Ch. 1551..1560

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1551

He studied his surroundings and noticed that he was in an abandoned warehouse.

Carl was extremely anxious as he tried to shout for help. However, all he heard was his own echo that resounded within the warehouse.

He instantly gave up as he knew no one would come to his rescue at a deserted place like this.

Carl did not care about life and death after experiencing the previous incident.

Hence, he stopped shouting and waited in silence for the mysterious kidnaper to appear.

At this moment, he noticed someone lying beside him. He looked at the person closely and was stunned.

“Gabriella?” Carl murmured to himself.

He was in the dark as to what the kidnappers wanted to do with him.

Moments later, Gabriella slowly gained consciousness as she opened her eyes. She was equally stunned when her eyes fell upon Carl.

Something clicked in her mind as she said angrily, “How dare you tried to kidnap me, Carl! Do you have a death wish? And to think I was worried about you!”

Gabriella was very displeased. We are in the same boat. Yet, I can’t believe that you kidnapped me.

“Excuse me? Could you take a better look around?” Carl answered. “I was kidnapped too.”

Gabriella looked at him and the surroundings suspiciously and realized they were both tied up.

“This place,” she said as she continued to study the area.

“Why’s it so familiar?”

“Of course it was. It was the place where you kept Joan after you kidnapped her.” A voice said as three muscular men appeared.

“Who’re you?” Gabriella asked in surprise as the men continued walking towards her.

Gabriella shuddered in fear when she heard those words.

“What do you want? Why’d you bring me here?”

The leader among the trio smiled coldly and he stared at her and said, “Have you forgotten what you have done to Joan? My plan’s simple. I would like to finish what you didn’t back then.”

The leader eyed Gabriella from top to bottom when he said those words. She shivered in fear when she caught sight of his stare.

Gabriella instantly understood the purpose of these men and who sent them.

“You guys- Were you sent by Larry?”

She panicked as she was reminded of the things she had done to Joan.

“I’d advise you not to mess with me. I’m the daughter of the Ward family. I’ll put you in jail if you lay a finger on me!”

If they fed me the drug like how I did to Joan, then…

“Ms. Gabriella, I have to say, I didn’t think you’d be so naive. You don’t even know who we are. Even if you do, what can you possibly do? Do you have any proof? Well, don’t worry about that. We won’t leave a trace! Haha!”

The leader laughed triumphantly as his eyes were burned with vengefulness.

“No! Please, I beg of you! Don’t do this!” Tears streamed down Gabriella’s cheeks as she pleaded in fear.

“Let me go! Please! I can pay you as long as you let me go! Just name the price!”

“Money? Are you trying to bribe us as you did with the assassins?”

“Well, sorry to disappoint but we’re not in this for the money.” The leader let out a cold laugh.

“How’d you know I was responsible for that?”

How did they know that I paid for the assassins? I didn’t involve myself in any of the plans after.

“As the saying does, the day has eyes, the night has ears. What’s done by night appears by day. Hence, you should have given it a second thought before you did all those nasty deeds. You deserved this, Ms. William.”

The trio smiled in satisfaction as the vicious woman in front of them would be punished very soon.

“Well, what goes around comes around! Let’s do this, boys!” he ordered.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1552

The two other men nodded as soon as their leader gave them the signal. They took out a bottle of an aphrodisiac drug as they walked towards Gabriella with a malicious grin.

“No. Please, I beg of you! Let me go!” Gabriella begged for mercy. “I was wrong. Let me go, please! I promise I won’t do it again!”

The men ignored her pleas as they forcefully opened her mouth and dunked the drug into her mouth.

Retch….

Gabriella tried to resist them as they forced the drug into her mouth. However, she could not go against the strength of two men. Thus, she tried to spit out the drug but failed.

“Enjoy your moment while it lasts, Ms. William.”

The leader of the trio grinned widely, “Place the camera at a good angle and untie her before we leave!”

The two men untied her and placed the camera at a place where she could not reach.

Once they were done, the trio left them alone as they walked out of the warehouse and closed the door.

