Ch. 471..480

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 471-will we update soon...

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 472-Releasing a breath, I try to steady my heart. This is one conversation I never thought I would have with Lilly at this age. The one thing I'm grateful for though, is that she didn't ask where exactly babies come from. That would have been a very difficult conversation.

"I need to head to my room real quick, and then I'm leaving," I inform them, ignoring the whole baby talk.

"You still haven't told me where you are going." Gabriel reminds me.

In my defense, I would have told him, but I got distracted. Well, he distracted me.

"I'm meeting Ava and the girls for lunch."

I'd been tempted to cancel on them and get some shut eye, but I decided against it. Ava had called a few days before we left Tokyo asking me if I could join them for lunch on Saturday. I'd said yes immediately without really thinking of how tired I'd be after a thirteen-hour flight.

A smile breaks from his lips. "Really glad to see you making friends."

"Yeah, well, they are awesome."

*Speaking of friends," Lilly cuts in. "Don't forget that Sierra is coming over today for a sleepover."

*I haven't forgotten, my sweet." I answer her. "Is there anything you want me to get for your sleepover?"

She shakes her head. "Maybe more snacks and drinks. I don't think we have enough."

"Okay then, I'll come back with them," I reply before walking out of the kitchen.

I quickly rush to my bedroom, change into another pair of panties, then leave after saying goodbye to both Gabriel and Lilly.

Thirty minutes later, I arrive at the restaurant she'd told me about. They were already seated and were waiting for me.

"I didn't think we should order without you, so we got drinks instead," Ava says as she stands up to hug me.

Connie and Letty do the same, before we take our seats.

*Sorry I'm late, something came up," I whisper while trying my best to hide my blush, knowing very well what had come up.

I must not have hidden it very well because Lettie catches on to it.

*Did you mean someone? Because from that blush you're spotting, I'm guessing Gabriel had something to do with you being late."

"No! It's not like that."

They all giggle, making me feel even more embarrassed.

"It's exactly like that' Connies says. "I bet he didn't want you leaving bed today?"

This was really blowing out of proportion… But, I wouldn't mind if that had been the case.

"No, it's nothing like that," I inform them. "Lilly just caught us making out in the kitchen, and then she went on to tell us that she approves us kissing."

"Wait," this comes from Ava. "Lilly has never seen you two kissing?"

I shake my head, before answering, "No. Remember Gabriel and I got into a contract marriage. We didn't really plan on having anything to do with each other. Us kissing is a recent development."

"Who initiated the kiss?" Lettie asks.

*Gabriel."

*So that means he's interested in you" Ava says. "Men rarely take initiative unless they want to. So, the fact that he's the one that initiated the kiss means he wants you."

I could go into detail about all the things Gabriel has initiated this past C week, but I decide not to. I'm not the kind of woman who would willingly talk about what happened behind closed doors with her husband.

I get there are women who feel comfortable sharing their sex escapades with their spouses, but I am not one of them.

"I guess so," I mumble. "Anyway, let's talk about something else."

"I'm pregnant," Connie blurts the words out, shocking everyone.

*Serious?" Letty asks and Connie just nods her head.

There is a chorus of cheers and congratulations as we hug her. She seems really happy, which takes me back to what Gabriel said about wanting another child.

*That means our babies will be close best friends since they'll only be months apart!" Ava all but yells with excitement, her face radiating her joy.

'I know!" Connie gushes, literally bouncing up and down on the chair. "

can't wait. Reaper is also excited. He showed me just how excited he is about being a father and the fact that I can barely walk proves that. He didn't let me leave the house for two freaking days!"

'Wait," Letty holds up her finger to stop her. "Let's back track. We'll get to why you can't walk straight, but you said Reaper didn't let you leave the house for two days. Does that mean he's back?"

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 473-"Yes! He's no longer in hiding." She beams, her happiness and excitement so contagious. "He even unofficially proposed."

"What do you mean by unofficially proposed?" I ask, completely confused.

By the other's looks, they were just as confused. It's either he proposed or didn't. There is nothing like being unofficially proposed to.

