The Kitchen Confession & The Little Witness
The kitchen was silent, the only sound being the soft hum of the refrigerator. The air was still thick with the scent of the baby food Felix had been preparing. Gabriella stood trapped against the counter, her heart hammering against her ribs like a caged bird.
She was wearing her sleek, bodycon velvet gown in a deep wine-red. The fabric felt heavy and soft, its high-neck design making her look regal, but the open back left her feeling vulnerable to the heat of the room—and the heat of Felix's gaze.
Felix's fingers were still tightened around her wrist, his eyes searching hers with an intensity that made her breath hitch. His shirt was still missing buttons, revealing the steady rise and fall of his chest.
"What you said yesterday..." Felix whispered, his voice dropping to a husky, desperate pitch. "Do you really mean it? Are you truly willing to marry me, Gabriella? "
Gabriella looked into his dark eyes. She saw the fear of rejection hidden behind his cool exterior. She thought of the adoption papers, the lies of her parents, and the revenge that was burning a hole in her soul. She realized then that Felix was the only thing that felt real.
She nodded slightly, her eyes never leaving his.
Felix's expression transformed from tension to pure, unadulterated relief. A small, triumphant smile played on his lips. He began to lean in, his face inches from hers, his breath warm on her skin as he prepared to seal their vow with a kiss.
The Unexpected Interruption
"Uncle Felix? What are you doing?"
The innocent, high-pitched voice of four-year-old Scarlet sliced through the romantic tension like a blade. She was standing in the kitchen doorway, clutching her toy orange gun, her head tilted in pure confusion.
Gabriella and Felix jumped apart as if they had been electrocuted. They stood straight, smoothing their clothes and trying to look anywhere but at each other.
Felix quickly scratched the back of his head, his face flushing a rare shade of pink. "Oh, Scarlet! I... uh... Gabriella had something in her eye. I was just blowing it out for her."
Scarlet blinked, looking from her uncle to Gabriella. "Did it hurt?"
Gabriella quickly took the cue, rubbing her eyes and blinking rapidly. "Yes, sweetie. Just a little dust. It's much better now thanks to your uncle."
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The Invisible Shadow
The Royal Enterprises Grand Hall was a masterpiece of corporate power. High ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and a stage draped in royal blue velvet set the scene for the Best Employee Ceremony. Raina sat in the front row, looking sharp and lethal in a red silk pantsuit, her hair slicked back into a tight ponytail. Beside her, Bianca looked regal in a pearl-gray gown, though her eyes were cold as ice.
The Mind Games
Raina was already on edge. She scanned the audience, her heart skipping a beat when she saw a familiar face in the crowd. Gabriella.
"Mom, look! She's here," Raina whispered frantically, pointing toward the back.
Bianca turned, squinting through the lights. "Raina, there is no one there. You're seeing ghosts."
Raina blinked. The seat where Gabriella had been sitting was now occupied by an elderly man. Her blood began to boil. A moment later, a catering girl in a black uniform and a face mask placed a fresh water bottle on the table next to Raina. As the girl leaned in, she pulled her mask down for a split second.
It was Gabriella. She winked.
"YOU!" Raina gasped, lunging forward, but Gabriella pulled her mask back up and sprinted toward the backstage area. Raina jumped up, ignoring the confused stares of the board members.
"Raina, sit down!" Bianca hissed, grabbing her wrist.
"She's planning something, Mom! I won't let her!" Raina wrenched her hand away and charged off-stage, disappearing behind the heavy curtains. She searched every hallway, every dressing room, but the girl was gone.
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The Breaking Point
Half an hour later, the award distribution began. Raina returned to her seat, her face flushed with frustration and sweat. She watched as Bianca stepped to the podium to present the final award.
A female employee stepped up to receive the trophy. In the dim stage lighting, the girl's profile looked identical to Gabriella's. Raina didn't think; she reacted. She stormed onto the stage and delivered a stinging SLAP across the employee's face.
The room went silent. The sound echoed off the marble walls. Bianca froze in horror.
When Raina looked again, the girl on the floor was crying—it wasn't Gabriella. It was just a random office clerk.
Bianca grabbed Raina by the arm and dragged her into a private hallway, her face twisted in rage. "What is wrong with you, Raina?! Why are you obsessed with this Gabriella girl?"
"No, Mom! She's here! Why can't you see her?" Raina shouted, her eyes wide and wild. "She's everywhere! She's watching us!"
STRIKE. Bianca slapped Raina, her hand trembling. "Enough! I can't take this anymore. You're acting like a crazy person!"