“Open up! Please!” Gabriella ran to the warehouse door as she shouted and slammed the door with her fist violently.

When the realization dawned that there was no point in doing so, she slowly sat on the ground in despair. She curled herself into a ball and started to shiver.

Carl was watching the entire incident unfold before him coldly. His nerves were gone when he understood the motives of the kidnappers. Instead, he felt a slight sense of excitement.

Who knew my dream would come true in such a way! I must say, fate is on my side. I can regain the wealth and power that I once had as soon as I sleep with her. All I had to do now was patiently wait for the drug to take its effect.

Gabriella, who was curled up in the corner, walked up to Carl after some time.

She felt her body burning up, especially her lower abdomen. It was so hot she thought she might melt away any second. She gradually lost consciousness and her mind was filled with lust.

She jumped on Carl as she began taking off her clothes. Then, she kissed him incessantly as her hands roamed ly across his body.

Gabriella’s behavior immediately set off Carl’s sexual desire as he had been waiting for this moment for a long time. In fact, his sexual desire was even stronger than hers.

The couple held each other tightly in their arms while the warehouse was filled with lustful desires and heavy breathing.

The leader of the trio was annoyed at the sound that was coming from the warehouse.

“Damn it! Both of you stay put! I need to get some fresh air. This job sucks!”

The leader took off his mask and it turned out to be Caspian.

Caspian groaned in annoyance as he knew he was the one who got himself into this.

I thought it’d be a thrilling job. Who knew it’d be such a pain in the ass.

“If we weren’t doing this to punish Gabriella for the sake of Boss and Ma’am, I wouldn’t have done such a thing!” Caspian muttered dissatisfiedly.

An hour later, Caspian was notified by his man that the deed was done.

Caspian quickly hurried over as soon as he heard the news.

When he got there, he saw Gabriella fully dressed as she stared at a distance blankly. She must be feeling devastated and wanted to end her life. Caspian thought.

Whereas, Carl sat there calmly and seemed like he was deep in thought.

“Well, it seemed like the show’s over. Hence, we’ll be off now. Here are your phones. So do contact someone to come get you.” Caspian teased with his mask on.

Gabriella’s eyes were filled with hatred as she clenched her teeth and cursed, “You won’t get away with this! I’ll make you pay!”

“I understand how’re you feeling. But, you can’t blame us for this. Hadn’t you been doing the same thing to others? Tell me, how does it feel to have a taste of your own medicine?” Caspian gloated.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1553

“Ahh, before I forget, let me remind you both that the show isn’t over! I hope you’re excited for what comes next.”

With that, Caspian and his men left.

She stared in their direction as tears streamed endlessly. Everything that’s happened today seemed like a nightmare. Unfortunately, it was one that I’ll never wake up from.

“Carl, why didn’t you stop me? You’re such a jerk!” She screamed as she vented her anger towards him.

“Gabriella, I was doing you a favor! You wouldn’t be able to get off if I didn’t do so! Imagine what would happen next? Please, Gabriella, try to understand from my perspective!” Carl answered sincerely.

Gabriella was disgusted as she watched him said those words with a straight face.

“What? Did you forget that you acted even wilder than I was? Cut your gentleman crap with me. You’ll only make me feel sick!”

Carl decided to change the topic and said, “Gabriella, let’s talk about this matter in the future. Don’t worry, I’ll take full responsibility for what has happened. The most important thing right now was to find a way to get out of here.” He said anxiously.

“No sh*t, Sherlock! And I don’t need you to take responsibility for me!” She shot him a cold glance and ignored him. She then picked up her phone and contacted the Ward family for help.

Carl also did the same as he called up his friend for help. Moments later, the Ward family arrived at the warehouse and picked up Gabriella while Carl left with his friend.

Both Gabriella and Carl went home with different emotions as they knew that things weren’t over yet.

Sure enough, a video titled daughter of the Ward family domineering the heir of the Johnsons was uploaded to the Internet with millions of views.

Both Gabriella and Carl who stayed away from the public’s eye had once again become the talk of the town in Marsingfill. Everyone was discussing this hot topic among one another.