"Well, when I told him I'm pregnant, he said that he had was planning to propose, but given our surprise miracle, he's going to move the proposal up so we can get married before our baby arrives," she replies, her eyes still shining in pure joy and happiness.

That makes sense. I get why she would word it as an unofficial proposal.

There's a round of joyous screaming as we hug her and congratulate her once again. Her man being back has a major effect on her. She now seems free. The weight she was carrying the last time we met is no longer there. She is glowing in the aftermath of Reaper being back home with her.

"What about you Letty?" I turn to her. "You've been with Travis longer. Why hasn't he proposed yet?"

Letty's eyes move to Ava for a brief second before they turn back to me. She sighs, letting out a deep breath before opening her mouth to speak.

"He was going to," she begins. "I even saw the ring and the cheesy poem he had prepared for when he would get on one knee… But then shit went down with the company and it almost went bankrupt. I guess proposing took a backseat because he became busy trying to save the company. It's doing better now, but it's nowhere near where it used to be. He's still trying to find investors."

They had filled me last time, so I know Travis's family company almost collapsed because Ava's real parents went after it for how they treated their daughter.

Sometimes I still can't believe that Ava isn't a Sharp, but it would make sense given she looks nothing like them.

Horror takes over Ava's features, and I get why. It's only now, she's realizing the impact her grudge has had on her best friend's life.

"H" Ava tries to find words to say, but nothing comes out Letty takes Ava's hand in hers. "You have to forgive them and let it go, Ava. I didn't want to pressure you because you are one of my best friends, but it does hurt knowing you've forgiven Rowan and his family, yet you can't seem to forgive Travis and his mom."

"Letty."

No, listen to me," Letty cuts Ava off.

Forgiving them and letting go doesn't mean you have to be besties with them. It doesn't mean they have e to bea part of your life. It means you are no longer bound to the past.

They've tried making amends, but you refuse to let them. It's been two years, Ava, yet you've shut them out of your life. I love you, I really do, but I feel like you are not being fair to them."

I shift on my chair uncomfortably. For some reason, I feel like I shouldn't be here. I shouldn't be listening in on their conversation because it seems private.

Letty sighs and continues. "Just think about it. Forgive them and move on.

Let go. How can you have a future when you're still holding on to the past? I'm asking you to do this partly because of Travis and partly because of you. You can't claim to be healing while still holding on to what they did.

I know it's awful what they did, but give yourself a chance to forgive them. They don't have to be in your life. They don't have to be part of your life, but just let the past go and really move forward."

Even though she spoke those words to Ava, I feel like they were directed at me. Isn't my confusion when it comes to Gabriel because I refuse to let go of the past? Because I'm still fighting the man I know, and I keep comparing him to the boy I used to know?

I couldn't help but think about her words for the rest of lunch. Letty had given both me and Ava food for thought. could see it in Ava's eyes. Just like me, the words didn't leave her mind for the rest of our time together.

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 474-Like I'd said, I'd forgiven Gabriel, so why was I still holding on to the past? Why was I still comparing him to the man that he was? It is obvious that he has changed, yet my brain still doubted him.

You know the saying 'if he wanted to, he would have?' that is exactly what is happening with Gabriel right now. Back then he didn't want to. He didn't want to love me. He didn't want to care about me. Hell, he simply didn't want me… And because he didn't want me, he didn't treat me like I mattered.

Deep down I do get him though. If my calculations are correct, he married me one and a half year after that girl broke his heart. Knowing Andrew, he must

have blackmailed him or something to get Gabriel to marry me.

I didn't think about it when we were married. In fact, I didn't want to think about it because it would shatter my illusion that he had married me because he felt something for me. It was only years later that I'd accepted that Gabriel married me because he had been coerced into it. Not because he wanted to.

I can only imagine what he felt. He had probably not gotten over the betrayal of his ex-girlfriend. He was angry and bitter, and probably thought all women were the same. Then he is forced to marry me. In his head, he probably thought that Andrew and I wanted to use him. To use his family's name to save our company.

