Gabrielle woke with a start, drenched in sweat with tears streaking her face.
The events of the previous night slammed right back into her all at once.
A shiver ran through her. The night before replayed like a broken record; she couldn't stop.
Her mouth is dry. New tears ran down her face, still very much shocked. She thought she had no tears left to give. Turns out, she did.
wiping away snort with the back of her hand.
How could Edward do that to her?
She shoved the duvet off herself. Today was a new day, and this was for her daughter.
Even if her father was the devil himself. She was going to make sure Emilia got the financial support she deserved.
Walking to the dressing mirror, she stopped. She simply stood still, staring back at herself.
She hated what stared back.
She hated herself.
Gabrielle, all dressed up, was excited to see her daughter. Walking down the hallway to Emilia's room.
She heard footsteps. The hairs on her neck lifted, as her steps slowed of their own accord.
She sensed his presence. She didn't need to turn around.
He was behind her.
She bolted into Emilia's room before she could make a fool of herself again.
Edward cursed under his breath as he watched her literally run.
Something close to guilt crept up on him. Before he drowned in it, his phone vibrated.
He sighed.
His long, well-manicured hands slid into his pockets for the phone. Quite curious, he checked who would be calling this early— damn, his mother!
He picked up. "Mother," He mouthed.
"Babyy oh my baby. How are you doing, love?" He rolled his eyes. His mother was very… cuddly.
That's the nicest way he could put it, but he loved her.
"I am good. How many times have I told you to stop calling me baby? I'm a grown man," he whined, feeling sixteen again.
Family did that to you.
"Once my baby, always my baby— Oh yes, I was calling to remind you that the board dinner is tonight. Don't disappoint, " she said sternly.
"I never have, now have I?"
"No, baby, you never have." He could hear her smile. It warmed his heart. He scoffed, a smile playing on his lips.
His mother was the only living parent he had, so her approval meant a lot to him. As far back as he could remember, she had his back— Through his father's beatings and unnatural hatred. She was always there.
He thought of his father now. The man would turn in his grave if he found out he was his successor.
And that delighted him.
Served the old fool right.
"… yes, Mother. Alright, see you then ". He ended the call, slipping the phone back into his pocket.
After the call with his mother, he realized he had to eventually speak to Gabrielle. He had planned on avoiding her until he figured out what last night's events were.
He was strict, but what he wasn't was cruel. All he remembered, amidst the heat and passion, was the sudden desire to hurt her— overwhelmed him. And hurt her he did.
He should be elated, but emptiness filled his very being.
He would deal with these feelings later, with some good brandy. Right now, he wanted his daughter at the function, and he had to speak with Gabrielle.
Instinctively, he strode down to Emilia's room. He knew she was still there. She was avoiding him.
In front of Emilia's room, he stopped. His feet suddenly felt heavy.
This was absurd. It was his home. He could enter if it damn well pleased him.
Pushing the door open, his eyes rested on Gabrielle. He saw fear when her eyes met his. Instinctively, she stood, drawing Emilia close. As if a bear entered, not a man.
He knew she probably harbored some resentment towards him. But her reaction affected him more than he would like to admit.
"Good morning, princess, " he greeted his little girl, a smile touched his lips.
waving excitedly." Good morningggg," she sang. Her mother's hands were still wrapped tightly on her little shoulders.
"Gabrielle, "the word pressed hard on him like stone. He shook it off.
Gabrielle simply stared.
The silence gnarling. He continued." My family will be hosting what we like to call TheHarrington board dinner tonight. And you and Emilia will be in attendance. If you need anything —a dinner gown for yourself and Emilia perhaps — Mrs puff will sort it out," he nodded, turning to leave.
"Edward"
It can't be.
He looked up, shocked. Then irritation and annoyance filled his veins.
bloody women. He would have to teach this one a lesson.