Gabriel always found it funny when Lloyd and Christian would pity the shitty male lead of a movie each tthe female lead cut ties with them, or when their relationship hit a road block.
But right now, as he felt Leonica's words hit him hard, Gabriel understood their pain, understood why they pitied the male lead. Because that's exactly how he was feeling.
"Everything I've said up until now is true. I'm done, Gabriel. We're over, and it's not a lie." Leonica stated as she stared him straight in the eyes, something he thought she'd never do and without any form of hesitation, ripped his hand off her wrist.
"I would have asked for you to respect my choice, but at this point, I'm certain that's impossible. You only care for yourself and your feelings and honestly," Leonica paused as she took a second to shake her head. "That's really disgusting, makesquestion why I had fallen in love with you in the first place." Without waiting for a response from him, Leonica walked out on him and Gabriel couldn't bring himself to follow her.
Her words had been so sharp and icy that it cut deep into not only his pride, but also his heart.
And the more he thought about them, the deeper the wounds cut.
He had known for quite a while that his actions were eventually going to blow up in his face, but he ignored the warning signs, persistent on having Leonica watched and reported back to him.
He felt in that way, he'd be able to protect her, keep her save from the dangers he had failed to notice the existence of in the past.
And as for his memories, well, it was exactly as Leonica said. He was a coward. Although he had gained back a great portion of his lost memories the day after Visiting Angelina at the prison, he chose to pretend, not wanting to lose what he had built up between he and Leonica under the false guise of amnesia.
A cowardly move, many would have called it, but what was to be expected of him the moment he received those horrible memories containing all the horrible things he had done to Leonica.
He detested who he had become. Hated how he gad blindly allowed Angelina string her along and more so, hated that he had even entertained the thought of never starting a family with Leonica.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtLearning how horrible he had been in the past, he got afraid, fearing that the moment Leonica found out his memories were back, she'd distance herself and eventually leave him, just like she had just done.
Collapsing into one of the couches, he buried his face into his hand and his body trembled, shaking as his tears pooled in his eyes.
Of course he has to lose her, this was only Karma for all the despicable he had done.
The sound of the door opening caught his attention and he glanced up, only to see Billy standing there.
"Sir," He called, sounding hesitant as if he already knew what had happened. "I tried calling you, but you weren't picking." Gabriel glanced at his phone, remembering he had put it on silent mode after texting Leonica.
He lowered his head again, shaking it, whilst Billy watched him, expecting his boss to lash out on him at any moment.
"Billy," He flinched when Gabriel called his name. "Y-yes s-sir?" He barely managed those two words, putting most of his concentration into bracing himself for Gabriel's outburst. However, his boss simply said; "Go home." Billy was surprised, almost speechless by Gabriel's sudden words. "Go home?" He inquired, recalling late that Gabriel hated repeating himself, especially when he was in a bad mood.
But as he braced himself for Gabriel's usual action, nothing happened, not even a single curse word. Instead, the male stood up and found his way in front of the roof to floor window in his office, stuffing his hand into his pocket as he watched the car lights out side, million thoughts going through his head.
"Go hBilly, you've done enough for today." He repeated, confirming what the assistant thought he had heard.
"A-alright, Sir." He bowed even though Gabriel couldn't see him and headed for the door.
Before he stepped out, he took one last look and Gabriel and pressed his lips into a thin line. Whatever Leonica had told his boss, had hit him hard. Perhaps, it was the hardest thing that had hit Gabriel and Billy couldn't help but think that Gabriel had this path set out for him with all the wrong decisions he had made.
It was his piece of Karma that was now getting back at him.
The ride back towards Leonica's place was silent. Owen who was currently back in the driver's seat, would often cast glances at her, not sure of what to say.
He could clearly see the anger and disappointment she was feeling, which was only normal considering the crappy stunt Gabriel had pulled.
Internally Owen shook his head. That was low, even for Gabriel, he thought and moved his hand from the gear so that it was on Leonica's.
He didn't speak, but gave her hand a gentle squeeze, letting her know he was here for her at anytand Leonica appreciated that, she just didn't know how to put it into words.
After what had happened with Gabriel today, she wasn't sure she could trust herself with anything, because it was only because she trusted herself and decided to forgive Gabriel that something like this happened.
It was her fault, no one else's. She should have stayed away from him, kept that wall up, standing tall and solid, perhaps then she wouldn't be feeling as if she had openly allowed herself to get back stabbed.
But what was done, was done, and there was nothing Leonica could do to change that. She could only learn from it and promise herself to not let this happen again.
She'd be smarter, know the right people to trust, for the sake of Ashley and Owen. She gently squeezed his hand at the thought.
When they finally arrived home, the first person she wanted to see was her son. She felt that out of everyone, he was suffering the most. Having a broken family all because she had fallen in love with the wrong man, was not fair.
Ashley was too young, he didn't deserve any of this.
She found him in his room, laying on his bed fast asleep. And Leonica could have sworn that her heart ached just a bit more upon seeing him.
"I'm sorry," She whispered, sitting down beside him and moving the hair from his face. "I'm so sorry, Ash. Mommy's sorry." She leaned forward, kissing his forehead and wrapping her arms around him, wanting to shield him from everything bad, but knowing that was impossible. She was the problem, not anyone else.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Luce mia," Owen called from behind, snapping her out of her daze. "Why don't you get srest. Today was quite packed." She looked at him, and nodded, pulling away from Ashley and following him towards her room.
"I ran the bath for you," He told her as she changed stripped off the dress she now found stuffy and headed towards the bathroom.
"Thanks," She responded, a smile spreading across her lips. "Really appreciate it." Owen smiled. "My pleasure," He responded, giving her a small kiss on her forehead.
Leonica chuckled lightly, appreciating how nice Owen was being, not that spe was expecting anything less. He was Owen, the man she loved.
The only one she had decided to entrust her heart to despite the crap Gabriel had put her through. Sure, e she was scared to get hurt again, but after seven years, she had decided not to let her fear and past mistakes hold her down any longer.
With a small smile, Leonica entered the bathroom, the smell of lavender immediately engulfing her.
Owen had done well, really well.
Taking her sweet time, Leonica relaxed in the warm water, allowing her muscles to unwind and her mind to ease itself. But as the silence settled around her, the sound of water droplets from the tap and her breathing being
the only thing that echoed within the four walls of the bathroom Leonida back to what found herself thinki Leonida had happened today. It angered her and In a weird way, hurt her.
She allowed half of her face to sink into the water, bubbles coming up when she sighed.
Looks like she wasn't totally immune to Gabriel like she thought.