"Why are you staying with him? We can all be here together right?"
"No Claudia, I want you to be more comfortable with Isabella, Diana, Daniela and your staffs. You'll use my room alone, while others will use the other room. Have fun." Gabriela waved and left the house, slamming the door.
Isabella and Diana exchanged knowing glances.
★★★★MIGUEL'S APARTMENT★★★★
Damien and Rafael lounged on their plush sofa, engrossed in a romantic comedy. They were laughing and lamenting in equal measure, joking that Miguel had gone to bed too early and was missing out on the fun. Just as they were getting into the movie, Michelle burst into the living room, a sleeping bag slung over her shoulder. Damien and Rafael exchanged a confused glance.
"What's going on?" Rafael asked, curiosity etched on his face. Michelle looked excited, her eyes sparkling. "A guest is coming over," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Damien and Rafael looked at each other, perplexed. "At this time?" Damien asked, raising an eyebrow. Michelle shook her head. "No movie for me, guys. I've got a novel to catch up on." She settled onto the armchair, book in hand, and began to read.
A few minutes later, the door knock broke the silence. Michelle's face lit up, and she tossed her book aside, jumping up to answer the door. When she opened it, Gabriela stood in the doorway, her eyes twinkling as she hugged Michelle tightly. Damien and Rafael's eyes widened in surprise as Gabriela breezed into the living room, wearing pajamas and carrying a heavily packed bag.
Rafael's curiosity got the better of him. "So, what's going on?" he asked, his tone laced with amusement. Gabriela shrugged nonchalantly. "I'm crashing here for a bit. My dad made Claudia move in, and I couldn't take it." Damien's eyes met Rafael's, and they both burst out laughing. "You're moving in with us?" Damien asked, still chuckling.
After exchanging pleasantries, Michelle offered to show Gabriela to her room. However, Gabriela complained about Michelle taking out the sleeping bag, requesting that they sleep together. "Where's Miguel?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity. Damien and Rafael exchanged a knowing look. "He's sleeping," Rafael replied.
Gabriela nodded and slipped out of the living room, heading towards Miguel's room. Michelle, Damien, and Rafael exchanged curious glances, their brows raised in unison. What was going on? And why had Gabriela chosen their apartment over her father's mansion? The questions hung in the air, unspoken.
Michelle headed to her own room with a puzzled look mixed with excitement.
"If Gabriela's stay here's gonna make Michelle smile this way, then she should live here." Rafael laughed at Damien.
"It's a great idea. I can't believe Claudia has the effrontery to move into Gabriela Flores' house uninvited. But I'm confused, does she have an ulterior motive?"
"Like?"
"Probably she's in love with Miguel and is trying to get closer to him?"
"No way."
Gabriela entered Miguel's room, trying to be quiet with the door. She shut it gently and with a cute smile, she stared at him.
He was cuddling a pillow.
His vulnerable face was ravishing enough.
She couldn't take her eyes off.
She moved closer and sat beside him, leaning in slowly until their faces were inches apart.
Her heart was racing. She traced his lips with her thumb and she was awed at it's extreme softness.
She didn't take off her thumb.
He was so breathtaking up close.
Something startled her and she jolted.
Miguel's eyes flung open and their lips nearly touched but she covered his, quickly with her palm.
Their eyes widened and locked.
Gabriela awkwardly raised her face and took her palm from his lips.
"What were you doing?"
"I mean, what are you doing here?" Miguel questioned.
He sat up.
"Dad asked Claudia to move into my apartment."
"What?"
"And since, I won't be comfortable with living with a bitch, I'd prefer staying here with you guys. I've examined the air in the living room and it's my thing. I'm really gonna have fun here, right?"
"Couldn't you just kick her out?"
"I can't. Dad instructed we shouldn't try that."
"Cruel leaving Isabella, Diana and Daniela to stay with her."
"Not cruel. I'm sure Diana knows how to handle her."
"Okay. Nice to see you." They smiled.
"Why are you sleeping so early?"
"I'm exhausted, Gabriela." He itched his eye.
~~~~~WEEKEND~~~~~
The weekend morning sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the cozy living room where Rafael, Damien, and Gabriela were engrossed in a movie. Miguel stumbled into the room, bleary-eyed, and groggily complained, "Guys, it's way too early for a movie marathon. Can't you see it's breakfast time?"
