"D-Damien, how the fuck did you get in?"
"I missed you so I came."
"It's been just two days."
"I can't live without you for more than two days, babe." Michelle smiled.
"Okay, so would you please let go of me? I need to prepare dinner."
"Fine, off you go, little chick." He freed her from the embrace.
"What are you doing tomorrow?" She asked as she glanced through a cookbook.
"Nothing. I'll be home thinking about you."
"You don't have to because, I've got something exciting planned. There's a movie hitting the cinemas tomorrow and we have to see it." Michelle said joyfully.
"Really? What's this movie about?" Damien asked curiously.
"It's a romance thriller."
"Can't wait, then. I hope it's just us this time."
"No. Diana is coming with us." Damien frowned.
"I'm not in for that. How many times do I have to tell you to stop inviting Diana to our dates? It should be just you and I, Michelle."
"But she's your sister."
"I don't want her! She should also get a boyfriend if she wants to hang out so much. Gabriela's busy with Miguel and her work, same as Isabella. We're a couple and should go out alone!" Damien yelled.
"Couple? I like that."
"What do you say? Tell Diana we're not having her tag along. Not this time, not anymore!"
~~~
The weeks flew by in a whirlwind of laughter and adventure. Miguel and Gabriela were inseparable, soaking up every moment together. They chased sunsets on pristine beaches, danced under starry skies, and explored hidden gems in the city. Their nights were filled with deep conversations, giggles, and whispers that lingered until the early hours of the morning.
Gabriela would often wake up late, her hair a mess, and scramble to piece together an outfit for work. Miguel would chuckle, teasing her about her " effortless" style, and she'd blush, knowing she looked like a hot mess. But he loved her just the way she was.
Their evenings were spent at Miguel's luxury apartment, just the two of them, basking in each other's company. They'd play board games, watch movies, and cook together, the kitchen filled with the aroma of sizzling spices and laughter.
But it wasn't all smooth sailing. They'd have silly fights, slamming doors and pouting, only to make up with a kiss, a hug, or a silly joke. It was a love that was growing, evolving, and embracing imperfections.
As Gabriela sat on the floor of Miguel's room, her fingers deftly weaving a bracelet, she felt a sense of peace wash over her. Veronica's words still lingered in her mind, a puzzle she was slowly piecing together. The connection they shared, the Marine world...it was all so surreal, yet it made sense.
The door clicked open, and Miguel walked in, a smile on his face. "Hey, beautiful. What's that you're making?"
Gabriela held up the half-finished bracelet, her eyes sparkling. "Just something sweet for us both."
Miguel's eyes softened, and he crouched beside her, his lips brushing against her temple. "You wanna know the sweetest thing in the world?"
Before Gabriela could process what was happening, Miguel had snatched the bracelet from her hands and took off running. "Miguel, give that back right now! Stop being mean!" Gabriela yelled, chasing after him.
They tore through the house, laughter and shouts filling the air. Miguel's mocking laughter proved to be his downfall; he couldn't contain himself and slowed down in the living room. Gabriela seized the opportunity, climbing onto a chair and lunging at him. She managed to wrestle the remains of the bracelet from his grasp.
Her triumphant smile quickly turned to dismay. The beads had scattered everywhere, and all Miguel had left was the string. "Man, what have you done? That was my hard work! I've been doing that the entire day," Gabriela said, her voice laced with sadness.
Miguel's face fell, realizing what had happened. "I'm sorry, Gaby. I didn't mean to..."
Gabriela plopped onto the sofa, looking dejected. Miguel sat beside her, a sheepish grin on his face. He pulled out two diamond bracelets from behind his back. "I thought these would be more perfect."
Gabriela's expression shifted from sadness to shock, then a genuine smile spread across her face. "They are so nice!"
Miguel took her hand, placing one of the bracelets on her wrist. "It's nicer when it's on your wrist. Don't spend time making bracelets again when your dad has been calling over 30 times." He leaned in, kissing her wrist.
Gabriela's eyes widened as she grabbed the phone from the table. "Gosh! It's past 3 pm! Today's the meeting with the Milan team!"
Miguel's expression turned serious. "Let's go. I'll drop you off."
"I can't go wearing this! I need to change!"
~~~FLORES CORP~~~
"Oh my gosh, Gabriela! When will you grow up? Your dad is so mad at you for missing the meeting! How could you? Your boyfriend is taking the most of your time. He's a distraction to your success. We've told you that countless times. There's so much work left undone. Instead of sorting that, you're going on dates!" Jennie reprimanded.
"Hello? What are you doing here? I thought Dad said he didn't wanna see you ever again."
