Chapter 3
By the time Gabriella got home, she was soaked from the downpour, her body burned with a terrifying fever.
In the living room, Jerome was glued to his game console–the latest model, a gift from Cynthia.
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“Why are you back so soon?”
His tone wasn’t concerned for her health. It was a surprise that she’d returned early, worrying it might interrupt his dad and new mom’s wedding night.
Gabriella blinked, slightly dazed. “Yeah… I just got back. I’m going to rest.”
Jerome froze. Normally, she would never let him stay up late gaming. But tonight, she hadn’t even taken the console.
He settled in comfortably on the floor, diving into his game with full intensity.
Gabriella set the two rosaries on the coffee table and turned toward the stairs.
“Running all the way there just to bring back this? Is this supposed to make me and Dad feel better? Looks cheap… not even close to the full gaming setup Thia got me.”
Even though Jerome spoke softly, she heard every word.
This time, she didn’t respond. She went straight to her room, curling
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Chapter 3
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under the covers to warm her freezing body.
That night was filled with nightmares. Gabriella almost thought she wouldn’t wake up.
When she did, Daniel’s worried face hovered over her. “Honey, you’re awake! You scared me to death.
“Why’d you come back early from the mountains? Why didn’t you call me to pick you up? Look at you–forty–degree fever! I nearly went weak at the knees hearing this.”
Gabriella listened to his tender tone, tasting only bitter irony.
Now she could see through Daniel’s fake mask straight into the rot underneath.
“I thought sleeping it off would help. It’s nothing serious,” she said evenly.
“Nothing serious? What if something happened to you? What about Jerome?
“I’ll take care of you these days. Don’t even think about getting out of bed.”
His tone was indulgent yet scolding, impossible to read.
Soon, a rosary fell from his hands. “I saw this on the coffee table. You got it for me and Jerome, right? I’ve heard these are powerful but hard to get. You went through so much–I love you.
“I made sure Jerome always carries his, and I’ll do the same. Never losing it. It’s all your effort.”
Gabriella’s voice went cold. “What about the watch I gave you?”
Chapter 3
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Daniel was caught off guard, but his expression stayed smooth. “It’s at the office. My assistant’s holding it for me.”
Gabriella’s lashes flickered. She didn’t push further, letting her question hang in the air like a trap.
Daniel leaned down to kiss her forehead. She turned away in disgust, the memory of him kissing Cynthia flashing through her mind.
His kiss missed, freezing him for a split second.
“What? Feeling unwell? I can call a doctor.”
“I’m fine. Just a little dizzy. I want to sleep,” she said, closing her eyes, making it clear she didn’t want to continue the conversation.
Daniel brushed it off, assuming her reaction was just the illness.
Then the phone rang. Jerome’s voice came through, “Dad! Mom passed out! Come quick!”
“What happened? I’m on my way! Tell her not to be afraid!”
Daniel bolted, unaware that every word of his earlier conversation had been heard by Gabriella.
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