Just like Ashley had used him.

On top of all that, there was the issue with Rowan at that time. Rumors had it that he wasn't doing all that well after messing up with Ava… And then there was Ava. Ava was probably the other woman who reinforced Gabriel's belief that women were vicious, because she slept with her sister's boyfriend and broke them up because she wanted him to herself.

I'm not justifying what he did. How he treated me is wrong, but I get him. I mean, didn't I do the same? Because of how badly he hurt me, I refused to have anything to do with love. Hell, I got married to a man that loved someone else just so I didn't risk getting hurt again.

We approached our heart breaks differently, but the thing is, the result of that is that we tried stopping it from happening ever again.

I'm shaken from my thoughts when the car comes to a stop. After thanking the driver, I get out and head up.

My mind is still in turmoil about everything, but for some reason the thought of giving Gabriel a chance didn't send me into panic like it usually did. Instead, peace washed over me. I was tired of fighting what I feel for him.

I get to our floor and get out of the elevator. I punch in the code and the door unlocks. After kicking off my shoes, I walk further inside with the shopping bags.

"Hi Sharon," I greet our Nanny who was in the kitchen having some snacks.

"Hi Harper."

Even though I tell her that she didn't need to, she gets up and helps me with the shopping bags.

After setting everything where it's supposed to be, I walk to Lilly's room where I heard giggling.

"I'm back Lilly," I say after opening the door to my room.

Her head pops up from underneath the bed, she rushes to me and gives me hug.

"You're finally back. I've been dying for you to come back so you can meet Sierra!" she is literally bouncing with excitement. "Sierra! Come out and meet my mom"

There is some shuffling, and then a beautiful blonde girl dashes out from under the bed before stopping next to Us.

"Hi! I'm Sierra!" she greets cheerfully, her eyes shining and radiating.

"H-Hi Sierra. It's nice to meet you."

Before I can stop her, she wraps her hands around me and gives me a hug. I can now understand why Lilly is smitten with her. Sierra is a really warm girl.

"It's nice meeting you too!" She all but yells. "Lilly talks about you all the time."

I nod and smile, while gently patting her back. After she steps back, I address both of them.

"Do you two need anything?"

"No," the chorus at the same time. It was honestly a bit freaky.

Okay then, I'll call you when dinner is ready," I say before turning to Lilly!

Where is your dad?"

*He was in his office, but I think he went to take a nap after Sharon arrived," she answers.

*Okay, let me know if you need anything."

"I will."

My eyes flash to Sierra one more time. There was something abouty her. I just couldn't put my finger on it.

Shaking my head, at that weird feeling, I leave and close the door behind me.

Walking down the hallway, I head towards Gabriel's bedroom. I don't know if he's awake, but I am hoping so. When I get to his door, I gently knock.

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 475-*Come in," he finally answers, just when I was about to give up and assume he's still asleep.

Opening the door, I enter. I find him seated on his bed. When he sees me, he moves down, sitting on the edge. I close the door and cross the floor to where he is.

"How was girl's day out?" he asks, his voice a bit thick with sleep.

*Enlightening."

"How?"

*Can I ask you something? And promise to be honest about it."

He turns fully to me, now fully awake. His eyes roam over my face as if he's trying to figure out what I'm about to ask. After a minute, he nods his head.

"I realized that Andrew must have blackmailed you into marrying me the first time. Given your heartbreak, you wouldn't jump willingly into marriage, especially with a girl you barely knew. Could you please tell me what he had on you?"

I could tell that he really didn't want to, but I needed the answers. I needed to know how Andrew was able to secure a marriage between us.

*Harper…"

*Please?"

"Rowan got worse after he got married to Ava. He wasn't doing well and Andrew got evidence that Rowan was drinking and doing drugs. He threatened to expose that evidence to the media. With a scandal like that, it would have ruined the company and Rowan's image. So, I agreed because I didn't want Rowan's image to be ruined. He was supposed to step in as the C.E.O with me as his VP,"

I knew it. I just knew that Gabriel wouldn't have married me willingly. I guess living in a fantasy world, believing that he felt something for me was easier to believe than the alternative.

