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CHAPTER 34

Author: Irene Desires
last update Last Updated: 2025-08-21 16:56:12

Gabriela stood in the shower longer than she wanted. She allowed the warm water to fall on her hair down to her shoulder, washing away the cold and fear but not stopping her heart, which was beating hard.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, She couldn't believe what was happening. How was a contract marriage turning into the real deal?

“What is wrong with you Gabriela?”

She spoke to herself while she turned off the shower and grabbed her towel.

Simon had almost kissed her.

The thought of that twisted her stomach, it wasn't just the kiss that almost happened but the fact that she wanted it to happen. That scared her.

She got dressed and sat at the corner of her bed with her thoughts in silence.

In the living room, Simon was pacing around and regretting his actions.

He could still sense the scent of almond latte and rain in her hair. Simon exhaled deeply and rubbed the palm of his hand on his face.

“What was I thinking?”

He beat himself up, he didn't plan to lean in but in that
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    “I think this tie will suit you better with what you are wearing”Gabriela mentioned as she raised the tie unto Simon’s chest who was dressed in his shirt still unbuttoned.“Yeah, I guess anyone is okay”He said without looking at her. Gabriela tried to meet his eyes with no success, she dropped the tie on the bed and sat down.“Hey”She said gently. Simon turned back and looked at her.“Come sit”Simon sighed and sat next to her, his expression was different, it was distant.“What is going on? You've not said a word all evening”Gabriela asked worriedly.“You can wear a bow tie if that's what you prefer”“No Gabriela, it's not about the tie”Simon finally responded.“Okay, so what is it?”Simon slowly met her eyes that were searching his.“I feel like a failure…the board wants to kick me out and now I'm going to this fundraising event and I know they'll just ridicule me”Gabriela looked at him, not with pity but in awe. Simon Ramsey was capable of being vulnerable with her once agai

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