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

just shook

she hadn't always been

after her

middle school, Gabrielle

was a chatterbox-louder than a flock of

only replied out of politeness, unable to withstand the barrage.

almost without realizing it, she

became more outgoing, more open-sunshine where there

lost touch, Serena had already changed. She'd become lively and sociable,

if she was warm and bright enough, she could melt

some people's hearts are forged from iron and

the rest of her day buried in work at

just as promised, Gabrielle showed

sports car, honked the horn,

"Hey babe,

people nearby stared

would cause an even bigger