He pulls me up and guides me down so that I'm sitting on his lap.

"I hated your brother for that, but I later realized why he did it. He didn't want you to be alone. I've come to the realization that he gave me a gift. I almost realized it too late, but better late than never. I want you, Harper. I need you like the very air I breathe, and I'll spend the rest of my life showing you that you own my heart. I'll spend the rest of my life atoning for the shit I put you through."

"Gabriel…" I didn't know what to say.

He was making his intentions very clear. I didn't know what to do with that, but I also rejoiced even though I didn't show it to him.

*Haven't you wondered why I came to you? I could have had any fucking woman. They would have happily agreed to enter into a marriage contract, yet the moment I was given the ultimatum, my mind immediately thought of you. I believe it's because you are my destiny. That's why I never fell in love with anyone during the years we were apart, and neither did you. I needed to mature and let go of the fucking past before I could be the kind of man you need. I'm not there yet, but I'll fight to be a man worthy of your heart."

I keep quiet. Thinking of everything he just said. Could we really work this time?

Is it really fate that we are here years later after a really terrible beginning?

*I want a chance with you, darling, but I won't push you. I'm content to wait for you, however long it takes, until you are ready to have me. We'll take one step at a time."

He cups my cheek and kisses my forehead. I immediately melt in his arms. I wrap my hands around his broad shoulders and lay my head against his, just content with being in his arms.

"By the way, I forgot to tell you that my parents have a charity gala tomorrow.

We'll be attending." He says so casually, I almost hit him for springing this on me and being unbothered by it.

I rip my head from his and stare at him with round eyes. "And you are telling me this now!"

'It slipped my mind!" he grumbles, trying to defend himself. "It's not my fucking fault that I get distracted when you are around me. I barely think of anything important."

I need to find a dress," I jump from = his lap, ready to rush into my com bedroom to see what's there to wear.

If I don't find anything, I'll have to go shopping tomorrow morning. It'll be Sunday, but I'm sure a store or two will be open.

*One last thing."

I stop with my hand on the door handle.

"What?"

*You are sleeping here tonight and every night." He informs me, as his com eyes bore into mine." I got used to 01 having you in my bed the entire night while we were in Tokyo. I'm not going another night without you in my arms."

I don't reply as I open the door and leave, but I can't stop the smile that takes over my lips.

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 476-And we are done."

When I couldn't find a dress to suit the occasion, Gabriel called for help. A whole team arrived about three hours ago to help me with my makeup and dress.

My makeup is flawless. My makeup artist had opted for a classy look. My eyes were adorned with a soft yet bold eyeshadow that enhanced their natural depth, framed by long, fluttery lashes that made my gaze all the more captivating. A touch of gold shimmering in the inner comers brightens my eyes, drawing attention to their warmth, while my hair cascaded in loose waves, glistening like silk under the gentle light.

As for my dress, we went with a red gown since red had become Gabriel's favorite color on me. The gown is a breathtaking blend of sexy and elegant, crafted from a deep ruby satin that drapes beautifully over my curves. The neckline plunges just enough to be alluring, while intricate lace detailing along the edges adds a touch of sophistication. The fitted bodice accentuates my waist, flaring out gently into a flowing skirt that brushes the floor.

When I move, the fabric catches the light, shimmering like liquid as it reveals just a hint of her legs. A daring thigh- high slit adds an unexpected edge, which, like my stylist said, would showcase my confidence while maintaining an air of grace.

Gabriel had provided me with jewelry. I wore a pair of stunning pearl drop earrings, their lustrous surface catching the light and adding a touch of classic elegance to my look. Each pearl is framed by delicate gold accents.

Around my neck, was a statement necklace, featuring a cascade of sparkling crystals in a floral design, mimicking the graceful curves of nature. The necklace sits perfectly just above my collarbone, drawing attention to the neckline of my dress.