The trio laughed, their eyes glued to the screen. Damien murmured, "Breakfast can wait, dude. This movie's getting intense." Miguel's stomach growled in protest as he plopped down beside them. "What's for breakfast, then? You guys better not expect me to cook."
Damien stretched lazily, "I was about to head to the kitchen, but this plot twist is killing me. Can't stop now." Miguel's hunger pangs intensified, and he began to bug the boys to cook. The argument escalated until Gabriela nonchalantly dropped a bombshell: "I'll go cook."
The room fell silent. Michelle, who was coming downstairs, halted mid-step, her eyes wide with surprise. Gabriela's sassy tone brooked no argument as she called out to Michelle, "Hey, show me around the kitchen. I'll handle everything from here."
As Michelle and Gabriela headed to the kitchen, Rafael quipped to Miguel, "Looks like you've found yourself some wife material." Miguel rolled his eyes. Damien, relieved, pumped his fist in the air. "Yes! I don't have to cook anymore!"
Meanwhile, Rafael's gaze lingered on Gabriela before he picked up his phone and continued texting Isabella. A sly smile spread across his face as he typed away, his mind whirling with the possibility that Gabriela's sudden willingness to cook might just be a ploy to impress Miguel.
Two hours later, the food was ready and Miguel's stomach was hurting already.
"You took so long!" Miguel complained. Rafael and Damien watched her serving and arranging the bowls.
The sun-drenched kitchen was filled with the sweet aroma of maple syrup and the savory scent of sizzling bacon. On the stovetop, a stack of fluffy buttermilk pancakes was taking shape, golden-brown and inviting. Crispy bacon strips were arranged on a plate, alongside scrambled eggs that were cooked to a creamy perfection.
As the finishing touches were added – a pat of butter melting on top of the pancakes, a sprinkle of fresh herbs on the eggs – the group gathered around the table. The star of the show was the decadent breakfast dish: Eggs Benedict with a twist. Toasted English muffins were topped with poached eggs, smoked salmon, and a dollop of creamy hollandaise sauce.
The first bite was met with a collective "mmm." from Damien and Rafael. The runny eggs, the rich sauce, and the delicate flavor of the salmon all combined to create a dish that was both familiar and indulgent.
"Miguel? What do you think?" Gabriela asked, and the others stared at him to know his response.
"It's not bad.." he replied and ate.
"It's delicious, Gabriela!" Rafael exclaimed. She chuckled.
"Thanks, Gabriela." Damien and Michelle said in unison and stared at each other. Michelle smiled, taking her eyes off him shyly.
Throughout the eating time, Rafael and Damien couldn't stop complimenting Gabriela's cooking skills.
They watched Miguel request for second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth until it finished.
The boys went to their rooms and laughed heartily.
"But the food was good. I took a second plate."
"Same. I took a third."
"Gabriela succeeded in winning Miguel's heart."
~~~~~
Miguel was sitting on his bed, phone still in hand, when Gabriela burst into his room without warning. He was taken aback, and his expression reflected his surprise.
"Hey, Gabriela, knock much?" he said good-naturedly, holding up a hand in a gentle reprimand. Gabriela's face lit up with a positive smile as she plopped down beside him on the bed.
"You're looking particularly handsome today, Miguel," she said, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. Miguel's response was polite but lukewarm.
"Thanks, what do you want?" He didn't seem entirely interested in her compliment, and Gabriela's smile began to falter slightly as she noticed his less-than-enthusiastic response.
She leaned in, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "What's wrong, Miguel? You seem a little grumpy." Miguel shrugged, still looking somewhat preoccupied. Gabriela's gaze lingered on him, trying to read between the lines.
Just then, she segued into her real reason for barging in. "Hey, I was thinking of going shopping with Michelle, and I was wondering if I could borrow your card." Miguel's expression turned firm but friendly.
"Sorry, Gabriela. I'm not comfortable with that." Gabriela's face fell, and she let out a dramatic yell.
"No! I knew it! Something told me it was a bad idea to ask you, but I just wanted to try!"
She frowned.
"I need to take a shower and to avoid regretting your stay here, you should leave the room."
"Humph!" She left and slammed the door angrily.
Gabriela sat on her bed, her fingers flying across her phone's keyboard as she texted Diana, her face still twisted in an angry expression. The door creaked open, and Miguel walked in, his presence immediately commanding her attention. "What do you want?" Gabriela snapped, not bothering to hide her irritation.
