Love In Disguise: Rebirth of the Heiress Chapter 42

Jessica’s lips were ford into an O as she stared at Jason. She had been clinging to Gabriel before, who had subtly removed her hand from his, stepping back slightly as if trying to distance himself from whatever tension was brewing in the room.

It’s a sha he didn’t know that I caught his movent easily.

"Didn’t expect to see you here, Mr. Cole," Jessica said, her voice a strange mix of nerves and forced cheer. Her eyes darted to the bag of pastries on the table and then back to Jason.

Jason didn’t acknowledge her directly; instead, he turned to , his eyes narrowing slightly. "Who are they?" he asked, the question aid only at .

I cleared my throat, feeling the room grow smaller under everyone’s gaze. "Um, this is Jessica, my... friend," I said, pausing as I forced the word out. "And Gabriel, my boyfriend."

His eyebrows shot up at the word boyfriend, and for a mont, sothing flickered in his eyes—one that was gone as quickly as it ca. He nodded, his jaw tightening almost imperceptibly. "Alright," he said, the word clipped. He softened slightly as he looked back at , a small, unreadable smile on his lips. "Take care of yourself, Kiara."

Before I could respond, Jason turned on his heel, walking out of the room with asured strides. Vincent glanced at , an awkward half-smile on his face, before trailing after Jason.

Jessica scowled as she watched the door closed. She was clearly not happy for being ignored.

Tsk, attention seeker.

As soon as the door clicked shut, Gabriel stepped forward, holding out a bouquet of flowers. Bright and garish, the kind you’d pick up at the last minute. "How are you feeling?" he asked, his voice dripping with a concern that felt as artificial as the arrangent he brought.

I took the flowers with a practiced smile.

"I’m alright," I said, though I could feel the tightness in my chest, a reminder that these monts were nothing more than a charade. "I don’t like Peonies."

"Really, thought they were your favorite."

I dropped the flowers on the desk beside , "No. I like lilies. I just accepted the peonies out of kindness. I am not feeling too kind now."

He was about to reply, when, Jessica, ever the opportunist, moved closer to the table. Her eyes lit up when she saw the bag of pastries. "Oh my God," she gasped, placing her perfectly manicured hands over her mouth.

I glanced between her and the pastries, confusion twisting in my gut. "What’s with that look?" I asked, trying not to sound too defensive.

Jessica turned to , her eyes wide. "Kiara, do you know where these are from?" She pointed to the bag as if it were made of gold.

I hesitated. "Jason said they were from so bakery downtown."

"Downtown?" Jessica’s laugh was sharp, almost incredulous. "These are from Monet’s Pâtisserie," she said, practically bouncing with excitent. "They’re exclusive. I an, only the top families in the country get these. The Lincolns, the Prestons, maybe the Fitzroys. You know, those top families that it’s only a dream to be part of. These aren’t just pastries; they’re... status symbols."

Gabriel’s eyes darkened as he turned to the bag, the realization settling in his features. "And Jason brought them?" His question was casual, but the tone carried an edge.

"Yeah," I said, a little surprised at Jessica’s enthusiasm. "I didn’t really think much of it."

Jessica shook her head, her cheeks flushed with excitent. "You didn’t think much of it? Kiara, these are legendary. I’ve only heard about this place; I never thought I’d actually see their pastries up close." She leaned over and touched one gently, almost reverently. "You should definitely thank him later."

I stared at the pastries, a strange warmth spreading through .

Why would Jason go out of his way to get these?

Shouldn’t they be pompous and fe precious about it?

Gabriel’s expression shifted, a tight smile forming. "Well, it seems like our boss has a way of making grand gestures, never saw him like that though," he said, his voice teetering between amused and irritated.

"Does it matter?" I shot back, my voice sharper than I intended. His sudden interest in Jason’s actions grated on .

Jessica, sensing the tension, stepped in. "Co on, guys. This isn’t the ti for that. We’re just here to see Kiara and make sure she’s okay." She paused, glancing back at the pastries. "But seriously, Kiara, I’d be thanking him for this. Monet’s Pâtisserie isn’t just any place."