On my wrists, I wore two thin gold bangles. One bangle is adorned with small, shimmering gemstones that echo the ruby tones of my dress, while the other is a simple, polished band that highlights the elegance of the first.

I take a moment to appreciate my reflection, a soft smile playing on my lips. I look at myself in the mirror, my eyes twinkling. I swear to God, I've never looked this beautiful.

Turning to the team, I hold my hand out to them. They gladly take it.

"Thank you so much," I tell them, fighting back tears. "You have no idea just what this means to me. You've completely transformed my appearance today and saved my ass from embarrassment."

They laugh at my last sentence, but squeeze my hands.

*You are welcome, and any time you need us, just holla, and we'll be there,"

Candice, my makeup artist, says.

"It was a pleasure working with you. Honestly, you are the easiest client I've ever worked with." Adds Billy, my stylist.

After air kissing my cheeks, they leave with two of their team members.

Distantly, I hear their voices as they talk with Gabriel, before the door opens and closes.

Seconds later, the door opens and Gabriel walks into his bedroom. Correction, our bedroom since he had our housekeeper move all my things this morning.

He stops dead in his tracks. "You look completely stunning."

His eyes roam over my form and I get a thrill from it. It's like he's leaving a trail of burning fire as his gaze moves down my body.

"I take it, you approve?" I tease, as I saunter over to where he's standing, as if his feet are glued to the floor.

His hands immediately snake out, and wrap around my waist. He pulls me close, smashing our chests together.

"Will I ruin your lipstick if I were to kiss you right now?"

Thank God for matte lipsticks.

"Since when has that ever stopped you?"

That's all the approval he needs as he smashes our lips together. Just like always, his kiss leaves me . com breathless. We pull away when we both need to come up for air.

Gasping for breath because for a moment we forget to breathe.

He presses his forehead against mine. "Damn it, Harper. You've completely taken over my fucking heart in ways never saw coming. I'm tempted to cancel our attendance.

I chuckle, but remain silent, because CO what am I supposed to say to that?

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 477-"Let's go before we are late," I tell him after we both caught our breaths.

He nods his head, as his hand glides down mine where he locks our fingers together and pulls me out of our bedroom.

*You look stunning, Mrs. Harper!" Sierra screams, her voice brimming with glee when she sees me.

"Yes! You do, mom,* Lilly adds, bouncing up and down.

"Thank you, girls,"

Sierra will be leaving later on because of school tomorrow. Since neither me nor Gabriel will be here when she leaves, we have arranged with our driver to have him drop her off. He'll make sure she's back home safely.

"Now, you two be good to Sharon and don't cause her any trouble, okay?" I tease in warning.

"We will!" they chorus.

My eyes, since meeting Sierra, stray back to her. Like I said, there is something about her that draws me to her. Something familiar.

After saying goodbye to both of them, Gabriel and I leave. We don't say much in the car, but his hand which held mine the entire time, comforts me.

We get there in record time and I start to panic when I notice a few paparazzi outside the building.

"You nervous?" Gabriel pulls my attention from them.

"Yes" I reply shakily. "This is the first time we are appearing at an event together."

My eyes drift back to the wind, but Gabriel grabs my chin and pulls my face back to his.

"Look at me," he commands. Update first at NôvelDráma. Org.

The authority and sexiness of his deep husky voice, has me obeying his command like a good girl.

"Everything will be okay; I'll be with you. You don't have to worry about anything,"

I take a deep breath and nod my head. "Okay."

"Good, now, Mrs. Gabriel Woods. It's time to show you off," he steals a quick kiss, making me laugh in the process just as the door opens.

The driver helps me out. Gabriel comes out, takes my hand and places a kiss on it, before placing another one on my temple.

The paparazzi swarm us, the camera lights blinding me as each one of them tries to take a picture.

HOW DID YOU TWO MEET? One person throws out.

HARPER, HOW DID YOU MANAGE TO STEAL GABRIEL'S HEART WHEN OTHER WOMEN HAVE NEVER SUCCEEDED?

WHEN DID YOU REALIZE YOU WERE IN LOVE?

