Gabriela stepped downstairs, a sheepish grin spreading across her face as she apologized for her tardiness to the marketing team. The room, filled with expectant faces, brightened up at her arrival. She took a seat, her eyes twinkling with enthusiasm, ready to dive into business.
Jennie quickly dragged her daughter away, and they disappeared from view.
Alejandro's gaze shifted from the departing duo to his daughter, a warm, encouraging smile spreading across his face. Veronica, sitting beside him, smiled graciously, her eyes shining with approval.
Gabriela, now the center of attention, greeted each team member warmly before introducing herself. She dove straight into her presentation, her voice fluid and commanding.
"Today, let's explore the intricacies of consumer behavior," she began, her voice confident and engaging. "We've seen that traditional marketing strategies often fall flat in today's fast-paced digital landscape. But what if I told you that understanding the quirks of human psychology can give you an edge?"
The team leaned in, captivated.
"Firstly, leverage the power of FOMO – Fear Of Missing Out. Create limited-edition offers or exclusive deals that trigger a sense of urgency. People are more likely to buy when they think they're getting something unique.
"Next, personalize your approach. Use data analytics to tailor your messaging, making each customer feel like you're speaking directly to them. It's not just about addressing them by name; it's about understanding their preferences and pain points.
"Now, let's talk about storytelling. People remember stories, not facts and figures. Craft a narrative around your brand that resonates with your target audience. Make them feel like they're part of something bigger.
"Lastly, don't underestimate the power of shareable content. Create viral challenges or memes that get people talking about your brand. It's not just about going viral; it's about creating a buzz that translates into sales."
The marketing team listened, mesmerized, their nods and impressed murmurs filling the room. One of them couldn't help but compliment, "Your insights are incredibly sharp, Gabriela. You're natural."
Alejandro beamed with pride, his chest swelling with emotion. He wished Esmeralda were there to see their daughter shine. Veronica, sensing his sentiment and smiled wistfully.
With the presentation concluded and the team thoroughly impressed, Veronica signed the agreement, solidifying the partnership between their company and Flores Corp. The room erupted into a chorus of congratulations and handshakes, Gabriela at the center, basking in admiration.
The days flew by, and before anyone knew it, a month had turned into a couple of weeks, and the final year students of The White's Academy were in full-on exam prep mode. The library was always buzzing, and the sound of pages turning and notes being scribbled filled the air.
Michelle, usually a diligent studier, was struggling to keep up with her coursework while working at Lumi's Kitchen. The constant chatter of customers and the sound of dishes being washed made it tough for her to focus. To make matters worse, she was plagued by migraines, but Damien was her rock. Every night, he'd give her a soothing massage, and she'd feel a bit better.
Meanwhile, the basketball team was gearing up for the final match, scheduled to take place a day before the exams. The tension was palpable, but the team was determined to bring home the trophy.
Gabriela, lost in thought, wandered through the library, scanning the shelves for the perfect book. Her eyes landed on a title that caught her attention: "Marriage Versus Work". Intrigued, she wanted to dive in, but it was perched high on a shelf, and she was alone, except for the librarian, who seemed intimidating.
Not one to give up easily, Gabriela spotted a stool in the corner and dragged it over. She climbed up, stretched, and just as she was about to grab the book, the stool's broken leg gave way. She felt herself falling, her heart racing, but just as she was about to hit the floor, strong arms caught her.
"Whoa, easy there!" a deep voice said, and Gabriela found herself staring into Easton's concerned face.
"Thanks, Easton," she breathed, feeling a bit shaken.
"No problem, Gaby. What were you after?" he asked, taking the book from her hand.
Gabriela flinched a little as she realized she was still wrapped in his arms. "Just this," she said, nodding at the book.
Easton grinned and handed it to her. "Thought you might need some help reaching high shelves."
Gabriela smiled, feeling a bit silly, but grateful for the assist. "Thanks, Easton. You're a lifesaver."
"Alright. See you around." He left the library and she heaved a sigh of relief.
"What just happened? I hope no one saw us." She thought.
Lectures were held consecutively without break and Gabriela was busy taking notes, but amidst that, she felt Miguel drifting away from her.
She saw him in the changing room during recess and stormed in looking frustrated.
"That's enough, Miguel. Enough of you ghosting me. What's wrong? Whenever I come close to you, you're always walking away. What's happening?" Her voice was laced with urgency, and so was her confused expression, demanding an answer.
"You're yelling at me."
"No, I'm not...I'm just.."
"You're just what exactly? What the fuck happened in the library?" He questioned with a louder voice.
"The...library? Nothing. I don't understand - "
"What were you doing with Easton? Why were his arms around your waist?"
Gabriela was taken aback. She chuckled cutely.
"You saw that. Is that why you've been ignoring me?" She smiled.