Raina froze, her hand flying to her cheek. "Mom..."
Behind a nearby marble pillar, hidden in the shadows, Gabriella stood wearing a dark hoodie over her uniform. She watched the mother and daughter tear each other apart. A cold, dark smirk stretched across her lips. "Your own mother doesn't even believe you," she whispered to the shadows. "I've made you lose your mind, Raina."
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A Ghost from the Past
Gabriella slipped out of the building unnoticed. She walked a few blocks away to a small street-side shop and bought a cold juice. She sat on a park bench, the modern glass towers of Royal Enterprises reflecting in her eyes as she enjoyed her drink.
Suddenly, a heavy presence sat beside her. She didn't look, but a deep, smooth voice broke the silence.
"So, you still haven't given it up."
Gabriella turned. Her jaw tightened as she looked into the eyes of Victor, Raina's father. He was a famous, high-powered lawyer, and she hadn't seen him in two years. He looked expensive in a bespoke navy suit, his expression unreadable.
"If your parents knew you were still chasing revenge, they would be devastated," Victor said calmly.
Gabriella let out a cold, hollow laugh. "Are you blackmailing me, Victor?" she scoffed, turning her face away. "Might be you can save Raina from prison?. But you'll never save her from me. Never."
Victor stared at the horizon. "That won't happen as long as I'm here."
Gabriella stood up, finished her drink, and crushed the plastic bottle in her hand before tossing it into the trash. "Let's see about that."
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The Double Agent's Heart
The Grand Plaza Mall was a cathedral of glass and steel, filled with the hum of shoppers and the scent of expensive perfume. But on the secluded third-floor balcony, the air was cold. Felix stood leaning against the railing, looking effortlessly low-key in a charcoal hoodie, black jeans, and a baseball cap pulled low to hide his face.
The Mission vs. The Man
Beside him stood James, his high-ranking officer from the government secret service. They didn't look at each other; they both stared out at the bustling atrium below.
"How's the mission?" James asked, his voice barely a whisper.
"Going as planned," Felix replied. "But I need a break. My parents' 'accident' two years ago... I have a lead. Someone was behind it, and I'm going to find them."
James sighed. "You've spent two years on this case, Felix. Don't let personal revenge delay the agency. Any suspects?"
Felix handed over a small file with the name Richardson on it. "I have a feeling it's Robert," Felix muttered, his jaw tightening. "Just intuition for now. I need the evidence."
James placed a heavy hand on Felix's shoulder. "Contact me if you need help. But Felix... I heard about the wedding. Remember, it's just for the mission. Don't let emotions ruin the plan. In our line of work, family is a weakness. Don't waste your heart."
James walked away, leaving Felix in a sea of conflicting shadows.
"Felix!"
He turned to find Nancy standing there, her face twisted in anger. She was dressed in a chic beige blazer set, looking every bit the sophisticated sister. "Why were you with him? I told you to cut ties with the agency! You're getting married!"
"Nancy, it was just a meeting," Felix tried to calm her.
"Do you know how much we sacrificed?" Nancy's eyes filled with sorrow. "Did you forget?"
Felix's mind flashed back to a rainy night five years ago. He was twenty, standing in the pouring rain with his family as their mansion was snatched away by a faceless tycoon. "You pay the cost for messing with me," the man's distorted voice had echoed.
"I won't let you lose yourself to revenge," Nancy pleaded, touching his arm.
Felix covered her hand with his. "Don't worry. I won't let anything happen. Is Gabriella here?"
"She's on her way with her family. Come on, we need to pick out your wedding suit," Nancy said, pulling him toward the designer boutiques.
Felix stepped away to make a quick call, but a sharp cough made him freeze. He turned, expecting James, but his blood turned to ice when he saw Jake.
Jake looked disheveled but dangerous, leaning against a marble pillar with a mocking grin. "So, the secret agent thinks he can ruin my father's business and just walk away?"
Felix's jaw tightened. "I'm done with your father, Jake. I don't have time for kids."
Jake pulled out a cigarette, flipping it into the air and catching it between his lips. "Starting today, I'm your worst enemy, Felix."
Felix smirked. "Then tell Gabriella who I am. See if she believes you."
Jake lit his cigarette, blowing a cloud of smoke into the air. "Of course she'll believe me. She still loves me."
The calm in Felix's eyes shattered. He lunged forward, grabbing Jake by the collar, his knuckles white. The mall security glanced their way, and Felix forced himself to let go. He leaned into Jake's ear, his voice a lethal growl.
"If she loved you, she wouldn't have left you."
Jake's jaw tightened..
