Chapter 5 - The Bride Who Came Back by Choice
Three months passed.
Rose rented a small apartment.
She found work with a logistics company that had nothing to do with her father.
She bought furniture herself.
Cheap furniture.
She loved every piece.
Gabriel never appeared uninvited.
That bothered her more than she expected.
Finally, Rose called him.
He answered on the second ring.
“Rose?”
“Dinner.”
Silence.
“Is that an order?”
“Yes.”
“Interesting.”
“Seven-thirty.”
“Where?”
“My apartment.”
Another pause.
“Gabriel?”
“I’m wondering whether this is a trap.”
She smiled.
“Be brave.”
---
He arrived at exactly seven-thirty.
Black suit.
Open collar.
Tattoo visible along his neck.
Wine in one hand.
Rose opened the door.
“You actually came.”
“You sounded threatening.”
“Good.”
Dinner was terrible.
Rose burned the chicken.
Gabriel ate it anyway.
“You hate it,” she said.
“It’s excellent.”
“You’re lying.”
“It has character.”
“It tastes like charcoal.”
“Strong character.”
Rose laughed.
Then the laughter faded.
“Why didn’t you call?”
Gabriel put down his fork.
“You wanted freedom.”
“I wanted a choice.”
“Yes.”
“You could still ask.”
His eyes lifted.
“Ask what?”
Rose’s heartbeat accelerated.
“You know.”
Gabriel stood.
“No.”
Her expression fell.
Then he came around the table.
“If I ask you anything again, Rose, I want there to be absolutely no confusion.”
He stopped in front of her.
“No debt.”
“No father.”
“No contract.”
“No guests waiting downstairs.”
Rose swallowed.
Gabriel extended his hand.
“Have dinner with me tomorrow.”
She looked at his hand.
“That’s your big question?”
“For now.”
Rose placed her hand in his.
May you like
“Yes.”
---
