Zoe watched him, curiosity piqued. She wondered what could have happened to change his demeanor so suddenly. But she decided to respect his privacy, giving him a reassuring smile instead.Gabriel ended the call and looked back at Zoe, his face softening once more. “Sorry about that. Work never stops, even in a hospital bed.”She chuckled, “I get it. But for now, let’s just focus on you getting better, okay?”He nodded, “Alright, Officer Zoe. I will try my best.”Then her curiosity got the best of her and she asked, “Uh, what are you, Gabriel?”Judging by her tone and expression, he could tell she was silently hoping he wasn’t into anything illegal. “Like I said, I run a local business,” he clarified.Not wanting to upset him or make him think she was being nosy, she simply nodded. Then he said with a more serious tone, “I want to be discharged tomorrow.”She was baffled. “You must be kidding. That won’t happen. You barely look like you can stand now.”He objected, “It’s necessary I
That morning, the manager of the bank came to see Gabriel. His eyes immediately darted to Zoe, a mix of anger and frustration in his gaze."I can't believe this happened, Gabriel. This officer should have—"Gabriel raised his hand to stop him. "Mr. Harris, enough. Zoe did everything she could to protect everyone."The manager looked taken aback. "But Gabriel, you were shot!"Gabriel nodded. "Yes, and I might not have survived if it wasn't for Zoe's quick actions. She saved lives yesterday."Mr. Harris sighed, nodding reluctantly. "Alright. I just worry about you, Gabriel."Just then, the inspector entered the room, followed by the woman whose kids Gabriel had saved and the old man he had helped. They showered him with appreciative words and praises."Thank you so much, young man," the old man said, his voice quivering with emotion. "You are a hero."The woman added, "You saved my children. I can never thank you enough."Gabriel smiled warmly. "I appreciate your kind words, but please,
Gabriel relaxed slightly, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Good. I trust you’ll handle this swiftly."Louis leaned back, signaling to the bartender for another drink. "You know me, Gabriel. I never disappoint."They shared a silent understanding. Gabriel stood up, extending his hand. "Thanks, Louis. I appreciate it."Louis shook his hand firmly. "Anytime, Gabriel."Gabriel then leaned forward and asked, "How's the underworld doing?"Louis's expression shifted slightly. "It's fine. Nothing we can't handle."Gabriel nodded. "I trust you. I know you're handling it well."Louis gave a slight smile. "Thanks for giving me another chance to be the underworld boss."Gabriel was humble, shrugging off the compliment. "You've earned it."Louis's smile faded as he said, "I'm going to celebrate my wife's 90-day death anniversary soon."A brief silence hung between them before Gabriel spoke. "I'm sorry, Louis. I know it's been tough."Louis shrugged, though his eyes reflected deep sorrow. "I
Anna hurried out of the Springfield family house, her thoughts solely on Gabriel. She knew visiting hours were over, but she was determined to see him.As she reached her car, her father, Mr. Mac, called out, forcing her to halt."Anna, where are you going in such a hurry?" he asked, approaching her.She gave a quick excuse, "I just have something urgent to attend to, Father."Mr. Mac frowned, blocking her way. "Why did you decide to leave the house and relocate to your own place? You've been gone for weeks, and you just visited tonight. Now you're rushing out again."Anna rolled her eyes and looked away. Just then, Zendaya quietly walked out of the house and stood by a corner, watching them."I just wanted my space, Father. And I got it," Anna said, trying to sound nonchalant."It's been weeks, Anna. You came to see your grandfather tonight, and now you're rushing out again," Mr. Mac said, his tone softening with concern."I need to see Gabriel," Anna blurted out before she could sto
Gabriel stared at her for a moment before saying, "It was... no one. They called the wrong number."Camella shook her head. "It was a 'she'. I heard her voice clearly."Gabriel scratched the back of his head. "Really? I couldn't decipher."Camella moved closer to him, smiling. "Anyway, you know… yesterday, I was so worried about you, Gabriel."He arched a brow, pretending to be surprised. "Why?""Considering the kidnapping at the bank and all that must have happened, I thought you got involved and it almost scared me to death," she confessed.Gabriel pulled her close. "I'm fine and safe, right here."They leaned in and began to kiss passionately. Camella's fingers tangled in his wet hair as their lips moved together, both seeking and offering reassurance. When she broke the kiss, she attempted to hug him, but he stepped back, surprising her.She noticed he was fully dressed and asked, "Why are you dressed?"He chuckled nervously. "Just a new habit, I guess."She frowned, confused. "Yo
Some days later, after leaving the supermarket, Gabriel headed to his daughter Jessie’s school to pick her up. As Jessie spotted him, her face lit up, and she ran toward him. “Daddy!” she exclaimed, hugging him tightly.“Hey, Jessie,” Gabriel smiled, lifting her up.As they were talking, two kids rushed over and hugged Gabriel, calling out, “Mr. Hero!”Gabriel looked around, noticing some parents and teachers watching them with interest. He knelt down to the children’s height and recognized them as the kids from the bank robbery.“Hey there, little heroes,” he greeted warmly. “What are your names?”The boy, with bright eyes and a wide smile, said, “I’m Tommy.”“And I’m Lily,” the girl added, her pigtails bouncing.“It’s nice to see you both again,” Gabriel said. “You were so brave at the bank,” he added in a cheerful whisper. Tommy grinned. “You saved us, Mr. Hero!”Gabriel chuckled. “We all helped each other, right? High-five!”He gave each of them a high-five. As Tommy and Lily r
Vincent looked desperate. “I know you have a hand in what’s going on with my business.”Gabriel’s expression hardened. “Are you accusing me of something?”“No, no, I’m sorry,” Vincent stammered. “Is there any way you can help me?”Gabriel pretended to consider. “I might talk to someone. No promises, though.”Vincent’s gut told him Gabriel was lying, but he had no choice. Gabriel cryptically asked for a glass of juice to soothe his throat. Vincent eagerly turned to call the waiter, but Gabriel stopped him, motioning to Barry. “Have him get it,” Gabriel said, eyes cold.Vincent nodded to Barry. “Go get Gabriel a juice.”Barry returned with a glass of juice, placing it in front of Gabriel before turning to leave. Gabriel took the glass and deliberately spilled half of it on his shoes.Barry turned back, frowning, thinking Gabriel wanted him to clean his shoes. Vincent almost yelled at Barry, “Don’t be a dummy. Clean Gabriel’s shoes.”But Gabriel intervened. “No. I want you, Vincent, t
Camella's gaze lingered on Gabriel, her eyes searching his face for any hint of the lie. He felt her scrutiny but maintained a calm facade. Leaning forward, he pecked her lips gently."Goodnight, love," he whispered before heading to the bathroom.Early the next morning, Gabriel was deep in a dream. He was a young boy again, standing in a crowded train station. His mother was walking away, disappearing into the throng of people. He tried to follow, but the crowd seemed to swallow him whole."Mom! Mom, wait!" he cried, his small hands reaching out desperately.His mother turned, her face full of sorrow. "I have to go, Gabriel. Be strong.""Don't leave me! Please!" His voice was choked with tears, and the distance between them grew.In the real world, Camella was awake, lying next to him. She heard his distressed murmurs and turned to see him thrashing in his sleep. Concerned, she reached over and placed a hand on his face.Gabriel's hand shot up, grabbing hers tightly. "Don't go! No, p