LOGINKAYLA'S POVPlates clinked in the kitchen, and Mom's laughter mixed with Dad's deep voice. I could hear Zoey's giggles from the living room, where she was probably playing with Gabriel. Every passing day, it became more apparent to me that they were both like two peas in a pod. He was sooo warm whenever they were together. Warm like the same boy I knew years ago.I got lost watching both of them wrestle with each other, Zoey having the upper hand as she sat on top of Gabriel who feigned weakness. I didn't realize when a smile appeared on my face."I know, right?" I heard Mom's voice behind me, and quickly reset my face to a default blank expression."I stare at them like that too, on most days." She whispered. "Glad that poor boy finally got properly loved by a family."Before I could say a word in response, she announced much loudly. "Dinner is ready!!" "Yaaayy!" Kayla got off of Gabriel almost immediately, making me chuckle. Just barely two weeks of she staying around my mom, an
LISA'S POV.We pulled up to my apartment building after yet another dinner date. This was the fourth one in just two weeks. Each time Chase asked me out, I told myself I would say no. I really meant to. But then I'd think about how much I wanted to be near him, and the words "yes" would slip out. Our little time during work wasn't enough anymore. It left me hungry for more, like I needed him in my life outside the office too. I know. I felt ashamed admitting that truth to myself. And yes, I didn't resign anymore. I couldn't believe the frustration and chaos he had caused in my mind, made me contemplate doing such!Chase parked his car next to mine and walked me to the door, just like he always did. We both stood there, him looking at me, while I did everything possible to avoid the eye contact. I felt like a bag of nerves.His hand brushed my arm lightly, sending little sparks through me. It was supposed to be a friendly gesture."I should take my leave now." He said.No. I found
KAYLA'S POV"Dad, I just saw her walk out of your office." I said, announcing my presence. He had probably been thinking it was Gabriel who had walked back into the office, because he seemed very surprised to see me."Kayla." He called me, his anger calming a bit. "I saw her. That was she, right? She's Joana's mom. I thought she was in Florida, what is she here for?""I just found out who instigated the board members to opt for a change of CEO." He said, trying it hold back his apparent anger. I already knew what came next. It had been Joana's mom."It was her." I nodded slowly, taking a seat as I did. I was already not in the mood as I made my way to the office. Now, my mood was as good as sour."Audrey, I guess I made a great mistake when I listened to your mom and went ahead to give Joana and her mother as much shares as I gave them. It's safe to say that they are both about to bite the finger that fed them." He sighed, regret evident in his voice and eyes."The last thing I'd do,
TWO WEEKS LATER.KAYLA’S POVI stepped out of the restroom first, already frowning, and Gabriel followed right behind me, calmly buckling his belt like we hadn’t just crossed a line.He noticed my expression immediately.“Why the face?” He asked, and I stared at him in disbelief. Was he seriously asking that?“Gabriel, we agreed to be careful.” I lowered my voice. “No misbehavior in public.”He smiled, slow and unapologetic. “But this isn’t public. This is your office.”“And anyone could walk in at any moment.”He shrugged it off, completely unfazed. “Still doesn’t change the fact that you enjoyed it.”Heat rushed to my face, and I hated that he was right. Being close to him always unraveled my self control.“I did.” I admitted quietly. “But that’s not the point.”He stepped closer. “You told me I could explore my wildest fantasies with you. Remember?”“Yes, I said that, but...”“One of them,” He cut in, his voice dropping seductively, “is being this close to getting caught while fuc
GABRIEL'S POV I walked into the Pearson manor that evening, a basket of fruits in my hand. I had come to see just one person, and was hoping I could quickly round up with my visit, and meet up with Kayla later that night.Fuck.Even with how messed up my thoughts and emotions had gotten earlier in the day, somehow, I just couldn't stop thinking about her. Dio..."Gabriel."I looked forward to see Alice at the entrance of the house. Oh... I didn't expect to see her here."Good evening." I greeted. She seemed genuinely surprised I had greeted. Or was it about the fact I had visited the manor? I wasn't sure."Good evening." The cool air carried her gentle voice. Her eyes fell on the basket in my hand, and they shone in excitement. "You brought this... for father?"I shifted uncomfortably. "I'm here to see Nana." I informed."Ohh..." She whispered, her face falling slightly in disappointment. I honestly didn't understand her motive these days. What was it with her and trying to mend th
GABRIEL'S POV I had spent a better part of my day with Uncle Luca at STONE, before returning to my office later at noon.Several things ran through my mind as I stepped out of the elevator and headed toward my office. Things as such as the message my father had sent me the previous night.I couldn't believe that the man was still pushing for me to be a part of Pearson. Didn't he get it? I knew everything now. I knew the truth, and I had made peace with the fact that I was never truly going to be family. At least, not to him. I walked into my office and took my seat, hating the fact that my thoughts were flowing in direction of that man again.What exactly did he want?!I didn't realize when I angrily hit my fist so hard against the desk in annoyance. It was so frustrating because it was beginning to seem like I had deluded myself these past couple of years. I thought I was over a lot of things, but here I was again, letting them consume me more than they should. 'Grandpa!', I hear







