Chapter 7: Crossed paths

Gabriella stepped out of the taxi, and a massive open gate stood before her. From a distance, music pulsed through the night air. For a few seconds, she remained still, calming her racing nerves.

It’s okay, Gabriella. It’s just a party. Go in, find Andy… then leave.

A few people walked through the gate, laughing loudly. Gathering her courage, Gabriella followed them up a winding hill road. On one side stretched a quiet glass garden, reflecting flickering lights from ahead. With every step, the music grew louder.

A huge villa came into view — glowing under colorful floodlights. People crowded the front yard, dancing, drinking, laughing. Smoke drifted from somewhere near the pool, and cheers erupted from the back.

“Nice dress, girl!” someone shouted as Gabriella passed.

Her pink dress hugged her figure beautifully, and her soft makeup made her glow under the lights. She smiled shyly and stepped inside, scanning the crowded house for Andy.

The music thundered inside. The air smelled of alcohol, sweat, and weed. Bodies pressed tightly together, making it difficult to move.

This was a bad idea, Gabriella thought. I should’ve called Andy first.

She pulled her phone from her purse — then froze.

Andy sat on a couch near the living area.

“Andy!” Gabriella called, relieved.

Andy looked up and gasped. “Ella!” She dropped her plastic cup onto the table and rushed forward, wrapping Gabriella in a tight hug. “I didn’t think you’d come! I’m so glad you did!”

Gabriella laughed nervously. “I almost didn’t.”

“You look amazing,” Andy said proudly, pulling her closer toward the group.

Only then did Gabriella notice the people around them — Amanda, Blake, and several photography club members. Blake lifted his drink in greeting. Xander smiled quietly, making Gabriella blush.

“And who’s this beautiful friend?” Jasper asked, leaning forward with interest, clearly intrigued.

“Oh! Jasper, this is Gabriella — we call her Ella,” Andy introduced. “Ella, this is my friend Jasper.”

Before Gabriella could respond, Jasper stood and kissed the back of her hand.

“Nice to meet you, beautiful.”

She pulled her hand back politely. “Nice to meet you too.”

Andy laughed. “Ella, where’s your drink?”

“I just arrived,” Gabriella admitted.

“That’s unacceptable,” Jasper said playfully. “Let me get you one.”

Before she could protest, he disappeared into the crowd.

Andy guided Gabriella to sit beside Amanda and Blake, then returned to her seat near Xander. Gabriella noticed Andy laughing and lightly bumping shoulders with him. They high-fived, smiling comfortably.

Are they dating? Gabriella wondered with a soft smile. They looked good together.

Minutes passed. Jasper hadn’t returned. Everyone else was busy chatting. Heat built in the room, making Gabriella uncomfortable.

She stood quietly and slipped toward the kitchen to get herself a drink.

The kitchen was crowded but calmer. She grabbed a red plastic cup, poured beer, and gulped it down thirstily.

“Wow,” a male voice laughed behind her. “You drink like a champion.”

She turned to see a blond stranger watching her with a crooked grin.

“Sorry?” she asked uncertainly.

He stepped closer, pouring himself a drink. “Care to drink with me?”

He leaned forward, boxing her in against the cupboard.

“No, thank you,” Gabriella said nervously.

“Why not?” He smirked. “You and I could have a great night.”

Alarm shot through her body. She tried to step away — but he grabbed her wrist.

“Let me go!” she shouted, though the music swallowed her voice.

“Relax,” he said lazily. “You know you want it.”

Disgust surged through her.

Then—

“Let her go.”

The voice cut sharply through the noise.

Gabriella’s breath caught.

She turned slowly.

Norman stood behind the man, his eyes dark and dangerous, locked on him like blades.

For a moment, Gabriella didn’t know whether to feel relieved…

or terrified that Norman had found her here.

Norman had decided not to attend the party. Instead, he went home, hoping he would find Gabriella there.

But the apartment was empty.

A strange unease settled in his chest. Where could she be?

Before he could think further, his phone rang. Andy’s name flashed on the screen.

“Norman, I swear if you don’t come to this party, forget that we’re friends,” she threatened.

Norman sighed. “Alright. I’ll come.”

“Good. I’ll be waiting,” she said before hanging up.

With nothing else to do — and now slightly worried — Norman headed toward the villa. He planned to show up, let Andy see him, then leave.

As he walked through the entrance and passed the kitchen, a familiar voice caught his attention.

He turned.

Gabriella.

She was struggling against a blond stranger.

What was she doing here?

For a moment, Norman barely recognized her. The shy girl he had seen yesterday now stood in a soft pink dress, glowing under party lights. She was the same Gabriella — yet completely different.

His blood boiled.

Another man was touching her.

“Let her go,” Norman said coldly.

The blond guy turned with a scowl. “Mind your damn business.”

Gabriella’s eyes locked onto Norman. “Please… help me.”

That was all it took.

Norman stormed forward and ripped the man’s hand off her wrist.

“Go outside, Gabi,” he ordered quietly.

She didn’t hesitate. She ran.

“Hey! Come back!” the man shouted, shoving Norman. “What’s your problem? She was just—”

“She’s my girl,” Norman snapped. “And you touched her with your filthy hands.”

Before the man could react, Norman struck him hard. The blond crashed to the floor, unconscious.

Norman melted into the crowd and stepped outside.

Gabriella stood near the gate, hugging herself against the cool night air.

“What the hell were you doing here, Gabi?” Norman demanded, his voice rough.

“I… I came to a party,” she answered nervously.

“A party?” he scoffed. “If you wanted a party, I could’ve thrown one for you at home — without idiots like that.”

She stayed silent.

Noticing her shivering, Norman slipped off his leather jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders.

Gabriella inhaled the familiar scent of him — warm leather, spice, and something deeply comforting.

“Come on. Let’s go home,” he said, taking her hand.

She hesitated. “Wait… I can’t just leave.”

Norman turned sharply. “You’re not staying in this place. You don’t belong here.”

“I know,” she said softly. “But I have to tell the person who invited me that I’m leaving. Just give me two minutes. I’ll be right back.”

Before he could protest, Gabriella rushed inside.

Norman exhaled slowly, watching the door.

You better be back quickly.

What Norman didn’t know —

was that two minutes would soon become two hours.