The public was very interested in the video clip based on the number of views. Even when the website was blocked, no one could seem to forget about it.

Gabriella also watched the video clip. She was very embarrassed when she saw how crazy and shameless she was.

What should I do now? How am I supposed to have a normal life now that this humiliating clip is out? I am the daughter of the Ward family and was exposed to doing such a shameless thing. I bet I’m a laughingstock to others now. She panicked.

Suddenly, she received a call from Carl.

A ball of fire burned within her when she saw the caller ID. She instantly answered the call angrily.

“What do you want, Carl? I’m already in a miserable state, no thanks to you, Jerk!” Gabriella shouted in agony.

I’m done for! My life’s over!

“Gabriella, I didn’t want this to happen as well. However, since it has happened, I promise to take up the responsibility as a man. I love you. So, let’s get married!” Carl said passionately as if he didn’t care about her past.

“In your dreams, Carl! I’ll never marry you even if it costs me my life! Get over it!” Gabriella didn’t appreciate Carl’s affection towards her. Before Carl could say anything further, she hung up on him.

Carl let out a cold laugh and said, “Stupid b*tch, what’s with the attitude when I’m just trying to be nice to you. I’ll make you pay once the time comes!”

Carl was unfazed by Gabriella’s rejection and attitude.

You’ll marry me in the end anyway because no one would want to marry a loose woman like you. I’ll treat you the same way you did to me, just worser. Carl thought to himself.

 

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1554

Once Gabriella hung up, she stared blankly at her phone for a long time. She was unsure of what to do.

Then, she suddenly remembered her father, Landon.

Yes, only he can help me now! He can use his power and prestige to minimize the negative effect of this matter. Then I should go to a place where no one knows to start a new life! I could marry a man as well as stop the bad deeds I have done in the past!

Yes, that’s what I’ll do! Gabriella quickly went to her father as soon as she made up her mind. She believed he was the only one that could help her now.

When Gabriella arrived at Landon’s study, she noticed that he was livid. She burst into tears and said, “Dad, please help me!”

Landon was drowned in anger when Gabriella came to him. He could not believe his ears when his men told him that Gabriella was in trouble. He was unconvinced at first as Gabriella was home all this while. Thus, it was unlikely that she would have caused trouble.

However, he was stunned when his men showed him the video clip.

He smashed the laptop onto the ground as his eyes were filled with rage.

Coincidently, Gabriella came to him at that moment.

“Help you? How should I help you?”

Landon’s emotion got the best of him when he saw Gabriella as he walked up to her and slapped her.

Slap! A visible handprint was seen on Gabriella’s cheek. Landon was still very furious when he had slapped her and raised his hand again. However, he hesitated and stopped when he saw her crying with eyes filled with desperation.

“You rebellious girl! How could you have done such a thing! How am I supposed to help you?” Landon sighed heavily as his eyes were filled with despair.

“Dad, only you can help me! Please! I know you can settle this matter with the power of the Ward family. I promise I won’t cause trouble anymore!” Gabriella cried loudly.

She knew she had to cry a river so her father would choose to help her.

“Our family was already in a precarious state and now something scandalous like this happened. We were already on the verge of bankruptcy and now we’ve also lost our reputable name.”

Landon was in anguish when he said those words. The Ward family was a family of success, but now it was destroyed by the hands of his own daughter.

“There must be a way! There must be! Dad, please, think of something! Please help me.”

Gabriella observed Landon’s response closely and realized her only chance of saving herself from the pit of fire was slipping away. She quickly grabbed his arm helplessly and she continued to beg.

“Well, there’s only one way to save the Ward family now.” Landon sighed as he looked at Gabriella uncomfortably.

“What is it, Dad? Tell me!” A glimmer of hope had appeared as she quickly urged.

“I’ll need your help, Gabriella. Only you can help the Ward family now.” He took a breath as if he had made his decision.

“Yes, of course. I’d do anything if it meant that I could help the Ward family. Anything, Dad! Tell me!” Gabriella said repeatedly. She understood that she’d have hope only if the Ward family was in a stable condition.