Miguel calmly took a seat beside her on the bed, his eyes locked on her profile. "You're still angry," he stated, his voice gentle. Gabriela's gaze remained fixed on her phone, her fingers continuing to type away. "I'm busy, Miguel. Please leave," she said, her tone icy.
Miguel's expression turned resolute. "I won't leave until you forgive me," he said, his voice firm but calm. Gabriela's anger simmered just below the surface, but Miguel's determination eventually wore her down. After several pleas, she finally looked up at him, her eyes flashing with annoyance.
"Fine. What do you want?" she asked, her voice still tinged with anger. Miguel took a deep breath.
"There's a math quiz coming up on Monday, and it counts towards our exam grades. I need your help, Gabriela. You're great at math, and I was hoping you could teach me."
Gabriela's response was immediate. "You think I'll do anything for you after you refused to lend me your card?" she yelled, her anger resurfacing.
"No way. You want my help? Borrow me your card for shopping, and maybe I'll consider it." Miguel hesitated, clearly not keen on the idea.
His lips curved into a smile.
"I must say this, you look sexier when you're angry."
Gabriela's stubborn expression was more evident than the butterflies in her tummy.
"Card. Now. Or no math lessons." Miguel's eyes locked on hers, and for a moment, it seemed like he might refuse. But the prospect of failing the quiz was too daunting.
With a reluctant sigh, he handed over his card. "Fine. But don't go crazy, okay?" Gabriela's face lit up with a triumphant smile as she snatched the card.
~~~~~~~FLORES' MANSION~~~~~~~~
Jennie and Alejandro sat in their dining room, wine glasses in hand, the soft glow of the chandelier casting a warm ambiance. Jennie began to sing her husband's praises, her voice filled with affection. However, her tone shifted as she broached a sensitive topic. "Since Claudia is older than Gabriela, she should be the heiress," Jennie said, her eyes sparkling with conviction.
Alejandro's expression darkened, his voice rising in a shout. "Gabriela is my daughter, and it was her mother's last wish that all our properties be left to her." Jennie's face contorted in anguish as she burst into tears.
"You're evil, Alejandro! You only got married to me just to enjoy what's under my skirt! You don't truly love me."
Alejandro's stance remained unwavering. "Gabriela Flores is the family heiress, and that's final."
Jennie's tears flowed freely as she wailed, "I'll kill you and myself if Claudia isn't the heiress!" Her words were laced with drama, and Alejandro's patience began to wear thin.
Undeterred, Jennie continued to plead her case, her voice rising. "Gabriela's mother still has few properties that Gabriela should inherit. But Claudia, being the older sibling, should get the company, cars, and everything else. She's the rightful heiress." As she spoke, her tears seemed to dry up, and a calculating glint appeared in her eye.
Just as she was about to storm out of the room, Alejandro pulled her back, his grip firm but gentle. "Is this truly your wish, Jennie?" he asked, his voice measured. Jennie nodded, her eyes wide with innocence. Alejandro hesitated for a moment before responding, "Alright, I'll change half of everything into Claudia's name. Your wish will be fulfilled."
Jennie's reaction was immediate. She burst into more tears, her voice shaking with indignation. "Half? That means you don't truly love me! You love Gabriela more! Why didn't you just get married to her?" Her words dripped with accusation, and Alejandro's expression softened. He thought for a moment before making a decision.
"Alright, I'll change everything into Claudia's name. She'll be the heiress," Alejandro promised, his voice firm. Jennie's tears vanished instantly, replaced by a triumphant smirk that she quickly hid behind a hug. As she wrapped her arms around Alejandro, her eyes gleamed with satisfaction, her true intentions momentarily revealed.
"When are we consummating our marriage?" Alejandro asked Jennie, breaking the hug.
"No other day but the day your properties is in my daughter's name." Jennie said dramatically, batting her eyelashes.
"Really? Okay. Speed dial and your wish is fulfilled." Jennie's eyes widened.
"Speed dial? Speed dial right now!" Alejandro picked his phone. His fingers flew on the screen, and Jennie watched him making the phonecall.
"Hello. Yeah, Alejandro Flores. Please, I need you to change the name of the company's ownership papers asap. The name on it should be Claudia Flores and not Gabriela Flores. Okay. Thanks." He hung up.
Jennie squealed.
"Thanks a bunch, darling, I love you a whole lot!!" She flew into his arms again. He laughed.
"Can we now..." He broke the hug to stare at her.
"Surely."