Chapter 43: Caught In The Middle
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The past week had been long and grueling. I spent every moment working with Nicole on the Gemia project— endless days and even longer nights. We were both terrified Gabriel might reject our designs and ideas again. He''d already threatened to pull us off the project, and I couldn''t afford for that to happen. So, I pushed aside every ounce of frustration and resentment I felt toward Nicole, at least until the project was done.
Gabriel had been right about one thing-Nicole was smart. I had to give her credit for that. She was quick- witted, and under different circumstances, maybe we could''ve been friends. But knowing she had no problem being with a man who already had a girlfriend made it clear we didn''t share the same values. Not that it mattered now.
The presentation was only days away, and I was determined not to let Gabriel down again. We were halfway through finalizing the designs and ideas, and I wanted everything to be perfect. More than that, I wanted to blow Gabriel away so there''d be no room for doubt about the project.
I hadn''t seen Gabriel in person all week, but earlier today, I received an email from Tems.
Subject: Award Ceremony Invitation
Sender: Tems
Mr. Storm would like to invite you to an award ceremony tonight at 7pm
Please note: It''s a ck-tie event.
A driver will pick you up from your house and hand you your invitation card, which will serve as your entry pass. Be ready.
My heart skipped a beat. Was Gabriel inviting me as his date? Were other staff members going to be there? I had no idea what to expect. My mind spun with questions, but I didn''t have any answers.
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Chapter 43: Caught In The Middle
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Since signing the contract, Gabriel had made it clear I was at his beck and call. For the next year, he essentially owned my time. As much as I hated losing my independence and free time, I couldn''t deny I was grateful for the 400% sry increase.
Although it felt hypocritical after how hard I''d fought him on it, it wasn''t entirely my fault. I was raised by strict parents who taught me that nothing in life was free. I needed to know exactly what Gabriel expected in return for that raise.
But the truth was, I needed every penny. My car was falling apart, andst week, my mom called asking for help with a loan payment. That was when I learned my parents were struggling with their mortgage. I''d sent them all my savings, which left me broke again. The raise hade at the perfect time.
But as I stared at the email, one anxiety-inducing thought hit me: *What am I going to wear?*
A ck—tie event? I couldn''t afford to look out of ce.
I rummaged through my closet, pulling out dress after dress, but nothing looked elegant enough. Everything I owned was either work-appropriate or casual. Frustrated, I slumped onto my bed until an idea struck me- Jess. She always knew what to do in situations like this.
When I arrived at the venue, I waspletely awestruck. The ce was stunning-grand and filled with famous, influential people. shing cameras captured guests on the red carpet, and I immediately felt out of my depth.
Jess hade through for me with an emerald green gown that shimmered under the lights, hugging my body perfectly. It was a Dolce & Gabbana dress she''d worn once, a gift from one of her wealthy admirers. I had
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in my his but tonight, hooked like I belonged.
Acity and my invitation and let me in. The moment I stepped inside, I realized just
A ever more banner read Annual Phnthropy Awards. Gabriel was being honored Awght. That part bat Pentioned in the email
xxxam for him, but Gabriel was nowhere to be seen. Feeling slightly out of ce, I tried to Awad in the soft and background chatter calm my nerves. Then, a familiar voice called out NANNY
The sound of Gabriel''s voice sent a shiver through me. I turned and lost my breath. He was dressed in a sleek ck tuxedo, perfectly tailored to his lean, athletic frame. His dark hair was slicked back, and though his beard was freshly trimmed, it still gave him that rugged charm. He looked... incredible.
“Come, let''s sit,” he extended his arm. My fingers slid into his, and warmth spread through me. As we walked side by side, I could feel the eyes of the room on us, I wasn''t sure if it was because he was the man of the night or because I was with him.
Sensing my difort, Gabriel pulled me closer, his hand tightening around mine. "You look beautiful tonight,” he whispered, his breath brushing against my ear, sending another wave of heat through me.
I managed a smile. “Thank you.”
Gabriel guided me to our table and began introducing me to the other guests-people I''d only read about in business magazines. Jonathan, the CEO of a top tech firm, Reba, a high-powered charity board member. I smiled politely and shook hands, trying to ignore how out of ce I felt. Their conversations flowed effortlessly -from million-dor donations to private ind getaways-while I sat quietly, feeling like an outsider.
Noticing my unease, Gabriel ced a reassuring hand on my arm. "Are you okay?” he asked softly.
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Chapter 43: Caught In The Middle
I nodded, forcing a smile. How could I exin the gap I felt between their world and mine? I was just a junior
software engineer. Sitting among CEOs and phnthropists made me feel insignificant.
Reba turned her attention to me. "So, iressa, is it? What exactly do you do for Gabriel?"
"I work as a-”
"She works closely with me," Gabriel cut in, his tone firm. “That''s all you need to know."
Reba''s lips curved into a sly smile. "Well, you must be very talented to work so closely with Gabriel. You seem quite young to have risen so quickly."
Gabriel responded before I could. "She''s young, yes, but incredibly talented and dedicated."
I felt like a spectator in a conversation about myself. Was Gabriel ashamed of me? Did he think I couldn''t hold
my own? His reaction only made me feel more out of ce. Why had he even invited me if he didn''t trust me to speak for myself?
Reba leaned closer to Gabriel, her hand brushing his. "When are youing back to the vi?" she asked, her tone suggestive.
Gabriel pulled his hand back subtly. "Sometime soon," he replied politely, but she didn''t take the hint.
Jealousy burned in me as herughter filled the room. Reba was stunning and clearly belonged in Gabriel''s world -a world I didn''t. I hated how small and unimportant I feltpared to her.
The host took the stage, officially starting the event. After a musical performance, the host spoke: "Ladies and gentlemen, the moment we''ve been waiting for. Please wee Gabriel Storm."
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Chapter 43: Caught In The Middle
The room erupted in apuse as Gabriel stood. A projector disyed clips of his phnthropy- schrships, libraries, workshops in underservedmunities.
Gabriel stepped forward, but before he left, Reba pulled him back and kissed his cheek. I stiffened, feeling out of ce all over again. I couldn''tpete with women like her, who fit so effortlessly into his world.
As Gabriel spoke, I saw a different side of him. He wasn''t just a owerful CEO-he was some deeply about giving back. Watching himmand the room, I felt a new sense of admiration.
When he returned to the table, I smiled up at him. "Congrattions, Mr. Storm."
His eyes softened. “Thank you, iressa.”
Reba raised her ss. "A toast to Gabriel-to his big heart."
one who cared
I raised mine reluctantly, but Gabriel leaned in, clinking his ss against mine. "Toast with me, iressa,"
he murmured.
"To you,” I said softly. “And your heart."
Gabriel''s smile widened, as he whispered. “Did I mention you''re the most beautiful woman here tonight?"
My cheeks flushed. Before I could respond, my heart stopped as I saw someone familiar walking toward our
table.
Adrian.
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Chapter 43: Caught In The Middle
What the hell was he doing here?
And then it hit me-this was his father''s awards night.
Panic set in. Tonight was about to get far moreplicated.
I was about to get caught?
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Chapter 44: In-Between Father And Son
iressa''s POV