“It’s simple. But you have to be prepared.”

Landon let out a sigh and continued, “I’ll have to disown you. The Ward family’s reputation would then be saved when you’re no longer a member of this family. Similarly, the Ward family would have a second chance in rising again.”

Landon didn’t dare meet Gabriella’s eyes as he lowered his head in shame.

“What did you say, Dad?”

Gabriella was stunned as she did not expect that her father planned to disown her.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1555

“Gabriella, I really didn’t want to do this. It’s your fault that we’re in this hot water. I can no longer protect you with the current situation of the Ward family.”

Landon was heartbroken when he saw Gabriella’s reaction. However, he had to do it for the sake of the Ward family.

“Dad, this isn’t real, right? You’re lying, aren’t you! I’m your beloved daughter!” Gabriella’s voice trembled. She looked at her father as her heart shattered into pieces.

“Gabriella, please forgive me. I really had no choice.”

“I’ll host a press conference tonight and announced that you’re no longer a member of the Ward family. Hence, you should prepare yourself for it. Pack your things and leave the Ward family. I promised that I’ll restore your name once everything’s stable again.”

Landon immediately left the study before Gabriella could respond. He could not bear to face her daughter’s disappointment as he was afraid he might change his mind.

There’s no room for error now. Another mistake might lead to the end of the Ward family. Landon thought to himself as he stood in the hallway blankly.

I thought Dad would help me get through this. Yet, who knew my most beloved father was the first to abandon me.

“No!’ This isn’t real!” Gabriella shouted as her voice resounded through the entire compound of the Ward family.

What kind of father and daughter relationship is this? Where did all the love and affection go? It’s nothing in comparison to the family interest!

“I hate you! I hate you all!”

On the same night, Landon held a press conference as he invited every media in town. He decided to host an interview session to briefly speak about the recent economic crisis that the Ward family were facing.

When one of the journalists asked how Landon intended to deal with Gabriella’s scandal, he announced shocking news. “After much consideration, I have decided to banish Gabriella from the Ward family. She’s no longer my daughter as well as a part of the Ward family. Her words and actions do not represent the Ward family nor do we share any sort of relationship!”

Nevertheless, Landon had used the cruelest way to banish Gabriella from the family.

There was a huge uproar among the community of Marsingfill as soon as the news was released.

It was the first time in history that someone had publicly cut ties with their own daughter in Marsingfill. The people of Marsingfill were busy discussing among themselves as many different opinions surfaced. Some claimed that the Ward family was too cruel while others agreed that Gabriella should be punished for all the terrible things she had done in the past.

Everyone had different opinions. However, the reputation of the Ward family was saved after the press conference was held. Everyone had their focus solely fixated on Gabriella as the Ward family was not involved.

A source claimed that someone saw Gabriella leaving the Ward family with a suitcase the same night Landon broke the news. However, no one knew where she had gone to.

She was no stranger to the people in Marsingfill not only because of her renowned background but her countless scandals as well. Finally, she was punished for her bad deeds and disappeared from the public’s sight.

Gabriella was now staying in a rented villa. Although she was driven out by the Ward family, she still refused to admit that she was now on her on.

She still believed that she was the daughter of the Ward family. Thus, it was natural for her to indulge in a luxurious life. She couldn’t bring herself to rent a small place, but a villa instead.

Gabriella’s heart was filled with despair when Landon announced the news. It was a feeling that no one would understand.

Forget it, what had been done cannot be undone now. But life goes on, so I shall make it count. Besides, Dad did say he’ll regain her identity once the Ward family’s in a stable condition. Hence, I’ll look forward till that day comes.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1556

Gabriella had gotten used to the life of overspending. Even now, she had yet to get rid of this habit of hers.

Even though Landon had given her a large amount of money before he left, she soon almost finished spending it.

In the beginning, Gabriella had some savings left, but she had spent a substantial amount hiring assassins with Carl and paying those people to keep things a secret.

Back then, Gabriella had spent all of her savings.

Now that she had none of Landon’s money left, she had to figure out how she was going to live without money.

