Semua Bab Leaving You Bereft: Bab 561 - Bab 570

Sharon was stunned. She was a retired teacher based in a small town, so she didn't quite know about the unspoken rules of high society. She only believed in what she saw—that Brody and Gabriella weren't a good match.However, it had never occurred to her that Brody wasn't even Gabriella's first choice. She didn't know that Gabriella wasn't pestering Brody. In fact, she was now chasing them away.But didn't Gabriella have feelings for Brody?While Sharon was busy feeling embarrassed, Brody's attention was attracted by something else—there was a chance Gabriella would get into a political marriage.When two heirs from prominent families were caught in a scandal, things wouldn't play out like they would in an ordinary relationship. The heirs had to answer to their companies' shareholders, and the best way to do that would be to get married. That was why the Zieglers and Lunds were hurrying to Sundervale.Sharon wanted to say something else, but Brody stopped her. He said flatly, "Mom

Gabriella said tearfully, "I'm not crying. You're just hurting me."Xavier looked down at her, seeing a side of her that she didn't usually show. Her plain black turtleneck added a hint of fragility to her, making one automatically pity her.He softened his tone without even realizing it. "The tears on your face are enough to make a cup of coffee, yet you claim you're not crying."She wanted to say something, but he didn't give her the chance. He lifted her foot and gently massaged her ankle, which was slightly swollen.She wanted to shrink back, but he stopped her by tightening his grip on her foot. His skin was tanned, which contrasted with her alabaster. It was a striking sight, and they both remembered their wild night together.Xavier gave Gabriella a meaningful look, making her turn away, feeling a little embarrassed. He said huskily, "You'll get a taste of me daily once we're married. Maybe you won't even want to leave me when it's time for us to divorce in two years. Maybe

Xavier's gaze was dark and unfathomable. Gabriella wanted to brush past him, but he stretched out an arm to stop her. He leaned close and said in a voice only audible to her, "I don't care how much history there is between you two, Gabriella. I won't let you get involved with anyone else after marrying me."Gabriella scoffed. "You're overthinking this. Even if you're worried, it should be over other good-looking guys, especially those who are young and endearing."Xavier had been a little moved upon hearing her saying that she was overthinking, but his mood soured toward the end of her sentence. He grabbed her arm and barked out an exasperated laugh. "You truly are something, Gabriella."She reached out to straighten his shirt with a faint smile. "I'll make sure to keep improving over the next two years so that I'll catch up to you one day, Mr. Lund. I have to excel to be worthy of you."He snarled, "Just you wait."They went at each other's throats, and neither of them was willin

More handsome than whom? That was obvious.Gabriella watched Xavier as he smiled and chatted with Julian and Willow. His actions and tone were respectful. Then, he looked up and saw her. His smile widened.Perhaps all grooms just carried this sort of radiance as their wedding day approached. Gabriella, on the other hand, couldn't help mocking him inwardly. This marriage was just out of convenience—what was there to be happy about?Willow beckoned her over, and she did so obediently since Xavier's parents and other elders were around. It wouldn't be appropriate for her to act out of line.Rebecca absolutely adored her. Xavier's father, Jerome Lund, was a man who never went against his wife, so he adored Gabriella, too. While discussing the wedding, Jerome said, "Xavier is the one managing Brightstone Group now, and Gabriella has her own career. I'll leave it to them to decide whether they want kids. It'd be good for them to wait for a couple of years, anyway."Naturally, the Zieg

Gabriella woke up the following morning to be greeted by the sight of Xavier's face up close. He was tall and muscular, and the planes of his face were hard and chiseled. At the same time, his features came together to make him masculine yet pretty.He liked teasing her, yet he was so dominant and rough in bed. He would only occasionally show her some tenderness.When she moved, she felt sore all over. She scratched Xavier in retaliation, and the pain woke him up. He was about to explode when he saw her lying in his arms. His anger immediately dissipated, and he pulled her close, peppering kisses over her face. It seemed he was interested in going at it again.Gabriella panted and pressed his jaw, pushing his face away. She left scratches on his neck in the process.Unfortunately for her, the pain only served to arouse him further. The early morning was the perfect time for another romp in bed.Gabriella's eyes were half-shut as she buried her face in the pillow when they were don