Gabriel's point of view
I parked my car outside my house and handed my keys to my butler. I looked at my phone when it vibrated and saw Olivia's message. She was giving me another warning and I wouldn't be surprised if she got my number from her mother.
"Young master, you have a visitor."
I furrowed and faced Frederick, "Who? Is it my father?"
"Yes, sir. Your father is inside with someone you knew…"
The way he delivered those words made me realize who it was. I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose as I started to get stressed. Olivia doesn't want me to have custody of our son, and now my unwanted guest has arrived.
"When did they arrive?" I questioned.
"Two hours before you arrived, sir. Should I tell them you're working late and let the maid prepare your tea in your study room? The secret passage is still working although a few wall lights are already flickering," he suggested.
"No, I'll face them."
I approached my house and went inside, marching to the living room where I heard those cheerful voices coming from my guest. There she is. Sitting on my couch, having a lovely conversation with my dad. I know my father has news to drop like a bomb.
"There you are. We've been waiting for you, Gabriel."
I went to them, keeping my distance from my couch as Catherine turned to me with excitement. "Gabriel…" She rose and rushed to hug me. "I miss you."
"Why are you here?" I asked, coldly.
She parted and looked at me in confusion after hearing my cold tone. "What kind of question is that, my love? I came here to see you. Have you forgotten we're engaged?"
"Yes. By our family's agreement, not ours." I remove her hand from me and face my father, "Why did you take her here? I told you I'm not marrying her."
"Gabriel! Show some respect! She is the daughter of your godfather, and also my friend. Have some shame," he raised his voice.
"I'm old enough to make a decision for myself like you made a decision to marry Olivia's mother, Dad. Now, if you excuse me. I have a lot of things to do." I turned around and walked away, ignoring my father's threat.
I went to the right hallway to my study room. I entered, closed the door and removed my suit. I loosen my tie before approaching my chair and lean to relax, but my alone time was immediately interrupted when Catherine entered.
"I'm not having a conversation with you, Catherine. I already rejected the engagement and my father can't do anything about it," I said, preventing her from opening a conversation that I'm not interested to hear.
She closed the door behind her and replied, "You've been rejecting me ever since the engagement. What's wrong with me? We're not like this when we are kids, Gabriel. You always protect me—" I cut her off.
"Exactly, Catherine. It happened when we were kids, and it doesn't mean my treatment towards you will remain. Perhaps you forgot the reason for my cold treatment towards you?"
She paused, realizing what I meant. "It was a long time ago, Gabriel. Can't you forgive me?"
"No. Besides, I made a great decision not cooperating on our wedding. I didn't show up to our engagement party, didn't show up at my suit appointment that kept our wedding from being delayed. I will continue doing that until your family stops pestering me with the wedding, Catherine."
"It only happened one time, Gabriel. I didn't intend to cheat on you! It was your fault, remember?" She yelled.
I slammed the table and glared at her, "My fault? It wasn't my fault you chose another man's bed, Catherine! Be grateful your parents didn't know about your infidelity, and if they did. They will despise you."
She went to my desk and begged, "Please, Gabriel. Give me another chance. I love you and I'm willing to prove it to you!"
"Enough, Catherine!"
Catherine stared at me with disappointment before starting to unzip her dress and let it fall on the floor, revealing her half naked body.
"If I have to offer myself to you, I will…"
"Too late for that."
"Why? Are you dating someone else? Is she pretty?" Her voice has a hint of pain and bitterness.
"Yes. I'm seeing someone else. She has my son and I will do everything to have her, Catherine. I will marry her and rebuild our family," I answered.
She scoffed, "So that's the reason. You got another woman pregnant and you didn't even tell me about it? I'm not the only one cheated, Gabriel. You also did! You got another woman pregnant while you're engaged to me! How dare you!"
"Maybe you're right. I cheated. But I never considered our relationship to be something serious. You let another man touch you, so I'm not responsible for your feelings. Why don't you search for the man who got you pregnant?—oh! Your parents had no idea you had an abortion."
"Gabriel, please. Don't hate me like this…" she cried.
I can see the remorse in her eyes, but I'm not stupid. Catherine is good at manipulating people's feelings, using her most powerful card to get people's weaknesses. She always plays the victim card and her parents can't see that because for them she's a perfect daughter without any flaws.
However, I know what she did. Gladly, I listen to my instincts after seeing that intriguing text on her phone.
She took my hand and said, "I'm begging you, Gabriel. I love you. My parents will kill me if they find out my secret, and you are the only person who knows that. I know I hurt you, but it's all part of the past now."
I pulled my hand away from her, "Not for me. Take your filthy clothes off my floor and leave my study room at once. Now!"
Catherine picks up her dress and storms out of my study room, hearing her cries in the hallway until it's gone. I sat down, feeling frustrated with her desperation. She mustn't know about Olivia and Gavin, especially since she can use it against me.
I have to end my engagement with her as soon as possible, and then I'll work on winning Olivia's trust and be with them at last.