9 The Truth Uncovered

The Truth, Uncovered

Luca's voice echoed through the penthouse like a slap.

"You planned all of this… didn't you, Gabriel?"

I stepped into view, heart pounding in my chest. Gabriel stood by the door, tense, jaw clenched. Luca pushed past him, storming in like a man on fire.

"Aria, you don't even know who he really is!" Luca snapped.

"Then tell me," I said, voice steady despite the chaos swirling around me.

Gabriel didn't move. He looked between us, his silence louder than words.

Luca scoffed. "You really don't recognize him? He's the guy from the internship program I sabotaged years ago—the one I got kicked out of. He's been holding that grudge ever since."

My eyes shot to Gabriel. "Is it true?"

He exhaled, shoulders dropping. "Partially."

"Partially?" I stepped closer. "You've known who Luca was this whole time, and you didn't say anything?"

"I didn't plan this," Gabriel said, voice low, controlled. "Yes, I knew him. Yes, he screwed me over when we were younger. But what happened between us… this"—he gestured between us—"wasn't part of any plan. I didn't expect to meet you. I didn't expect to feel anything."

Luca laughed bitterly. "Of course not. You just bought half my company and slept with my fiancée for fun."

"That night," Gabriel said, turning to me, "was real. I didn't use you. I swear."

My hands trembled. I couldn't breathe.

"You should go," Gabriel said, voice sharp now, aimed at Luca.

But Luca didn't budge. He looked at me. "Aria… he's dangerous."

I stepped back from both of them. "You both lied to me. You betrayed me in different ways, but it still hurts the same."

Gabriel took a step toward me. "Aria, please…"

But I shook my head. "I need space."

I grabbed my bag and walked out of the penthouse, my heels clicking against the marble floor, my heart breaking all over again.

---

Two days later…

I stayed at Emily's place. She didn't ask questions—just gave me space, snacks, and silence. I was thankful.

But my phone didn't stop buzzing.

Gabriel: Please talk to me.

Luca: We need to fix this.

I ignored them both.

Until one text from Gabriel changed everything.

Gabriel: There's something you need to know about Luca. Meet me tomorrow. One last time. Then you'll understand.

---

The next day…

I sat in the quiet corner of a rooftop café Gabriel had picked. He showed up—calm, collected, but with tired eyes.

"I wasn't going to show up," I said flatly.

"But you did," he replied softly.

"Why am I here?"

Gabriel slid an envelope across the table. "Proof of what Luca did. Not just to me, but to others. You deserve to see who he really is."

I hesitated. Then opened it.

Photos. Emails. Fake accounts. Bank transfers.

Luca didn't just sabotage Gabriel—he'd manipulated other people, bribed investors, even framed competitors. Including Gabriel.

My stomach churned.

Gabriel leaned in. "I bought those company shares because it was my one shot at making things right—not just for me, but for everyone he stepped on."

I looked at him. "And me?"

He paused. "I never meant to fall for you. But I did. And I still do."

Before I could reply, my phone rang again.

Emily.

"Aria, you need to come home. Now. It's urgent."

I turned to Gabriel. "Something's wrong."

He stood instantly. "I'll drive."

As we sped through the city, my chest tightened. A part of me still wanted to run from everything. But I knew the truth now—and I couldn't unknow it.

When we got to Emily's place, she was standing at the door, pale.

"Aria," she said, voice shaky. "Luca was here. He knows you met with Gabriel. He's not okay."

My blood ran cold. "Where is he now?"

Her eyes flicked to the dark corner of the street.

"Still watching."

I turned.

A car engine roared to life—and sped straight toward us.

The car skidded to a halt just inches away. Luca jumped out, his face red with fury.

"You left with him?" he shouted, pointing at Gabriel. "After everything?"

My hands balled into fists. I stepped forward, voice steady but sharp. "You cheated on me, Luca. Not just after the vows—but before them. You shamelessly slept with Emma, your secretary, in our bed. And you expect me to stay quiet?"

His eyes widened, caught.

"And don't act like the victim," I continued. "You didn't just cheat—you chose her. Again and again. I made a mistake, yes. I spent a night with someone who actually saw me. But you? You broke us long before the vows."

Luca's mouth opened, but no words came out.

Gabriel stepped closer beside me, silent, but solid.

I turned away, my heart pounding. "This time, Luca… you don't get to be angry.