Chapter Four

I sighed and began making my way to the clothing section, I would need some outfits and shoes. At least I can add some good clothes to my wardrobe. 

I sauntered at a low pace, my eyes wandering the entire store for my taste. The place wasn't so deserted as I thought it would be, some customers were busy shuffling through some dress hangers while most of them took pictures with the celebrity,  Cole Manchester.

It has been quite a while since I saw him, we met at a gala affair ten years ago. Dad got invited so he took mom and me along.

Cole and I had one thing in broad, our dads were well-recognized businessmen in the city. Although, I was only known for being the molly cuddled child of some wealthy businessman who spends her day shopping, clubbing, and eating at luxurious restaurants went to a highly prestigious school, and became a lawyer under her father's influence. I hated the fact that I was only everything I did, all my hard work always comes down to my father's status in society. However, people saw, Cole Manchester as the complete opposite, he didn't take advantage of his father's prestige in society. He devoted all his effort to what he loved, he had joined the NFL and gained more attention than his father, certainly, I was obsessed with him even though I am five years older than him.

I was about to move my attention from him when our eyes met. He was ostensibly taking a selfie with a fan when our eyes locked. He gazed at me with those eyes that would make any woman want to walk up to him and eat him up right there.

His gapes brought some awkward feelings to the pit of my belly. His gaze gave my skin goosebumps, I tried to look away but my focuser was glued on him and he wasn't looking away either.

Before I could blink, I saw him ambling towards his eyes still piercing through my skin

My heart skipped a bit as he walked towards me, with his hands shoved in both trousers pockets. The strong ambiance around him choked the living daylight out of me. His well-built chest was insight as he flaunts them through the vintage shift he was wearing. He looked just like a model. His big dark brown eyes wander at every corner, giving him a flick vibe. He had this slick smile on his face.

My stomach hardened, I was salivating more than ever before as I gulped. Why was I so nervous? It's just Cole.

" Miss. Gabrielle." He called out in a friendly manner. He stretched out his right hand. I took a long stare at his perfectly streamed and neat fingers nails and probably the toughest, elegant hands I was about to shake. I could imagine how it would feel to touch those rough, perfectly sculptured big hands of his.

I was sure it would be layover my tiny hand.

" Hi!" I tucked my hand into his awaiting, outstretched hand. They felt cozy.

His eyes skimmed my entire body. I shifted uncomfortably in my position. He didn't seem to notice how uncomfortable his gaze made me feel, his gazes traveled back to my face, and he met me lost on his body. He smacked. Slimeball!

A part of me was starting to get irritated by him, already. I haven't gotten to know him yet and I'm already hating on him. Reasonably, if he had respected me, then I wouldn't be formulating sudden hatred for him.

" I heard about your marriage "disaster" " he air quoted at the word with his fingers.

My stomach churned merely at the mention of my failed wedding. I thought we were past that chapter of my life but apparently, it doesn't seem to quit popping up in every conversation around me.

I straightened my back and shoulders, with my head held up with pride. I wouldn't want to show him that his words were to me.

" Yeah... Do you have something to say to me about that?"

He chuckled softly, revealing his perfect dentition.

"Not. I know how hard it is for you as a woman, but I believe you will get over it." He took a few steps closer to me and plucked the strand on my face then tuck it at the back of my ear, his hand glazing over the skin on my neck and causing me to shudder. " I could need your help, Gabrielle." 

I chuckled faintly, " what could do for you when you have tons of staff and precisely all the help you can get " I muttered dismissing him.

" I have the feeling you don't understand what am saying. Only you can do this for me, not my Staff not anybody else." He said in a pleading manner. I was starting to wonder what he needed my help with. A celebrity asking for my help? Hell No!

I mean he probably has friends or family, domestic staff and sure his bodyguards could do whatever he wants.

" Look for someone else. Cole Manchester." I attempted to storm off, but he pulls me back, effortlessly.

" what do you want? You are creating a scene and people are staring already." I noticed some of the shoppers mostly the girls who were taking turns clicking selfies with him were already staring with their phones at chest level. The last thing I want is to be on the internet again. What would be the headline? ' Cole Manchester, in a morass with Bussiness man daughter, Gabrielle Foster. Or perhaps, Cole Manchester, hanging out with the recently dumped Gabrielle Foster. The news, media, and everyone who got involved in my situation always made it more difficult for me.

I couldn't imagine myself reading their comments on my wedding catastrophe video.

" Why don't we talk in a more private environment?" He asked.

" I can't go anywhere with you, I'm here with my friend."  I turn to scan for Michelle but she and her fiancee were nowhere to be seen. I can't just leave with Cole. Although it's every woman's dream to have such opportunities like that come at their doorstep and they wouldn't hesitate to take it, besides, how many times do you see a celebrity seeking attention from a wrecked ship like me?