IS IT TRUE YOU TWO HAVE A DAUGHTER?

IS SHE THE REASON WHY YOU GOT MARRIED?

They keep throwing questions at us.

"Ignore them," Gabriel whispers in my ear, as he leads me inside.

When we get inside, I breath a sigh of relief. Thanking the heavens that we were finally away from those meddling reporters.

I come to a stop when the spacious room greets us. Hundreds of people are seated in the elegantly decorated room. Whoever the planner was, did an amazing job because everything was so beautiful and enchanting.

Gabriel leads me, as I stare all around me. It's been years since I've been to a charity event the moment our company went bankrupt, we stopped receiving invitations.

Before we can get to where he intended us to get to, we are intercepted by his mother.

Oh, Harper, I'm so glad to see you and have you here. Thank you form coming!" Gabriel's mother beams in a sweet voice, and then pulls me in a warm and tight hug.

"I'm right here, Mom… You know, your son' Gabriel teases with a smile on his face.

"Oh shush!" she swats at his arms. "I only invited you because of Harper."

*Thank you for having me," I smile, basking in her warmth.

*You two have a seat. I have to play host until everyone arrives." She says, and then gives us a gentle push towards the tables and chairs.

I immediately spot Ava and Rowan.

They are seated at one of the tables at the front. Gabriel guides us in that direction, while avoiding those who obviously want to engage him in conversation. When we get there, Ava and Rowan stand up to greet us.

We take our seats and the brothers immediately begin to talk.

*You look stunning, Harper." Ava smiles at me warmly.

*You too, that dress looks gorgeous on you." I reply, and then, for some add reason, we begin laughing.

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 478-As we chat, Ava's eyes keep going back to Rowan. You can see the love that is there. Despite everything he put her through she still managed to give him another chance.

Rowan's eyes, of course, keep drifting to his wife too. It's like he simply can't keep his eyes from her or his hand for that matter, given he keeps finding ways to touch her.

I know how cruel Rowan was to Ava in those three years of marriage to Gabriel.

He treated her like she was nothing. Now though, she seems to be his whole world. His love for her openly shines. I never thought that he'd ever change

towards her, but the evidence of his change and love is staring at me directly in the face.

*Something is bothering you," Ava whispers, pulling me from my thoughts.

I turn to her, my eyes searching her face. "Have you truly forgiven Rowan? How did you do it? How did you let go of the past?"

I just didn't get it and, if I am being honest, I am freaking scared of taking that step with Gabriel.

Her eyes shift to her husband, before the refocus back on me.

"I have forgiven him, and that's the easy part. The hard part is letting go and forgetting. I won't lie to you, Harper, it isn't easy. There isn't a magic potion that will make you forget what he did. Other days are harder than others, especially when those memories hit me and infiltrate my mind, making me question my decision to give him a chance." .

I'm taken aback by what she just revealed. I never would have thought that there are times she would question her decision.

She takes a deep breath, and I can see her raw emotions. "But I love him. I tried flashing that love out and killing it. I tried moving on. I tried ignoring it. It still remained. Still fought to hold on.

Rowan has shown me that he has changed. It's in the way he has treated me and loved me since he realized it's me he wants. It's in the small and big ways he has proved to me, still proving to me, that he loves me. It's in how he looks at me, takes care of me and shows me that I'm the only woman in his heart.

It's the in the way he has treasured and taken care of my heart since I gave it back to him. Those things are what keeps me fighting during times my memories threaten to drown me. He is right there with me when ghosts of our past show up to haunt me.

When the echoes of pain from the past show their ugly head. I look at him and seeing the love in his eyes C pushes the darkness away: It hasn't been easy, and it will take time to completely get rid of it, but I know he is with me through every step. It's an uphill battle, but I know, and I'm sure of his heart and love. That's what makes everything worth it."

I lean back on my chair and just stare at the table cloth. Focusing on the sparkling gold fabric.

"Like I said, it isn't easy, and it won't be for you if you decide to give Gabriel a chance …. But ask yourself, do you want this second chance?"

com Has Gabriel shown you his heart?

