Chapter 140 Gabriel, Don't Force Me!
Arabella couldn't have imagined Joanna would say such a thing, her face immediately showing surprise!
Joanna herself hadn't expected to soften momentarily and say something like that either.
But since she'd said it, she couldn't take it back. She added, "I keep my word—I won't stop you from seeing the children."
"Thank you," Arabella wiped away her tears, pulling herself together to express genuine gratitude.
The car pulled up to the subway station entrance and stopped.
Arabella picked up her simple bag, not daring to look at the children one more time, and turned to get out.
Joanna watched her retreating figure with a complicated expression. Honestly, she'd always hoped for Arabella and Gabriel to divorce, but now that they were actually divorcing, something felt wrong about it.
No matter what, the children were young—without their mother's company, they'd surely suffer.
In the car, the moment Arabella got out, both twins woke up almost simultaneously.
Joanna saw trouble brewing and quickly ordered the driver, "Drive, drive!"
Sure enough, the next second both children burst into wailing cries.
Arabella had already reached the subway entrance when she suddenly heard what seemed like children crying. She whirled around, but there were no children around—the car had already turned the corner.
Tears fell again, and this time she stopped pretending to be strong.
Just past the subway turnstiles, her phone rang.
She looked at the caller ID, didn't hang up, and answered decisively, "Gabriel, if you don't want to push me over the edge, stop looking for me. Otherwise, I'll end it all!"
She was at her lowest emotional point, watching the roaring train approach. If not for the platform barriers, she truly felt the urge to end everything.
That threat, filled with sorrow, choking tears, and determination, left Gabriel on the other end speechless for a moment.
Arabella hung up and surged into the subway with the crowd.
Perhaps because she was crying so pitifully, everyone around her stared with strange looks. A kind girl handed her tissues, and she nodded tearfully, saying thank you as she covered her entire face.
It was rebirth, and farewell.
After struggling for so long, finally—finally she'd taken this step.
Her phone kept ringing, but she didn't want to answer. After the crying spell, her mind went blank, and she felt a long-lost sense of relaxation and freedom.
It wasn't until she got off the subway and was nearly at the apartment that her phone rang again and she snapped back to reality.
"Hello, Sophia..."
"What are you doing? You haven't answered your phone or replied to messages—I was worried sick!" Sophia asked anxiously on the other end.
"Nothing much... I just escaped from home. Are you free? If so, come over—my treat to celebrate my rebirth!" Her voice carried bitter joy despite her tears not yet dried.
Sophia understood immediately and replied without hesitation, "On my way!"
---
Back at the mansion, Gabriel rushed home.
Samuel was prepared for a scolding. Before his boss even got out of the car, he hurried forward to take responsibility, "Mr. Sterling, I'm sorry we couldn't stop Mrs. Sterling. Mrs. Kingsley came with Mrs. Joanna Sterling, and Mrs. Sterling took the children. We didn't dare forcibly intervene for fear of harming them."
Gabriel's expression was stormy, his back teeth clenched tight.
"Understood. It's not your fault," he replied coldly, striding into the house.
On the drive back, he'd already reviewed the courtyard surveillance footage.
Emily alone was troublesome enough—with his mother involved too, no number of bodyguards would have helped.
These past few days, he'd anticipated Arabella seeking help, so he'd focused his attention on Manuel.
He never imagined that seemingly innocent and kind Arabella would play so unconventionally!
She'd actually thought to ask Emily for help! Turning enemies into allies!
He entered the house in a foul mood. The spacious, high-ceilinged living room was empty and quiet—unlike usual days when he'd return to children's laughter or crying.
Upstairs, every room was eerily silent.
Pushing open the guest room door, his gaze fell on the suitcase against the wall, and his stern brow furrowed slightly.
She'd left in such a hurry she didn't even take her luggage?
What would she wear out there?
In this cold weather, was she planning to go out wrapped in bedsheets?
Then again, she was penniless—probably couldn't even afford to buy blankets.
The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. He clenched his fists, cursing Arabella's ingratitude in his mind. Let her escape then—once she'd suffered enough hardship outside, she'd naturally come to her senses. He wasn't afraid she wouldn't return.
---
When Sophia arrived at the apartment and saw Arabella's meager belongings, she was shocked, "This is all you have? It's getting colder these days—we're hitting freezing temperatures and expecting snow. Aren't you afraid of getting sick?"
Arabella smiled bitterly, "I'm lucky to have escaped at all. I only had time to grab the lightest bag."
As for her remaining luggage, who knew if Gabriel would throw it all in the trash in his anger.
If he hadn't, she'd find a chance to retrieve it later.
"It's freezing in here! Don't you have heating? Turn it on quick!" Sophia noticed the air conditioning unit and moved to switch it on.
Arabella explained, "These apartments charge commercial electricity rates—it's expensive. Ella only charged me token rent, and I'm afraid she won't let me pay utilities either, so I'm trying to save money."
Hearing this, Sophia felt awkward, unsure whether to turn it on.
Arabella smiled and quickly moved forward, "Turn it on—don't let Lily get cold."
She looked at Sophia's two-year-old daughter, seeing her own children in Lily's face, wanting only to be good to the little girl.
Sophia sighed helplessly, "I don't know if supporting your divorce was right or wrong. You were living comfortably, in a mansion worth millions with servants waiting on you—and now here you are, squeezed into this place, afraid to even turn on the heat. What's the point?"
Arabella remained optimistic, pursing her lips, "The difficulties are temporary. Everything will get better—but freedom is priceless. Miss this chance and there might never be another."
"Freedom? Did he agree to the divorce?"
At this topic, Arabella's spirits sank again, "He didn't agree, but my mind's made up. It's just a matter of time."
Sophia shook her head without speaking, but knew this wouldn't be easy.
They'd originally planned to have dinner together—Arabella treating to celebrate her rebirth.
But Zachary called saying he'd be home for dinner.
Arabella didn't want to interfere with their rare family time together, so she urged Sophia to take Lily home.
That evening, Ella came by after work to find Arabella about to eat a simple bowl of noodles she'd cooked.
"Look at you! Moved in and already have everything organized—very efficient," Ella said, carrying bags full of food, drinks, and a bunch of bright yellow sunflowers.
"Life may be hard, but we should still face the sun. These flowers are to celebrate your brave first step."
Ella set down her things and found a vase in the storage cabinet, filled it with water, and arranged the sunflowers.
Arabella looked at the brilliantly blooming flowers—like a ray of warm sunshine in winter—and felt a wave of emotion.
"Why is it so cold in here? Didn't you turn on the heat?" Ella set down her things and removed her scarf, immediately shivering in the chill.
Arabella felt embarrassed, "I'm alone—I can just wear more layers. No need for heating."
"What do you mean no need? Don't try to save money—it won't cost much!" Ella went over to turn on the heating, then looked back at Arabella, seeing her in thick coral fleece pajamas, hair casually pinned up, looking as simple and innocent as a college student.
Honestly, Ella could understand why Gabriel was reluctant to divorce.
There was something magical about Arabella—something that made people want to protect and cherish her. But when men saw this quality, it made them want to possess her uncontrollably, even dominate her.