CHAPTER 15: CHAPTER 15

Olivia’s POV

We are in a five star high class restaurant to celebrate the return of my mother and Gabriel’s father. My son was at home with his nanny, he fell asleep because of a long flight and got tired shopping at the mall. Everyone was chatting, happy, and sharing their experiences. But I can feel Gabriel’s eyes on me, even though I’m avoiding it and pretending to be neutral.

After that kiss, I felt guilty. It makes me regret responding to his soft lips, leading me to the mistake I shouldn’t have committed. It was still fresh in my mind. The way he grabbed my waist, locked me in his arms as our lips moved in symphony. His hand on the back of my head and my arms around his neck. That vivid memory suddenly made me hot, so I grabbed a glass of water and drank it immediately.

But I accidentally spilled it on my dress and almost choked.

"Are you alright?" Daniel questioned, helping me clean my dress.

"Slow down, Olivia. Why did you drink water like you’re in a hurry," my mom commented.

I forced a smile and replied, "I’m sorry. I suddenly got thirsty because I forgot to drink all day."

"Is that so? Still, slow down. You might choke. Okay?" She said.

I nodded, "Of course, Mom."

"How are you, Olivia? I heard something happened between you and Gabriel?" Mr. Harris asked.

I widened and my heart pounded in nervousness. I chuckled nervously, my voice almost cracking. "What?"

He looked at me with confusion. "You know, the incident. The chandelier incident."

"Oh..." I laughed nervously, "Of course, yeah. The incident. Well, I’m fine."

"Are you sure you’re alright, dear? You seemed occupied," Mom asked with concern.

"Yes, Mom. I’m just tired because of a lot of work at the company, also I take care of Gabriel’s medicines and medical expenses. Overall, I’m fine."

"I’m just making sure." She turned her gaze on Gabriel and inquired, "What about you, son? Is your wound okay? I heard it was deep and huge."

Gabriel wiped his mouth with the napkin before smiling at my mother, "Actually, I’m good, Mom. Olivia took care of me and she’s so good at it." His eyes diverted to me like he was referring to something.

I swallowed before eating my veggies and looked away. He’s making me uncomfortable for pete sake!

"I’m glad you’re okay, brother-in-law."

Gabriel chuckled, "Brother-in-law? That sounds awful."

"Gabriel," his dad stopped him.

He shrugged, "What? Just commenting."

"Well, I should start calling you that because Olivia already said yes to be my girlfriend after four years." he held my hand and smiled affectionately, "I’m very happy."

"Me too," I moved my head and kissed him. After that, I secretly glimpse Gabriel and from my peripheral vision he was staring at us.

"So, when is that wedding?" Mr. Harris joked.

"Dad! We just put our relationship to another level. Don’t you think it’s too early for that?" I replied, feeling my cheek turning red.

"Yeah, Dad. They need more time to know each other," Gabriel interfered.

"Isn’t four years enough? I mean, if you’re for each other. You don’t have another four years to know if he’s the one."

"Dad is right, Gabriel. But we want to know if we’re for each other before settling in," I agree.

"Just so you know, I will take care of your wedding expenses."

I smiled, "Thank you, Dad."

"Thank you, Mr. Harris. We appreciate it," Daniel seconded it.

"Call me Dad."

"Of course—Dad."

"Are we adopting a new member of the family now?" Gabriel suddenly spoke with rudeness in his voice.

I face him because he’s being a jerk. "Excuse me? What’s wrong with you, Gabriel."

He frowned, looked at us with confusion and said, "Did I say something wrong?"

"Yes. Actually, I notice you’ve been targeting Daniel since we arrived. Do you have a problem with him? You can tell me," I said.

"Olivia, dear. Calm down," Mom stopped me.

"No, Mom. He’s being a jerk!"

Gabriel scoffed, "Me? A jerk?"

"Yes!" I exclaimed.

"I’m not, Olivia. I just want to make sure you’re making the right choice. How sure are you that he’s the one? He’s not even the father of your child. Why would a man like him be with a woman who has a child with another man?"