Showed you that he has changed?

Has he shown you he wants a future with you? Do you love him? If the answer to all of those questions is yes, then give him another chance.

Love is about taking a risk. You'll dive deep and he'll catch you. When he does, you will realize just how worth it that risk was."

Everyone arrives, and the food is served, then next comes the com K speeches During the entire time, my mind circles back to what Ava told me. It's time I make a decision.

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 479-"What are you thinking about?" Gabriel asks while pulling me into the ballroom where others were dancing.

After dinner, there were speeches and then everyone was free to mingle and enjoy the party.

My eyes immediately spot Ava and Rowan. They looked like they were in their own little world as they glided across the floor. Their eyes held nothing but love for each other.

I want that. I want a man that looks at me like I'm his whole word and his sole purpose for being alive. I want to be the only woman that holds his heart. I want

to be loved so deeply that it radiates off of him in waves.

My eyes move back to Gabriel as he pulls me closer. It isn't appropriate to dance this close at such an event, but it seems that Gabriel doesn't really care.

I stare at his eyes and I see nothing but adoration there. I also see what could possibly be love, but I am not sure. I can't really say it is love when he hasn't really told me that he loves me.

Can I really have what Rowan and Ava have if I give him a chance? Can we really build our relationship into something more if I decide to let go and take a deep dive into love once again? Is this really a second chance for us?

The questions keep ringing in my head even, aware that I haven't really answered Gabriel's question. I can't really tell him what's going on in my head, mainly because it involves him.

*Harper?"

*Sorry, I'm just thinking about Sierra" I lie, but was it really a lie when I've thought about her since yesterday? "What about her? You don't like her?" he asks, genuinely curious.

"It's not that," I breathe. "I do like her, but there is just something so familiar about her. It sounds crazy, but I feel like I know her from somewhere."

I've been trying to piece up the puzzle whenever I am not thinking about Gabriel, but no matter what I do, I just can't figure out what is so familiar about her.

"Maybe you've seen her before," he states unhelpfully.

I didn't want to talk about her much, so I just mumble, "Maybe."

Gabriel leans down and pecks my lips right in the middle of the ballroom. "Now, tell me the real reason why you have that frown on your face. What are you really thinking about?"

How the hell did he know that I'd lied to him? How does he already know me so well?

Sighing, I let my head fall on his shoulder for a brief seconds before I pull back.

"I'm just thinking about us."

His eyes bore into mine as we sway to the soft music that was playing.

"I know that this may seem early, but I know my feelings, Harper, and I know that for the few months you've been back into my life, I've completely fallen in love with you."@

I miss a step as his words hit my ears. Almost stepping on him in the process.

"W-what?" I stammer, still having a hard time comprehending what he just told me.

"I didn't want to scare you, so I kept my mouth shut." He begins in a rich and soft voice. "I don't know how it happened, or when it happened, but from the moment I saw you again, something drew me to you. You captivated me in ways I never thought possible and each day my curiosity and obsession with you grew."

"Gabriel…"

"It's okay, you don't have to say anything right now, but there is something I want to show you."

My eyes shift between his before I finally agree with a nod. When I do, he pulls me from the dance floor, heading towards the double doors.

My heart is racing with excitement and joy. Isn't this what I wanted? Isn't being with Gabriel what I've always desired? I can't deny that being with him has brought back the love I tried to bury. It has been there for a while, simmering on the surface of my heart and soul.

The charity event was held in one of the grand hotels in the city. From what I know, Wood's Corporation had major shares in it.

We get out of the ballroom. Walk across the main hall where we had dinner.

Then step outside, to the hallway of the hotel.

"Where are we going?" I ask as Gabriel leads me to the elevator doors.

*Mom booked us a room here in case we decided to stay the night instead of going home late and waking up Lilly."

That made sense. Most of these events usually end late into the night.

We get to our floor. Gabriel guides me to what I'm sure is our room Using his thumb on the fingerprint n scanner, he unlocks the door, ushers us in and softly closes it behind him.

