Chapter 135 Breakup 2
Arabella knew that Gabriel valued his reputation above all else, so she reassured him, "Don't worry, it was printed at an unmanned self-service shop. No one knows."
He smiled slightly, neither confirming nor denying.
Remembering his earlier words about how she needed to play along and keep him happy if she wanted him to have a change of heart and grant them both freedom, Arabella decided to take the initiative. "After you sign this, I'll run you a bath."
With that, she placed the divorce papers on the nearby dresser and headed toward the bathroom.
Gabriel had been seething with anger, but this completely threw him off!
Watching her retreating figure as she entered the bathroom, he almost doubted his own eyes. It wasn't until he heard the sound of running water that he truly believed she was actually waiting on him.
But this unprecedented kindness wasn't born from care or love—it was to coax him into signing the divorce papers!
Gabriel let out a bitter laugh.
He wanted to see just how far she'd go tonight to butter him up for that signature.
Arabella hadn't even finished running the bath when Gabriel walked in.
She glanced back, deliberately ignoring the sight of his imposing masculine form, giving him only a cursory look before turning away. "What essential oil would you like?"
Gabriel's expression was unreadable. "Your choice."
"Lavender then, it's good for stress relief."
Arabella hadn't known about these things before, but after over two years as a wealthy man's wife, she'd picked up a few things from her surroundings.
Gabriel watched her pour the oil into the water and gently stir it, her gentle, accommodating manner making her look like the perfect, caring wife.
Too bad it was all an act.
He stood quietly, his eyes fixed on her.
Judging the water level adequate, Arabella reached over to turn off the faucet, then stood and turned around. "All set. I'll leave you to it."
As she moved to pass him, he reached out and caught her wrist.
"What's the rush? If I'm having a bath, naturally I'll need a massage too..." he drawled, turning his head to look down at her ears, which were already turning red. His lips curved slightly. "You'll help me, won't you?"
Arabella pressed her lips together, swallowing hard, then gave an almost imperceptible nod. "Alright..."
She knew Gabriel was deliberately testing her limits, seeing how far she'd go for the divorce.
But what did it matter if she knew?
Fighting him head-on would never work. This was her only chance.
Maybe, just maybe, if he had even a shred of conscience left, after toying with her enough, he might take pity and sign.
So she followed him back to the bathtub.
"Help me with the towel." He stood there like an emperor preparing for his bath, too lazy to even move his hands, simply issuing commands.
Arabella looked at his broad shoulders and narrow waist, the lean, defined muscle lines on his back that radiated raw masculine power. Just one look made her heart race with embarrassment.
Even though she so desperately wanted to be rid of him, counting down the days until their divorce, she couldn't deny the magnetic appeal of his masculine beauty.
She reached forward, fumbling with the towel at his waist, her face nearly pressed against his back at such close proximity. Her breathing quickened with her racing heartbeat.
Gabriel naturally sensed her reaction, his lips curving slightly. Once the towel dropped from his waist, he stepped into the water.
Arabella's face burned crimson as she set the towel aside, then stood uncertainly by the tub.
"Come closer. How can you massage me from way over there?"
He slid his body down until the water reached his neck, eyes closed, completely relaxed, his voice taking on a languid, indulgent tone.
The luxury tub actually had various built-in massage functions, but he was deliberately making things difficult for her.
Arabella had never done anything like this before, but remembering how she used to rub her grandparents' backs as a child, she figured it couldn't be too different. She moved behind him, hesitating before placing her hands on his neck and shoulders.
It was hard to apply proper pressure...
She worked with furrowed brows, and within minutes, her own shoulders were aching from the awkward position.
Gabriel kept his eyes closed, saying nothing, playing the perfect lord and master.
At first, Arabella kept her head down, focusing only on where her hands were working. But after a while, her neck started hurting from the position, so she lifted her head to stretch it, naturally raising her line of sight.
And inevitably taking in certain views.
She didn't really understand how two complete strangers could become intimate enough to be so completely vulnerable with each other, utterly exposed.
That was one thing.
But the fact that he could be so relaxed and natural about it, without a trace of self-consciousness, was something else entirely.
She could never do that.
Even though she and Gabriel had been together many times now, she still couldn't let go, always finding it too mortifying.
"A little lower..."
His voice suddenly broke through her wandering thoughts.
She quickly refocused, moving her attention downward.
Before long, he directed her again: "Work on my arms too..."
His arms?
That would mean moving to the side of the tub.
She got up, ignoring her tingling legs, and repositioned herself beside him, kneading the arm he had draped over the tub's edge.
Gabriel remained reclined, but his slightly closed eyes opened a fraction to observe her.
So diligent, so accommodating.
If he weren't seeing it with his own eyes, he'd think this was an imposter.
This kind of treatment was something he'd never dared dream of.
Now positioned at his side, Arabella didn't dare look up, afraid he'd catch her thoughts.
All she wanted was for this man to retain some shred of decency, not push too far, and quickly finish humiliating her so he could sign those papers.
Gabriel could see she was focused but clearly losing strength, knowing she was tired.
He shifted slightly in the water, creating a splash that made Arabella jump and instinctively glance up.
Their eyes met.
Seeing he seemed about to say something, she proactively asked, "Where else would you like me to work on?"
Gabriel's lips curved in a roguish smile. "What do you think?"
Instead of answering, he threw the question back at her.
Arabella said nothing, but her increasingly flushed face showed she understood exactly what that smile meant.
Sure enough, Gabriel caught her hand and pulled, causing her to stumble and half-fall into the water!
Water splashed everywhere like a tidal wave, flooding the floor.
Arabella was terrified, losing her balance and falling into his embrace, unable to even open her eyes in her disheveled state.
Before she could voice her outrage, he guided her hand downward, shamelessly saying, "And here too..."
Arabella's mind went blank, and she nearly lost consciousness!
Of course. She'd been too naive, thinking that maybe if she was humble and accommodating, he'd toy with her just a little and let it go.
But no—this man had absolutely no limits!
"Gabriel, let me go!" She lifted her head, water streaming down her face, her nightgown soaked through, scrambling frantically to get up.