She was too used to her care life; Gabriella did not even know how to do basic housework, not to mention cooking for herself.

The moment she found herself stuck in this situation, the first thought Gabriella had was to seek her friends’ help.

In the past, the proud Gabriella would have never asked for help, but now, things were different.

“Hey, Lulu? I’m Gabriella.”

No longer the arrogant woman she was, Gabriella began chuckling when the call went through.

“Oh, it’s Gabriella. How strange. Why would you think of calling me?” came the sarcastic voice from the other end of the line.

“I-I have a favor to ask. Don’t worry, Lulu. I’ll definitely return the favor in the future,” Gabriella continued as if she had not heard the tone of the other woman.

“What is it? Speak your mind,” Lulu muttered nonchalantly.

“Can you lend me some money? I’m really in need of some money now. I’ll definitely return it to you in the future,” Gabriella guaranteed.

“Borrowing money? This isn’t like you, Ms. Ward. Aren’t you a conceited girl in the past? Didn’t you always ignore everyone? Does the high and mighty Ms. Ward need to borrow money from others now? Have you ever thought of a day like this when you were mocking me back then? Let’s put aside the fact that I won’t ever lend you any money first. Even if I did, how are you going to give the money back to me? Do you really think you’re still the beloved daughter of the Wards? Sober up. You’re nothing now.”

With a bitter look on her face, Gabriella awkwardly mumbled, “All right, then. Lulu, I’ll be getting out of your way now.”

Gabriella swiftly ended the call, not wanting to endure the humiliation a second longer.

She had always been a proud individual. Even if she was now a down-and-out socialite, she did not want to beg for anything from anyone.

However, she still needed help from others; she did not know what else to do.

Mustering her courage, Gabriella then made another call, “Jemma, I need your help with something. I was wondering if you can—”

“Lend you some money? Hahaha! I’m sorry, Gabriella. Lulu called me earlier, telling me that the dear Ms. Ward was asking if she could borrow money from her. I didn’t believe in her at the start, but now I do. Gabriella Ward, you brought this upon yourself. I won’t lend you the money. I’d rather throw them into the sea than to give them to an ingrate like you.”

With that said, Jemma ended the call.

“Kelsi, I’m a little short of money recently. Can you lend some to me? I’ll definitely give it back to you in a while. Trust me.”

“Gabriella, I know you’re in some difficult times now, but I really don’t have the money. I’ve used them all on plastic surgery. I’m sorry. Next time. When I have money in the future, I’ll definitely lend you some.”

“Thank you, Kelsi. I’ll end the call, then.” Gabriella ended the call.

How can she not have the money? She just doesn’t want to give it to me, the girl who’s no longer the rich daughter of the Wards.

A bitter smile crept upon Gabriella’s face. It was then she realized she had no true friends; they were all only interested in her status. Even if they put on a friendly demeanor when they interacted with her, Gabriella realized they must have despised her.

Maybe I used to have real friends, Gabriella thought sullenly. But I chased them all away myself.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1557

Seeking help from her friends was no longer a viable option; no one would help her, the one who once looked down on them all. If she kept this up, she would only humiliate herself.

Left without a choice, Gabriella went to look for a job.

While she had the educational qualifications, Gabriella did not have any working experience. Moreover, she had no talents of her own.

As Landon’s only daughter, Gabriella had always been the cherished daughter of the Wards. Everyone thought Gabriella would one day marry into a rich family; they never thought she would end up looking for a job of her own.

Gabriella had no practical experience, and she could not even grasp the theories. All she had was a piece of paper to show others her educational qualifications. Hence, her job search was met with failure, again and again.

It was until someone finally gave Gabriella a chance.

Gabriella received a call from a company, telling her she had passed the first test. After discussing details with the company, she could then go to work.

Gabriella was overjoyed. Never in her life would she have thought that there was a day she would be as thrilled as this to have found a job.

Without hesitation, Gabriella went to the company.

The one who greeted her was a pot-bellied, plump, and ugly man.

The moment Gabriella sat down, the man’s eyes lit up and nearly drooled.

She was perplexed when she saw him. This isn’t the one who interviewed me that day.