I don't have time to check or admire the room as Gabriel pulls me to a working station in the corner of the room. I notice some documents, which he takes and hands them over to me.

"What are these?" I ask curiously, my eyes scanning his face.

"Take a look at them."

My heart rate increases as I open the first document. I scan the pages My eyes widen as each word on the per hits me. I take the second a document and the same thing happens.

Ex-Husbands Regret Chapter 480-By the time I'm done going through them and place them on the table, my hands are trembling, and my heart is racing. I'm rendered completely speechless as my shift from Gabriel's face to the documents on the table.

"Gabriel" I shake my head. "I don't understand."

He takes my hands in his large one. His eyes hold nothing but warmth and affection.

"I've been scanning my brain, trying to find ways to prove to you that I want this.

That I want us. The idea came to me while we were in Tokyo. I had my lawyer

draft two new documents, then had him bring them here. All you have to do is sign them."

*But the company is yours, our contract hasn't ended…" I rush through my words as my brain refuses to function.

"I want a real chance with you, Harper. I want a real marriage. That's why I decided to terminate the marriage contract… As for Unity Ventures, it's yours.

I've already transferred ownership to you. I don't want anything standing in the way of being with you."

This right here is his grand gesture. His way of telling me that he is all in. That even without the marriage contract or the company he used to blackmail me into marriage with him, he still wants me. Just as I am.

*I love you, Harper, and I hope in time you'll come to believe that, but this is one of the ways I can prove to you that I want you permanently in my life. I want you, Lilly and any future children you'll give me. I want a life with you."

Staring at him, something just clicks inside me. I've been waiting for a sign. A sign to usher me in the right direction. This is the sign. These two documents prove that he is serious about wanting a life with me.

Gabriel shocks me even more when he gets down on his knees.

"I'll do anything you want just to get you to give me a second chance," he begs as his hands circle my waist, and he lays his head on my stomach. "I'll beg if I have to. Kiss your feet if that's what it takes."

Seeing such a powerful and dominant man submit and kneel before me shatters every constraint I had.

How many people get second chances? How many people get to have the man they love beg at their feet?

Love is about taking risks. Ava's words play in my head.

"Get up, Gabriel," I whisper. He is reluctant, so I add. "Please."

He finally gets up and stands only inches from me. I place my hands on his cheek. He closeshis eyes and leans into my touch for a brief second.

"I had a talk with Ava, and before the speeches were done, I'd already made a decision." I say in a faint voice, the only visible sound was the beating of my heart.

"What did you decide?" For the first time since I've known Gabriel, I see fear in his eyes. Fear of losing me. Fear of me rejecting him.

I take a deep breath as peace washes over me at my decision. "I want this with you. I want to be with you com because I'm tired of fighting my feelings for you. This is our second chance, and I'd be an idiot if I pass it up. You said you'd prove to me that you love me, that you want me. My question is, how will you prove you love me?" His answer is immediate.

I'll show up" he promises, his voice low with emotion. "Day after day.

Night after night. I'll show up for you and I'll be there for you, loving you each day the right way, the way you deserve, every single day for the rest of my life. I'l love you on the days you still doubt my love for you; I'll love you even when memories of what I did haunt you; I'll love you even when you question your decision about giving me another chance. I'll keep knocking at the doors of your heart, just like Rowan did with Ava, and I'll keep knocking until you have no more doubts about us. I'll show you how serious I am about fixing what I broke years ago and building our marriage, because I fucking love you, Harper."

I can't stop the tears that fill my eyes at his words. Gabriel grips my hand tighter as if he wants me to feel his sincerity and regret for how he hurt me before.

'What I'll do is to love you fully and thoroughly," he continues. "I'll listen to you and my every action will be a med at showing you just how grateful I am that you gave me a second chance."

I can't say anything. My mind and heart are a complete mush. Instead, I seal our lips together, communicating without words that I understand and accept his words.

His arms wrap around me as he deepens the kiss. The moment he does, I am lost, but even then I can't help but accept just how right being with him without any constraints felt.