Back Hug

Brianna still can't get over the fact that she has been lied to again. She's trying to digest the things that happened today, while looking at herself in the mirror. She just finished taking a shower so she went to sit at her vanity to comb her hair.

When her things started to disappear, she never accused her servants because she knew they were telling the truth. She even convinced herself that the lost jewelries might be in her penthouse, but she knew that they weren't there. Finally knowing who the culprit was, she was very disappointed at herself.

Brianna knew that after a few minutes, a servant will knock on her door to remind her that it's dinner time. She doesn't feel like eating anything at all, she just want to vent her anger on something. Brianna fixed her appearance and wore her comfy gym clothes beneath her jacket before going outside. The only thing she could think of going to right now is the training room. If there ever was a good thing her father did for her, it was hiring Gabriel, and making him Brianna's bodyguard and trainer.

She saw Mira, one of her trusty servants and went to ask her. "Mira. Have you seen Gabriel?" Mira smiled knowingly at her. "Well, you see, my Lady." Imitating the way Gabriel always call her. "Your man, seems to be in a hurry because after he tucked you in bed, he left to do, well I don't know." Mira giggled. She loves teasing Brianna. It was a rare opportunity which is why she was glad that she was chosen as one of her trusty servants.

"Why, you." I jokingly glared at her. My indifferent mask slowly slipping. "Remind me to remove you from the list of my trusty servants." Brianna teased her back, her mouth forming a smile. "Oh sure, my lady." Mira laughed.

She quickly left after that, afraid that the longer Brianna talk to her, the more her true emotions will be revealed. Because right now, she's already smiling like an idiot thanks to that naughty little girl.

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Gabriel is on he's way back to Brianna's house. He would never call it the 'Gray's house' because he knew too well that the money used in building it was all because of Brianna.

After he tucked Brianna in bed and kissing the crown of her head, he recieved a text message. It was urgent so he had to leave right away.

When Gabriel arrived, Mira immediately came to him. She cleared her throat before speaking. "Mr. Gabriel, Your Lady was looking for you a few minutes ago." Mira teasingly smiled. Gabriel is really a handsome man, and she really want Brianna to end up with him.

"You naughty girl." Gabriel knew what she was thinking, and so he tapped her head twice. "Where is she right now?" Gabriel asked. "She's in the training room right now. Go on, shoo." Mira joked.

Gabriel chuckled and left. Mira was personally hired by Brianna two years ago, and she's the one funding her studies. Speaking of that tease, she's turning eighteen this month.

When Gabriel arrived at the training room, she saw Brianna massaging her knuckles. "When will you ever learn? When will you finally know how to differentiate the good from the evil? Such a fool." Brianna reprimanded herself. Just as Gabriel thought she was done, Brianna run to the right side of the room and kicked the hanging punching bag so hard that if fell off the ground. Gabriel chuckled. She's better at kicking things when she's angry or frustrated.

Brianna felt that kicking the punching bag wasn't enough, so she ran towards the other side of the room where the dummies are.

Gabriel is getting more and more amused while watching Brianna send punch after punch in the dummies. Poor things. As much as Gabriel is happy knowing that her fighting skills are improving, he also doesn't want her to hurt herself to this extent just because of insignificant things.

Gabriel walked towards Brianna without being noticed by her. He grabbed her wrists to stop her from punching the dummy and caged her with his arms.

Brianna was shocked with the sudden turn of events. She was ready to retaliate to who ever was behind her who was daring enough to grab her wrists when his scent evaded her nose. It was Gabriel. Her body relaxed when Gabriel enveloped her in a back hug, resting his head on her shoulders.

Brianna didn't know if her heart was racing because of how tired she is, or because of Gabriel.

She took a deep breathe and slowly leaned against Gabriel's body, her mouth forming into a smile. "Don't waste your energy on insignificant things." Gabriel softly whispered. "Did you already knew?" Of course, he knew it a long time ago.

"Knew what?" Pretending he didn't know it yet. Brianna looked at him sideways. "Who's constantly getting my jewelries?" She carefully asked. "Stealing you mean, my lady. Yes, I knew it a long time ago." He just couldn't resist her cuteness. She pout.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Brianna asked. "I want you to discover it yourself, because I know that it will hurt you more if you heard it from someone else." He comfortingly said.

Brianna detached herself from Gabriel. He's eyes darkening, only to turn soft again in a blink of an eye.

Brianna turned around and buried herself in his embrace, her hands clutching his shirt. "I hate this. I feel like I have been tricked so many times already, not just by my family, but, there's just this feeling that there's a lot of things I still don't know about." She felt the urge to cry but is fighting against it. Gabriel hugged her tighter, and slowly stroked her back.

"You can cry if you want. I'll be here for you." Gabriel comfortingly said. She was deeply hurt this time and he's ready to give anything just to comfort her.

He could destroy them if he wanted to, but he knew that this battle is not his, it's Brianna's, and he believe that she knows what to do.

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Gabriel and Brianna are walking towards the dining room. Her parents are probably eating by now, not that they're willing to wait for her.

Gabriel accompany her, and was about to leave when Emmanuel, Brianna's father called him. "Gabriel, why don't you join us tonight? There are plenty of food to eat." He offered.

Eating dinner with my lady, ey? Sure, why not. Gabriel readily nodded his head. He sat beside Brianna and started to eat like everyone else.

Brianna is curious as to why her father invited Gabriel to eat, but nonetheless, she was happy knowing that he would eat dinner with him. Occasionally a new dish will be added to her plate, her heart racing with his simple gesture. No one has ever did that for her before. Her heart is very happy.

Emmanuel noticed Gabriel's behavior towards Brianna. He didn't think much into it, he just thought that he is feeding her more food so that she will be healthier and will attract more men for him to use.

Clarissa, Brianna's mother noticed it too and didn't think much into it. She thought she should play the role of a caring mother so she urge her to eat more. "Eat more vegetables sweetheart, it will make you even prettier and healthier. There are also fruits, but they will be served later." She kindly said.

"Sure, I will." Brianna coldly said. This greatly shocked her mother. What just happened?

Emmanuel planned to change the topic, so he decided that is was the right time to announce something big. "Brianna, regarding your career. Even though you are doing great without a manager, I still thought that you needed somebody to accompany you and manage things for you. I hired a manager and he is an excellent one."

Oh please, I don't need one! Besides, I am not alone. Gabriel is always with me, I can handle my job, and I don't need this 'he'. Brianna frowned. "Your official manager will be Gabriel. Don't worry, we will not publicize this news, he can work in the shadows." Emmanuel happily said.

What? Gabriel is my manager? Brianna looked at Gabriel who is putting more food in her plate. He looked back and winked at her. This man is gonna be the cause of my death.