The manager watched him closely, confused. “Is there a problem, Gabriel?”Gabriel forced a smile. “Just a moment. I’ll get it right.” He tried to think hard, but nothing came to mind.His frustration was growing. “What could the special passcode be?” he muttered, his voice tense.The manager frowned, a bit perplexed. “Gabriel, you should know the passcode. You set it yourself just a few months back.”Gabriel ran a hand through his hair, his patience thinning. “I’ve forgotten it,” he snapped.The manager looked taken aback. “Forgotten? This is unusual. It's crucial information, Gabriel.”Gabriel’s eyes narrowed. “Isn't there another way to get my money? Just bypass all these protocols?”The manager shook his head firmly. “I'm afraid not. The bank has strict procedures. We can’t release any funds or valuables without the correct passcode. It’s for your own security.”Gabriel clenched his jaw, his fingers tapping on the desk in irritation. “What if I can’t remember it?”The manager notic
Camella blinked, trying to process what Gabriel had just done. Marie’s smile widened while Anna gave Camella a taunting side glance. Unable to stand the tension, Camella took Jessie by the hand and walked toward their room."Why did Daddy do that, Mommy?" Jessie asked, her innocent eyes filled with confusion.Camella took a deep breath, forcing a calm expression. "It's nothing serious, sweetheart."Jessie frowned. "No, Mommy. The other day, that aunt hugged Daddy. I told them it was wrong, and Daddy promised he wouldn't let that happen again. He broke his promise!"Camella stopped in her tracks. "What? Jessie, just go to your room and rest, okay?""But why was he acting like that with her?" Jessie insisted, her voice rising."Just go!" Camella snapped, losing her composure. Jessie nodded on understanding and left. Camella's shoulders dropped as she exhaled. Later, Gabriel entered the room and immediately sensed Camella’s anger. Her face was tense, her lips pressed into a thin line.
Camella's eyes flickered with doubt. “Why are you hiding things from me? You’ve never done this before.”Gabriel's heart pounded. “I’m not hiding anything, just handling some things… privately.”Camella folded her arms, her eyes narrowing. “Privately? Since when do we have secrets?”Gabriel stared at her, trying to read her expression. Was it game over? Did she hear him? Her tone suggested she might have, but he had to keep his composure. “I didn't mean I'm keeping secrets,” he replied carefully. “I just came in to answer a call.”“In the bathroom?” she questioned, raising an eyebrow.“Yes,” he nodded, forcing a smile. “I didn't want to disturb you. You were sleeping.”Camella’s eyes remained fixed on his. “I know. So, what were you talking about on the phone?”“It's nothing." He sighed, trying to stay calm. “Look, I don’t want to explain now. Can we just… drop this?”Her eyes darkened, but she nodded slowly. “Fine, for now. But just know, I’m watching you, Gabriel. Closely. And from
Anna’s shock was evident. “What do you mean?”Noticing her distress, the manager asked, “Didn’t he inform you about this?”“No,” Anna said, her voice tight. “Please, speak clearly. What happened?”The manager sighed and clarified, “It appeared that there was a problem with his authentication. He tried to access the documents and money, but the system didn’t recognize him. It was quite unusual.”Anna’s expression shifted to one of worry as she processed this information. She felt a surge of concern about Gabriel and his intentions.“I’m sure he wanted to use the money for some business," Anna muttered, almost as if convincing herself.“Yes. He did mention something about an investment,” the manager replied, but his eyes narrowed slightly as if measuring his next words carefully. He hesitated, then added, “Though he acted... differently.”“Go on, manager,” Anna urged, her voice tightening. “What do you want to say?”The manager cleared his throat. “Uh, your husband... I think something
"So, Zoe, I want to ask you something important," Gabriel began, trying to maintain his composure.Zoe tilted her head, looking at him deeply. "So that's why you came? Because you need something from me? That's quite unlike the Gabriel I know."Gabriel laughed lightly, "Oh, come on, Zoe. You make me sound so serious. I just need a favor from a friend."She rolled her eyes playfully. "Alright, but you owe me a special treat.""Sure," he grinned. "I'll get you some fried calamari from La Bella Bistro. I know you love it."Zoe's brows creased, and she quickly stopped him. "Fried calamari? No, Gabriel, you know I don't like it."Gabriel paused, his smile faltering. "Huh?""It also causes me allergies! Remember? You were the one who noticed the last time I was tempted to try it, and you scolded me,” she recalled, a teasing smile on her lips.Gabriel looked down, scratching his head awkwardly. He had failed to guess right, and now he wondered what she would make of his mistake."Gabriel, ha
Dan stood fuming as Gabriel's car sped away, his tires kicking up dust. He turned to Zoe, who was still staring in shock."Why did you let him hit you like that?" Dan demanded, his voice sharp with frustration.Zoe shook her head, trying to stay calm. "It's okay. He's under the influence of alcohol."Dan's eyes widened in disbelief. "And you let him drive? Wow, you're such a great police officer then."Zoe sighed, feeling her frustration build. "I don't think all is well with him," she murmured.Dan scoffed, crossing his arms. "I know he's your friend, but don't make excuses for him." He turned abruptly and walked away, his anger still simmering.Zoe watched him leave, a knot of worry tightening in her chest. "What's wrong with Gabriel? He didn't act like himself for one bit," she whispered. She tried calling Camella several times, but there was no response. Frustration grew within her as each call went unanswered.Later that evening, Gabriel pulled up to a small bar. His hands grippe
Gabriel stumbled toward Anna's room, his steps unsteady but determined. When he knocked, Anna opened the door and smiled, her eyes lighting up at the sight of him. "Gabriel," she greeted warmly, "I was hoping you'd come by."He smirked, stepping in without a word. She shut the door behind him, and he wasted no time. His lips crashed onto hers, kissing her with a hunger she had only imagined in her fantasies. She melted into him, wrapping her arms around his neck as he pulled her closer, his hands exploring her body.Gabriel’s hands roamed over her bare back, pressing her against him as if he couldn't get close enough. His other hand squeezed her through her shorts and camisole, making her gasp in surprise and pleasure. She heard a knock on the door, but ignored it, pushing Gabriel onto the bed, her heart racing.“Gabriel, are you there?” Camella’s voice came through the door, freezing Anna in place. Her excitement quickly turned to frustration. Reluctantly, she pulled away from Gabri
Camella's face was tight with suppressed emotion as she walked Jessie out of the house. She held her daughter's hand a little too firmly, her thoughts still caught in the whirlwind of what had just happened.“What happened, Mommy? Why was Dad so angry?” Jessie asked, her eyes wide with confusion and worry.Camella took a deep breath, trying to keep her cool. She forced a small smile, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Let’s just go, honey,” she replied softly. She hurried Jessie into the car, hoping to leave the tension behind them.After dropping Jessie off at school, Camella sat alone in the car for a long moment. The air felt heavy, suffocating even. She clutched the steering wheel tightly, her knuckles turning white as the memory of Gabriel’s outburst replayed in her mind. The way he had grabbed her, the fire in his eyes... it wasn’t the Gabriel she knew. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she blinked them back, refusing to cry in public.Instead, her thoughts drifted to Zoe. Zoe