Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

Chapter 219

The very next moment-

When Serena saw it was Gabrielle, she let out a long sigh of relief.

She opened the door. "What are you doing here?"

Gabrielle's tense expression eased a little. "You were in your car for ages. I was starting to think something had happened to you."

"It's your fault," Serena muttered, rubbing her temples. "Why are you following me?"

Gabrielle threw up her hands, feigning innocence. "Hey, I wasn't following you! I just happened to be leaving the hotel and saw your car, so I pulled over to say hi..."

She yawned, looking like she hadn't slept a wink.

Serena eyed her. "Rough night?"

"Well, of course—" Gabrielle's lips curled into a sly grin. But when she saw Serena's cool, indifferent face, her interest was piqued. Slipping an arm around Serena's shoulders, she teased, "Last time, I brought a whole crowd of male models and you didn't even blink. Tonight, I'm taking you somewhere new. The men there-mmm, trust me."

Serena wasn't having any of it. "Forget it. I've got work tonight."

"Work will always be there, but men like these? Their prime is over before you know it. Today they're in full bloom, but tomorrow, who knows? So it's settled-I'll pick you up tonight."

Gabrielle slid into her car. "I need a nap

just shook

be told, she hadn't always been this

her father passed

back in middle school, Gabrielle had become her desk

was a chatterbox-louder than a flock of

only replied out of politeness, unable to withstand

realizing it, she

more outgoing, more open-sunshine where

lost touch, Serena had already

was warm and bright enough, she could melt even

forgot some people's hearts

spent the rest of her day buried in work

afternoon, just as promised, Gabrielle showed

rolled up in a flashy sports car,

"Hey babe,

nearby stared at Serena in

cause an even