"The divorce papers aren't ready yet. I'm still married to your father and that makes me your mother. So I have every right to scold you for - "
"Excuse me, you're not my mother and you can never be! Where's Dad? I'll apologize to him and we'll talk this whole thing out."
"Your dad is at home. Let's go. I could be of help. You know, explain things...we all had a boyfriend sometime in our lives."
"Jennie Myers. When your case file is ready, you will be arrested and rot in jail with your loser daughter. Just keep quiet and don't interfere in matters concerning the Flores family. Got that? Now, get lost before I call security."
Jennie smirked.
"You know what I like most about you, your confidence."
"And you know what I hate about you, your greed. Get out!" Gabriela snapped loudly.
~~~~FLORES MANSION~~~~
Alejandro Flores's face was red with rage as he paced around the spacious office, his voice echoing off the walls. "Gabriela, how could you be so irresponsible? Skipping the meeting with the Milan team to be with your boyfriend? Do you have any idea how much damage this has done to our company? We've lost the contract, and now we can't even reach the Milan team! You're a disappointment, Gabriela."
Gabriela stood tall, her eyes flashing with anger, but she tried to keep her composure. "Dad, I'm sorry about the meeting, but—"
Alejandro cut her off, his voice rising. "Sorry? Sorry is not going to fix this! I regret agreeing to your relationship with Miguel. I knew he would be a distraction. This is exactly why I wanted you to focus on the company, not some boy!"
Gabriela's anger simmered, and suddenly, she snapped. "Don't tell me you're giving me so much love and care only to grow older some day and prioritize your company over my own relaxation and leisure. Although Flores Corp has given me everything I wanted in life, that doesn't mean I'll commit my life to Flores Corp only."
Alejandro's eyes widened, taken aback by her words. "What are you talking about? This company is your future!"
Gabriela's voice grew stronger. "Do you know how much time I've given to your company even when I was in college? I was always so busy trying to put work and school together. And now this is what I get after a small mistake? Insults? Thanks for making me know that I'm not good enough but I won't trade my comfort for money! Not now! Not ever! I'm leaving!"
Alejandro's face turned purple with rage as Gabriela stormed out of the house. "You will regret this choice! I told you boys were distractions! I only agreed to your relationship to make you happy! You'll crawl back here! I won't call you for any help before you crawl back here!!!!" he roared, his voice fading as Gabriela slammed the door behind her.
The sound of the car engine roaring to life and speeding away was the only response. Alejandro stood in the hallway, fury etched on his face, his chest heaving with anger. The silence that followed was deafening.
Gabriela regretted her words but was too mad to even think of apologizing.
~~~~
"You yelled at your dad? Fuck, you shouldn't have."
"I did the right thing! I couldn't stand him saying those stupid things about you!" Gabriela yelled.
Miguel chuckled.
"Little Miss, it's good to know you were fighting for me but I'd like you to apologize right away. Call him and say you're sorry."
"Why should I do that?"
"Because you're at fault."
"I'm not at fault. I mean - I'm not ready to accept that it's my fault."
"Okay. I know who's at fault now. It's me. I shouldn't have come into your life. Things would have been be - "
"Hush." Gabriela placed a finger on his lips.
"Don't you ever say that again. Coming into my life made it so much better, Miguel. If he truly loves me like he says, he won't yell at me for such a small mistake."
The days blurred together in a haze of laughter and excitement as Gabriela and Miguel danced through life hand in hand. They twirled through a glamorous gala, the spotlight shining bright on Gabriela's radiant smile and stunning red gown. The next morning, she woke up to a flurry of congratulatory messages – she was trending on social media as the best-dressed guest at the event.
As she bounced onto the couch beside Miguel, her phone buzzing with opportunities, she laughed. "I guess being fabulous has its perks!"
Miguel grinned, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "You're a star, Gaby. You should totally do it."
The buzz turned into a chorus of calls from designers and modeling agencies, all wanting a piece of Gabriela. She hesitated, unsure, but Miguel and Michelle were adamant. "You'd be amazing, Gaby! Think about it," they urged.
Finally, exhausted from a whirlwind day, Gabriela crashed onto her bed for a nap. She slept fitfully, lost in dreams of cameras and catwalks.
A soft knock on the door roused her. She groggily got up, opening the door to find Maria, one of the maids from her dad's house, standing with a worried expression.
"Miss Gabriela, I'm so sorry to disturb you... it's your dad... he... he fell in the bathroom. The hospital called; they're keeping him overnight for observation."
Gabriela's heart sank. All the excitement of the past days evaporated, replaced by a cold dread. "I'll go right away."