However, she still politely queried, “May I know if you’ll be the interviewer today?”

The man froze before he hastily said, “That’s right. I’m the interviewer for the day. However, you seemed quite well. You’ve passed. You can come to work starting tomorrow.”

“Really?”

Gabriella was delighted to hear his words. Although she was uncomfortable with the way the man was staring at her, his words were pleasant to Gabriella’s ears.

When the man saw how excited she was, he, too, became excited.

“It seems like this job is important to you,” the man hummed.

“That’s right. It’s very important to me,” Gabriella said as she beamed.

With this job, I’ll be able to pay for my bills as long as I save up.

The man continued, “Our company pays well, and there is a high monthly commission. Most importantly, it’s easier than other jobs. As long as you’re sensible, I’m sure you’ll earn a lot.”

“May I know what the job details are?” Gabriella eagerly asked.

She was still nervous. This was her first job and the start of her life.

“You’ll be my secretary, and you’ll be taking care of what I need in life.” A perverted grin then emerged on the man’s face.

However, Gabriella did not understand the hidden meaning of his words. I know about secretaries, but why do they have to take care of his needs in life?

When she voiced the questions out loud, the man’s grin grew wider.

“Let me teach you now, then. Learn to the best of your abilities, babe.”

The man then came closer to Gabriella and began unbuckling his belt.

It was then Gabriella realized what was going on. This was not a job; the perverted man was interested in her and wanted her for himself.

“Come, babe. I’m ready. Don’t you need money? I can give you lots and lots of money, as long as you’re a sensible girl.”

A lewd smile appeared on the man’s face.

“I don’t want this job anymore,” Gabriella snapped. “I’m leaving now.”

She thought she had finally gotten a good job; she had not anticipated that things would turn out this way.

“Don’t go, babe. I can give you any amount of money you want, as long as you agree to my requests.”

Right then, the man reached out to touch Gabriella’s face, but the latter nimbly avoided it.

“I don’t want your disgusting money! I just want a job. Keep your hands to yourself!” Gabriella roared.

Shameless people like him sickened her.

“Let go! Let go of me right now!”

Gabriella tried her best to struggle out of his grasps, but her efforts were to no avail.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1558

Slap! Gabriella gave the man a hard slap.

“Have you no shame?”

Furious from Gabriella’s slap, the man raised his hand to return the slap. The force of it sent her falling toward the ground.

“Since you won’t appreciate my kindness, I’ll do it myself. It’s the same at the end of the day, anyway.”

The man then lifted Gabriella to place her on the office desk, about to tear her clothes away.

“No! Don’t! Let go of me! Help!”

Gabriella flew into a panic. When she looked at the disgusting man who nauseated her, she felt as if she had been plunged straight into hell.

Gabriella flung her hands around in desperation, but she could fight against the man’s strength. Right as desolation was about to overtake her heart, she abruptly touched something solid. It was an ashtray.

Suddenly finding strength in her arms, Gabriella then smashed the ashtray onto the man’s head.

“Ah!”

With a shriek, the man collapsed onto the ground with his hands holding onto his head.

Gabriella stared at the man in agony for a few moments. Blood was gushing past his fingers and down his face. She was terrified. It took her a few moments before she recollected herself enough to think about escaping. The moment she did, she stumbled her way out of the office.

The entire way back to her rented villa, Gabriella could hear her rapid heartbeats in her ear. Only when she stepped into the safety of her house, then could she finally calm down. Recalling what had just happened, she thought, That man should be fine. He’s only bleeding badly because it’s a head wound. His life won’t be in any danger. With those thoughts, Gabriella’s heart returned to her chest from her throat.

However, she still had not found a job yet. She was a talentless person in this complicated and tough society; she was worse than an ordinary person. It seemed like selling her looks was the only way for her to make a living.

However, Gabriella’s ego refused to let her do that. No matter what happened, she was once the daughter of the Wards; she would not let herself become the plaything of others.

As she grabbed her head in frustration, Gabriella realized she could not do anything. She was trapped between choosing between life and dignity.