"Gabriel!" Dad’s voice has a hint of warning. "Apologize right now!"

"What? Why? I’m just concerned."

"You cross the line. We don’t talk about Olivia’s child like that!"

"I’m just protecting her Dad—" he cut him off.

I rose from my seat and said, "I can’t do this anymore. Excuse me." Without waiting for their response, I left the table and went to the ladies bathroom.

I entered one of the cubicles and sat on the toilet. I’m mad at Gabriel. How could he say those things? Is he being jealous? He’s being unreasonable.

I heard the bathroom door open but ignored it. After that, I stood up and went outside when suddenly someone grabbed my wrist and before I could protest Gabriel locked me with his lips. Again.

He’s holding my wrist, pinned it on the cubicle’s door and moving his lips. I escaped from his grip and pushed him, after that I slapped him. His head snapped on the side, touching his cheek where my hand landed.

"Is that how you apologize, Gabriel? Forcing yourself to me?" I hissed.

He grabbed my throat and pinned me back to the door. He leaned to my ear and whispered, "I’m punishing you for kissing him..."

I scoffed and pushed him again. "You are more concerned about that than the fact you judge me back there."

Silence prevailed and soon after his eyes softened. He sighed and muttered, "I’m sorry." He meant it. I can feel it.

Gabriel moved closer until my back hit the door again. I have to escape. Our eyes locked, feeling that same hotness within me.

"Stop it, Gabriel."

"Make me." Without hesitation, he locked his lips to mine.

I tried to fight, pushed him with all my might, but he caught my hands until my lips surrendered. I responded—again. Our lips move with rhythm, sending chills to my body. He held my waist and carried me to the sink without cutting our kisses.

Gabriel’s hand moves to my skin, sending electricity into it. His lips were like a spell. What happened to us five years ago returned in a flash. I must stop! This is wrong! Olivia woke up! I can’t help it. I’m so lost. His lips assist me to commit more sin, and I’m stupid enough to obey him.

He unzipped my dress, letting the straps brush down my arm. Gabriel didn’t let go of my lips like he was afraid. Oh my gosh! Stop, Olivia! You must stop! But then— my phone rang and I was brought back to reality that this is wrong. I widened and stopped moving my lips before pushing him harder, he almost slipped on the floor.

I hopped down the sink, zipped my dress and touched my lips. My eyebrows met as I stared at him, "You are using my weakness."

"Because you know to yourself that you haven’t forgotten about me even though five years have passed, Olivia. I feel the same."

I snicker, "In your dreams." I picked up my purse on the sink before moving closer to him and said, "Keep dreaming, Gabriel."

I spun around to leave but he stopped me. I pulled my hand away from him. "Don’t touch me, Gabriel. Please, we must stop. I told you Gavin isn’t your son."

"You can keep denying it, Olivia. But you can’t lie to yourself forever. Daniel isn’t the right man for you," he commented.

"Then who? You? Do you have any idea how messed up this is? You are my brother—"

"Step-brother," he clarified.

I shook my head in disbelief. He believed what he knew was right, even though it was wrong. "You’re still a jerk..."

"Maybe."

Out of disappointment, I approached the door and unlocked it. I opened it and was shocked to see Daniel outside, holding his phone to his ear. His eyes diverted behind me and I knew he saw Gabriel.

"What are you... two doing there?" He inquired, confused. "I don’t understand..."

I went out and explained, "Daniel.. I..." I sighed, "Listen to me, my love..."

Gabriel, on the other hand, faces him without remorse. His serious expression made me anxious, thinking he will play with me by telling Daniel what happened. I looked at him, begging him not to.

"Why are you inside the female bathroom?" Daniel asked him.

"My love..." I held his hand. "It’s not what it looks like. He follow me and apologize, and then—"

"Why are you in there?" He asked Gabriel, ignoring my explanation.

Gabriel glanced at me before he answered his question. "Nothing. We just talk. A very serious talk."