“I’m taking you somewhere to really relax.”
Zachary led her to a small shop tucked in at the corner of the street.
It looked like an ordinary cafe, with lush green plants crowding the
entrance.
But inside, it was another world entirely.
Warm lighting, soft music, and the scent of coffee and fresh pastries filled the air.
There weren’t many people. There were just a few, speaking quietly or reading peacefully.
Compared to the glamorous noise of Velora Avenue, it was like stepping into a parallel universe.
“This place belongs to a friend of mine,” Zachary said. “It’s always quiet.”
He led Gabrielle to a cozy corner by the window.
A waiter brought over the menu.
Gabrielle ordered a latte and a slice of tiramisu.
Zachary, as always, went for black coffee.
While they waited, Gabrielle gazed out the window.
Luxury cars passed by. Well–dressed people came and went from boutiques.
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What had happened at the jewelry store carlier now felt like a bizarre farce.
Wealth, power, desire… It seemed that everything here was amplified
to extremes.
And she had once belonged to that world too, though not by choice.
Looking at it now, it all seemed laughable. Pitiful, even.
“Thinking about home?”
Zachary asked, picking up on her shift in mood.
“A little,” Gabrielle admitted softly.
“I wonder how my parents are doing.”
Despite how her parents had used her for the family’s gain, blood ties were hard to sever.
And after her “death“, they must have suffered immensely.
“I’ve had people keeping an eye on them,” Zachary said gently.
“They’re doing fine.
“The Cobbett Group has taken a hit, but it’s still standing.
“And the Goldstein family… Well, they’re still investiting the truth behind your ‘death‘.”
Gabrielle tensed.
“Timothy?”
Zachary nodded, a flicker of coldness flashing through his eyes.
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“He doesn’t believe it was an accident.
“He’s even starting to suspect Cecilia.”
Gabrielle fell silent.
Timothy’s persistence surprised her and, in a way, it felt ironic.
If only he’d cared this much before,
If not for his betrayal, she wouldn’t have been forced to fake her own death.
“But don’t worry,” Zachary reassured her, taking her hand in his.
“I’ve cleaned up every lead.
“Even if he digs to the ends of the earth, the answer will be the same. Gabrielle Cobbett is dead.
“And as for Cecilia, there isn’t enough evidence. Plus, with Timothy shielding her, she’ll be fine.”
Hearing that Cecilia was safe brought a small sense of relief to Gabrielle.
That woman had nearly ruined her, but she didn’t want to see her rot in prison because of it.
“Thank you, Zach.”
She looked at him, eyes/filled with gratitude.
He hadn’t just given her a new life. He’d quietly take everything behind the scenes to protect her.
are of
“There’s no need to thank me,” Zachary said, sipping his coffee.
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“I’m just curious. If Timothy did find out you’re alive and came looking for you, what would you do?“.
His tone was calm, as though making casual conversation.
But Gabrielle knew he was testing her.
She looked into his eyes. They held curiosity and a flicker of nervousness he tried to hide.
She smiled faintly, placing her hand over his on the coffee cup.
“Zachary, to me, Timothy is part of the past.
“The fire didn’t just consume my old identity. It burned away every bit of feeling I had for him.
“What I have now is you, freedom, and a new life.
“I won’t let anyone or anything destroy that.”
Her voice was steady. Her gaze sounded clear.
And just like that, Zachary’s heart settled completely.
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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.