"I will," I said softly, looking at the pastries with a new sense of wonder.

Gabriel reached for one of the muffins, a dry laugh escaping his lips. "Well, if they’re that special, I guess I should try one too."

Before he could take a bite, I reached out, stopping his hand. "Maybe don’t," I said, forcing a smile. "I’ve had enough surprises for one day."

He pulled back, his eyes narrowing for a brief mont before his face smoothed out again. "Fair enough," he said, though I could see the questions swirling behind his eyes.

Jessica shifted from foot to foot, her gaze darting between us. "So, are they discharging you soon, Kiara?"

"Hopefully," I replied. "The doctor said I’ll need physical therapy for my ankle, but other than that, I’m fine."

Jessica’s smile was practiced, all sweetness and light. "Good. We need you back at work. The place is already less lively without you."

I bit back a bitter laugh. "Yeah, I’m sure the office is just dying without ."

Gabriel’s expression turned serious as he set the flowers down on the table. "Take the ti you need to recover, Kiara. No rush."

The false sincerity made my skin crawl, but I nodded anyway. "Thanks, Gabriel."

He leaned in for a hug, and I let him, feeling the cold press of insincerity as his arms encircled . When he pulled back, his eyes t mine, but there was nothing warm in them. Just calculation.

Jessica’s gaze flicked to the door where Jason had exited, curiosity sparking in her eyes. "I didn’t know you were on such good terms with Mr. Kole," she said lightly, a hint of probing in her voice.

I forced a nonchalant shrug. "Work stuff. He just wanted to make sure I was okay."

Jessica’s smile faltered for just a mont, her eyes narrowing in thought. "Still... pretty generous of him."

Gabriel’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing, his eyes fixed on the pastries as if they were his enemy.

"Is there sothing you want to say?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Jessica’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned toward Gabriel, her voice dripping with faux innocence. "Oh, Gabriel, you’re not jealous, are you? I an, Mr. Kole showing up with those exclusive pastries... It’s almost like he’s trying to make a statent."

Gabriel’s expression hardened, his jaw clenching tighter. "It’s just a gesture. Nothing more," he said, but the way his voice strained made it sound less convincing.

"Sure," Jessica said, her tone light but sly. "But who goes all the way to Monet’s Pâtisserie for just an employee? It’s almost... romantic, isn’t it?" She gave a theatrical sigh, glancing sideways at as if she’d just said sothing scandalous.

I rolled my eyes, a mix of irritation and exhaustion bubbling inside . "Jessica, enough. We’re not in high school."

Jessica shrugged, her smile too sweet to be sincere. "I’m just saying, it’s not every day a boss would go to such lengths. Unless there’s more to it."

Gabriel’s gaze snapped up to et mine, searching my face as if trying to read sothing I hadn’t said. His eyes darkened, and I could see the storm brewing behind them. "Kiara," he started, a note of accusation in his voice, "why didn’t you tell he’d been visiting you?"

I sighed, feeling the air crackle with tension. "Because it’s not what you think. He was checking on a colleague. That’s it."

Gabriel let out a humorless laugh. "Right. A colleague who gets the kind of treatnt only reserved for the Lincolns and the Prestons."

Jessica leaned in closer, her eyes wide with mock concern. "You know, Gabriel, it almost seems like Kiara might have caught Mr. Cole’s eye. What a scandal that would be."

"Stop," I said sharply, glaring at her. "This isn’t a ga, Jessica."

She just smiled, unbothered. "I’m just worried about you, Kiara. Relationships built on half-truths can get... complicated."

Gabriel’s fists tightened at his sides, and the room felt suffocating. The whispers, the doubts, Jessica’s instigations—it was too much. I couldn’t do this anymore. The performance, the pretending, the lies...I don’t think I can handle my disgust.

I was done.

I took a deep breath, eting Gabriel’s eyes, now burning with mistrust. "Gabriel," I said, my voice steady, "I have sothing to say."

His face shifted, a flicker of apprehension breaking through the anger. "What is it?"

I swallowed, feeling the weight of the mont press down on . "Let’s break up."