"Y-Yes! Why would you let that guy touch you? What were you talking about? Why was he smiling like that?" Miguel sounded irritated.
"He just saved me. I was about to fall from a broken stool."
"You should have fell!" He exclaimed.
"What? Do you want me to end up on a wheelchair or something?"
"You can't get too hurt. The stool's not so far from the ground. He could have just let you fall. I'd take care of you." A blush brightened Gabriela's face.
"He did something great by saving me. You should be thanking him."
"I will not fucking thank that jackass! Why should I? I should be kicking his butt right now. He's so gutsy and daring. He's a science instructor. He should have nothing to do with a final year business administration student." He cursed angrily.
"Are you saying this because you're...jealous?" Gabriela searched for the truth in his eyes, staring at him lovingly.
"No, I'm not. I don't want him to take advantage of you. I don't want him to hold you like that, I don't want him to save you, I don't want him to look at you, I just want him to disappear!" He didn't realize how enraged he was. His fist was shaking uncontrollably.
"Miguel, you're yelling."
"I'm not yelling!" He roared, hitting his fist hard on the wall. She flinched.
"What came over you? Please calm down. We'll talk it over, it won't happen ever again. I will never let him touch me."
"You made it seem like you loved it when he touched you. Your expression made me go crazy." He was panting, still filled with rage.
"I didn't like it, to be honest because it - "
"Why are you smirking like that? Don't you get it? You're mine. No one should ever look at you the way I do. He looked so concerned. He doesn't have the right to be caring towards you!" Gabriela couldn't control her blushing.
"I'm...yours? Say that again."
"You belong...to me. Got it?"
"Got it." She winked.
"Are you free tonight?" She asked.
"Does it look like anyone's free?"
"You're still angry with me. I didn't plan this, you know? It just happened. I kinda believed I wouldn't fall because you'd come to save me, somehow. Although I was grateful, the touch didn't feel like you. I only covered up with a smile. Do you understand?"
"I'm sorry. And stop being so angry with Easton. He only helped."
"Stop saying he helped." His voice tuned low.
"You enjoy it so much when you tease me. You don't like to be teased one bit." She mocked.
~~~~~
Gabriela walked out of the school gates, the warm sun on her face, and headed towards her car. As she approached the parking lot, she spotted Veronica standing by a sleek black sedan. A smile spread across her face, and she quickened her pace, her arms open wide.
"Veronica!" she exclaimed, hugging her tight.
Veronica laughed, caught off guard by the enthusiastic greeting, but hugged her back warmly. "Gabriela, it's great to see you!"
Gabriela pulled back, beaming. "Thank you so much for signing the partnership with our companies! It means a lot to us."
Veronica's smile was genuine. "It was my pleasure, Gabriela. Your presentation was impressive. I knew we were making the right decision partnering with Flores Corp."
Gabriela's cheeks flushed with pride. "Thanks, we're really excited about it."
Veronica glanced at her watch. "Speaking of which, are you free tonight? I wanted to celebrate with you."
Gabriela's eyes lit up. "I'd love to! What did you have in mind?"
"How about we meet at Lumi's Kitchen? I heard they've got a new dish I want to try."
Gabriela grinned. "Perfect! I'll meet you there at 7?"
Veronica nodded, and they exchanged a warm smile before parting ways. Gabriela felt a spring in her step as she got into her car, feeling grateful for the new connection and looking forward to a great dinner ahead.
She texted Miguel on her way home.
[I'm sorry]
[Would you please respond?]
[I thought you accepted my apology]
[Reply me when you're done venting your anger on walls]
She decided to go a little flirty.
[Sugar, text back an emoji at least]
[Stop ignoring me]
[Don't do this to me]
[I'll cry]
[I'm crying already]
His reply made her heart flutter.
[Don't cry, Gabriela. Let's go somewhere tomorrow]
She grinned and quickly dialed his contact.
"Miguel...." She sounded childish.
"Were you actually crying?" He asked.
"Well....I was about to."
"Then don't. Why were you asking if I was free?"
"I wanted us to study together. Your place."
Miguel rolled his eyes playfully.
"Interesting, but no. I was thinking we'd visit my mom's burial site."
Gabriela's eyes widened.
"Really? Oh...my gosh, I don't like to go there."
"Let's just go say hi. Haven't you been going to your mom's?"
"I can't."
"Let's go this time. I'll introduce you." Gabriela giggled.
"I'll love that. I have a meeting with Veronica by 7. I have to get ready."
"All right."
Gabriela stepped into the elite restaurant, her eyes adjusting to the dim, sophisticated lighting. The air was filled with the soft hum of conversation and the clinking of fine china. Exquisite tables and chairs, adorned with crystal cutlery, stretched out before her, occupied by diners sipping wine and savoring their meals.