Felix smirked," You lost her, but I won't. I'm never giving her a reason to leave me. Not even a single chance."
Felix turned on his heel, walking toward the bridal shop where Gabriella was waiting. Behind him, Jake's face twisted into a mask of pure rage.
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The Diamond and the Deception
The luxury shopping district was a whirlwind of white silk and expensive perfumes. Inside the premier bridal boutique, the atmosphere was frantic but festive. Nancy and Fiona were diving through racks of lace, while Janet and Roselette stood near the pedestals.
"I can't believe it," Janet remarked, adjusting her elegant mauve tea dress. "Only three days ago we were here for Han's wedding shopping, and now it's Gabriella's turn!"
Roselette, looking graceful in a structured cream midi dress, sighed softly. "It's a rush, I know. But we wanted the wedding held before Nancy has to go back abroad."
Gabriella arrived, looking like a dream in a simple but chic white sundress. Roselette immediately held up a gown featuring intricate floral embroidery and a long, flowing train. "This is perfect for you, Gabriella."
"I love it, Mom," Gabriella whispered. Suddenly, she threw her arms around Roselette, hugging her tightly. The sudden burst of emotion made Roselette panic. "Are you alright, sweetie?"
"I'm just... thankful for everything, Mom," Gabriella said, her voice cracking. Thank you for loving me as your biological daughter even though we share no blood, she thought as a single tear escaped.
Felix entered the shop at that exact moment. His sharp eyes immediately caught the glint of tears on her face. Without a word, he walked over and placed a soft tissue in her hand. Gabriella wiped her eyes and stepped away from her mother, feeling his steady presence behind her.
"Let's go to the jeweler's," Felix whispered, his voice a low rumble. Before she could protest, he was already dragging her toward the exit.
"Hey! Where are you taking the bride?" Fiona teased, crossing her arms.
"Don't worry, I'm not kidnapping her yet," Felix shot back with a smirk.
A few minutes later, they were surrounded by the glittering lights of the high-end jewelry shop. Felix scanned the velvet trays until his eyes landed on a pair of stunning diamond earrings. He stepped behind Gabriella, his hands moving slowly to brush her hair away from her ears. His warm, gentle touch sent a shiver through her skin, melting her resolve.
He clipped one on. "Amazing," he breathed, looking at her reflection.
"Do you like it?" he asked. "Don't say yes just for me. If you don't love it, we look at another."
Gabriella grabbed his hand, her eyes meeting his in the mirror. "Yes. I love it."Felix mesmerized while looking her. Suddenly, Phone vibrating sound interrupted them.
Felix stepped outside to take an urgent call, leaving Gabriella to browse the rings. She was looking at a gold band when a hand slid a different box toward her. Inside was a massive, vintage-cut diamond.
She looked up, expecting Felix, but her blood turned to ice. It was Jake.
"I know what you like," Jake said confidently.
"I don't like it," Gabriella snapped, turning away.
"Don't fool yourself, Gabriella. Ask your heart, not your pride," Jake said, his voice dropping. She knew he wasn't talking about the ring—he was talking about him.
Gabriella dragged him out into the quiet hallway. "Why haven't you answered my calls?" he demanded.
"I'm not your girlfriend, Jake! You're engaged to Elisabeth!"
"I did that because I was pissed off!" Jake shouted, grabbing her hand. "Don't marry Felix just to get back at me. If you knew who he really was, you wouldn't do this."
Gabriella's face hardened into a mask of pure hate. She grabbed Jake by the collar, pulling him close. "I know your real face, Jake. I saw the video. You left Kevin to die. How could your heart be so made of stone?"
Jake's eyes turned red with a mix of shock and pain. "You believe I'm behind Kevin's death?"
"Don't ever disturb me again," she hissed, shoving him away. "You're on my list now. Right after Raina."
She walked away, her breath coming in ragged gasps, until she ran into Felix. He didn't ask questions; he just saw her distress and pulled her into his chest, his hand covering the back of her head as he held her close.
"Let's get ice cream," he said softly, trying to break the tension.
They sat on a bench outside, she is eating strawberry cone. "Is it tasty?" he asked. "I don't usually eat strawberry."
"Do you want to try?" Gabriella asked, leaning her cone toward him.
Felix didn't reach for the cone. Instead, he gently moved her hand away. He leaned in, his gaze fixed on her mouth, and slowly, gently tasted the ice cream right off her lips.
Gabriella's eyes widened, her heart hammering against her ribs. Felix pulled back just an inch, a dark, satisfied smirk on his face. "It's delicious," he whispered.
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To be Continued.....
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