Just as she was stuck in a dilemma, Carl called.

When she saw the familiar number, Gabriella accepted the call, wanting to find out what else he had to say to her.

“Gabriella, I’m Carl. How are you?” came Carl’s concerned voice.

Somehow, his words made Gabriella tear up.

She could not believe that Carl would be the one who would voice words of concern to her at her most upsetting moment.

“I’m fine, Carl. What’s the matter?” Gabriella inquired with faked tranquility.

Despite her calm tone, thousands of thoughts were flashing past her mind.

“Gabriella, stop lying. I know life is horrible for you now. I’m really upset that this has happened to you. I love you so much to the point my heart breaks when I see you sad. I wanted to court you when you were still the esteemed daughter of the Wards, but I didn’t have the courage to. You were like the sun, and a peasant like me could never be a match for you. But, Gabriella, you didn’t understand what my feelings for you were back then. You didn’t know whether or not my feelings for you were sincere. I’m sure you know now, don’t you? I love you. Please accept me!”

Carl’s voice was so earnest, and it was as if he was going to show her his heart just to convince her.

“What do you mean?”

Carl’s words moved Gabriella. She was in the darkest moment of her life, and his words were like glowing fireflies, lighting up her heart.

“What I mean is, Gabriella, marry me. I can understand why you won’t accept me when you were in your prime moments. After all, you were brilliant back then. However, in times like these, I hope you can accept me so that I can take care of you. I don’t want to see you suffer anymore.”

When he heard Gabriella wavering, he decided to win her heart over once and for all.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1559

“Will you still accept me? I’m no longer the great princess. Now, I’m even worse than an average person. I can’t even do housework. Will you still think of me as someone great?”

Gabriella’s voice was trembling. Carl’s words made tears brimmed in her eyes.

Adoration filled Carl’s voice as he pleaded, “I will. The one I love is you and not your identity as the Wards’ daughter. You might not have believed it back then, but I’m sure you do now. Gabriella, marry me!”

As she listened to Carl’s proposal, tears finally escaped Gabriella’s eyes and streamed down her cheeks.

She never thought Carl, the one she once looked down on and detested, would choose to propose to her when she was at the hardest time of her life. I’ve always misunderstood him. He really does love me.

A warm sensation seeped into her heart at that thought. Although he was not excellent—he was even disabled now—what Gabriella needed now was a family who could protect her and a man who would worry about her.

Right as she was about to speak, Carl continued, “Gabriella, I know I’m not good enough for you. I lost the use of my legs because of some things in the past, and I really am not worthy of you. But still, I hope you can accept me. Please consider it, Gabriella. If you want me, I’ll come and pick you up at your place tomorrow. Let’s go back to my house. Let’s go back to a place where you’ll be loved.”

“I don’t need to consider it. I do. I’ll come with you!”

By then, Gabriella was already sobbing, her defenses having broken down by Carl.

Carl could give her everything she wanted. Why would she not say yes to him?

“That’s great, Gabriella. I’m so happy. I didn’t think you’ll accept me; I thought you were going to reject me without hesitating.”

The joy was audible in Carl’s voice. It was a day he had been waiting for long.

“How can I? I’m glad that you don’t think I’m a burden now.”

Gabriella heaved a heavy sigh. After experiencing so many things, she realized she had changed the way she saw things.

She was no longer the vain and prideful Gabriella. Now, she was just an ordinary woman who craved a blissful, stable life.

“Gabriella, prepare yourself, then. I’ll be picking you up from your place tomorrow. We’ll go to the Johnsons before we discuss further marriage,” Carl said to her.

“Okay. I’ll pack up and wait for you,” Gabriella cooed.

I’m going to finally have a family of my own and a man who loves and will protect me. We’ll have a happy life ahead of us.

Blissful fantasies began filling Gabriella’s mind. For a moment, she felt as if her happily-ever-after was standing right in front of her.

Meanwhile, after Carl ended the call, the smile on his face dropped.

“Gabriella, you’ve finally stopped rejecting me. However, do you really think I have those feelings for you? You’re only my plaything. Once we’re married, I’ll pay back a thousand times the humiliation you forced me to endure.”

