
Gabrielle gave a soft hum.
She stood, her gown cascading like a blooming white lotus.
“Dad, Mom…”
She suddenly spoke, her voice soft.
“Thank you for raising me all these years.”
Darlene and Andrew both froze, unsure why she was suddenly saying
this.
“Silly girl, what are you talking about?”
Darlene smiled and scolded her gently.
But Gabrielle didn’t smile. She simply looked at her parents deeply…
As if trying to engrave their faces into her very soul.
“Let’s go,” Andrew said, turning toward the door.
He still had guests to receive.
Darlene followed after him, pausing to give the makeup artist a few final instructions.
Soon, the room was empty except for Gabrielle and a few staff.
She walked to the window and looked down at the traffic and people bustling below.
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After today, none of this would matter to her anymore.
Her phone buzzed lightly.
It was a message from Zachary.
Just one word.
“Go.”
It meant the plan was officially in motion.
Gabrielle took a deep breath and cast one final look at the city she had lived in for over twenty years.
Then, with a calm expression, she turned and walked toward the door.
Inside the hotel’s grand banquet hall, the venue was packed with guests, the air buzzing with laughter and toasts.
Almost every prominent figure in Balamora had arrived.
The elders of both the Goldstein and Cobbett families were all smiles as they greeted their guests.
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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.