Her gaze landed on Veronica, who was seated at a table near the wall, looking effortlessly elegant in a cream-colored dress. Gabriela smiled, her heels clicking on the polished floor as she made her way over.
Veronica looked up, and her eyes widened slightly as she took in Gabriela's stunning black shimmering dress.
"Gabriela, you look breathtaking," she said.
Gabriela laughed, feeling a flutter of pleasure. "Thanks, Veronica. You don't look so bad yourself," she replied, admiring Veronica's understated yet striking outfit.
The two sat down, and the waiter, attentive and discreet, appeared to take their orders. They opted for the chef's special, and as they waited for their food, they chatted about everything from business to fashion to their shared love of art.
As they raised their glasses in a silent toast, Gabriela felt a sense of connection with Veronica that went beyond mere business associates and attending the same school. It was a feeling she welcomed, and one that made her look forward to their budding friendship.
"Um...what happened downstairs with Claudia and her mom? They exchanged awkward glances. Claudia looked roasted." Gabriela asked with a chuckle.
"She was giving them some lame tips for consumer behavior."
"But you didn't come to listen to her, right?"
"Yeah but Mrs. Flores insisted we let her share what she felt about the subject." Gabriela rolled her eyes.
"Oh man, but how did she get tips? How did she even know the subject matter? Did Dad tell her mom or something?"
"He could have. Professor Jennie told Claudia and I overheard her conversation with Kendall. She was giving her a note of your ideas and telling her to read them." Gabriela's hands flew to her mouth.
"What? Oh my God.." she was breathless.
"How could she? She lied to me!"
"You shouldn't trust those girls. Even if she had the best tips, I wouldn't let them take those in. You're still the one in charge." Gabriela smiled gracefully.
"Thank you so much, Veronica. Since you joined us, you've been on my side."
"My pleasure. I came to The White's Academy for no other reason but to protect you."
"Protect me? What do you mean?" She was confused.
Veronica realized what she had said and faked a chuckle.
"Never mind. I was...kidding."
"Veronica, can I share something with you?" Gabriela asked.
"I'm all ears."
"I've been having strange water-world dreams for as long as I can remember. They're confusing and they scare me sometimes. I can't comprehend - "
"Is it all about a cursed sea Prince and Sophia?" Gabriela was stunned. The cutlery fell from her hands.
"What the f-fuck?"
"How did you know?!" Gabriela exclaimed.
"Gabriela, it'll all be revealed to you this week."
"This week? I-I just wanna know what the dreams mean. Can you tell me?"
"I'm not in the position to tell you what the dreams mean, Gabriela Flores. I'm just here to guide you."
"From tonight onwards, you should obey every instruction in the dream. Then, you'll understand everything that has been haunting you all these years. Do you really want all this to end?" Gabriela nodded.
"It will. Just do everything I tell you to."
~~~~~
The door slammed close as Michelle tiredly retired on the couch.
"It was such a long day. I need a warm shower." She sighed.
"You've been working since 8am. Too bad you weren't in school today. The lectures were perplexing a little."
"I know, right? Professor Geneva has always been perplexing."
"We should go somewhere tomorrow."
"I'll be at work, Damien."
"You mean you'll work yourself out again tomorrow? You don't look too good when you're near a stove all day."
"That's what I want, Damien. I want to be near a stove. I'm finally doing what I've always wished for. Be happy for me." She grinned.
"You look exhausted." She didn't respond. She was dozing.
He carefully took off her glasses and chef hat, tossing them aside as she slept peacefully, her hair scattered on the sofa.
"Even her hair is tangled," Damien whispered to himself softly.
"I don't fancy the way Lumi's Kitchen stresses their chefs. I don't want my girlfriend to grow old too quickly."
His eyes were already on her lips, his fingers tracing her chin.
He couldn't stop himself from leaning in.
His lips pressed against hers warmly and she welcomed his irresistible taste. When his tongue rolled into her open entrance, she tingled a little, savoring him like that was the last time she'd do so.
Her hands traced, holding his fabric tight and pulling him closer to herself.
He tasted good, his body the exact temperature of the shower she needed.
Damien's fingers felt every inch of her and before she knew it, he was over her, his lips never breaking away from hers.
His hands went under her top and underneath him lost control.
Michelle's eyes were closed, feeling every touch without looking.
He felt his hand on her bra and her eyes popped open. She broke the kiss.
"Stop."
"I can't." He tried to unhook the brasserie.
"Stop."
"Please - stop." Damien noticed the urgency in her voice and let go of her.
"I'm tired. Try to understand me. We can do this... later." Her voice was groggy and she returned to her slumber.
"Sweet dreams, Michelle. I love you." He whispered and kissed her forehead softly.