Once Carl had achieved his aim, he took off his sheep’s clothing and bared his fangs. He still loved Gabriella, but it was no longer the same love as the love he used to have.

In the past, she was the goddess he could never have. Although he wanted her, he knew it was an impossible dream of his.

It was no longer the same. Carl only wanted her body now. He only craved the excitement of dragging a goddess down the pedestal and turn her into a mortal like him; he only wanted to take revenge on Gabriella for looking down on him and humiliating him.

That night, Gabriella contacted the owner of the villa to get a refund on her rental. After packing all of her things, she quietly waited for Carl to come.

The next morning, Carl arrived as promised.

 

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1560

“Gabriella, I’m here.”

Carl had dressed himself up that day. He was wearing a suit, and there was a polite smile on his face. To Gabriella, he even looked handsome.

Once upon a time, Gabriella detested him and wished he would never appear in her line of sight. Now, not only did Gabriella not find Carl detestable, but she even found herself starting to like him.

When Carl saw her, he could not help but say, “You’re beautiful, Gabriella.”

He had to admit that Gabriella was born with pretty features. Now, she no longer wore expensive clothes nor put on heavy makeup.

However, without those, she was still beautiful. For a moment, Carl was lost in a daze staring at her.

What kind of thrill will I feel when I have a pretty woman like her under me?

As that thought surfaced in his mind, various fantasies came along with it. Even Carl’s desire was crying out for her.

To avoid her noticing it, he swiftly took in a deep breath to tamp it down.

Carl’s praises made Gabriella shy. She quickly lowered her head, not daring to look at him in anxiety.

“Gabriella, have you prepared your things?” he asked as he continued staring at her.

“Yes. I’ve packed everything, so we can leave anytime,” Gabriella murmured.

“Okay, then. Let’s go. Let’s go to the Johnsons’ place; back to our home,” Carl said with a smile.

Back to our home?

Carl’s words made Gabriella’s face flush red.

I finally have a home. A place where I won’t be hurt; a place where I can let my guard down, was what Gabriella naively thought.

After asking someone to place all of Gabriella’s luggage into the car, Carl said, “Let’s go home, Gabriella.”

With that said, the people then lifted Carl into the car.

At that, Gabriella hurriedly entered the car. The two then headed to the Johnsons’ place.

“Caspian, what’s your relationship with Larry?” Joan could not help but ask.

After the earlier assassination attempt, Joan had clung to Caspian, hoping to find out more about Larry from Caspian. However, Caspian was good at keeping secrets; he revealed nothing to Joan.

“Stop asking. No matter what you do, I won’t say anything.”

Caspian tried to escape, but Joan was swift to grab his sleeve.

“Just say something! I really want to know. Can’t you just give me a little tidbit?” Joan whined as she tugged on Caspian’s arm.

Unfortunately, no matter how insistent she was, Caspian refused to tell her anything about Larry. It made her frustrated.

“Ma’am, Boss has told me not to reveal any of his past to you, or else he’s going to break my legs. Let me off the hook! I’m still young; I don’t want to die now!” Caspian cried out.

However, Joan was as clingy as bubblegums. No matter what he did, he could not get rid of her. Most importantly, she was someone he could not lay a finger on.

If she were someone else, Caspian would have kicked her away in seconds. However, this was Joan. If he dared to do anything to her, he would be sent straight to his maker.

“Fine.”

Deflated, Joan finally stopped asking after multiple failed attempts to obtain any information from him.

“Hmph! I’ll ask Larry myself,” she huffed as she headed toward Larry’s study instead.

Staring at her retreating figure, Caspian breathed a sigh of relief. If she had continued questioning him, he would have gone mad eventually.

Now that Joan was off to pester Larry instead, Caspian fled the scene in joy.

Upon reaching the study, Joan spotted Larry, who was buried in his work.

After deciding that it was best for her not to interrupt the man focused on his work, Joan sat down beside him quietly. Then, she gazed at his perfect side profile.

As she stared at him, her thoughts drifted.