Chapter 8
Gabriel loaded Adeline’s things into the car.
Then, he thoughtfully opened the passenger door for her.
It was their first meeting, and both of them felt a bit awkward. Gabriel, especially, was unaware of
how his ears had turned pink.
His Adam’s apple bobbed.
After a moment of hesitation, he spoke, “You must be hungry after such a long flight. I heard from
your parents that you like sweet dishes. How about we grab a bite? I know a great restaurant.”
Adeline nodded. “Sure.”
Gabriel started the car, driving steadily. Before long, Adeline had drifted off to sleep.
When she opened her eyes again, she found Gabriel gazing at her with a look of deep affection.
She lifted her hand to push a strand of hair that had fallen across her nose.
He spoke softly, “Fiancée, I like you.”
His voice wasn’t loud, but it carried an unusual magic. It was like water flowing smoothly into
Adeline’s heart, wrapping her whole being in warmth.
She had grown accustomed to the scheming and deceit of the business world, effortlessly
navigating it with ease.
But facing a straightforward young man like him, she found herself at a loss for words.
“We just met, didn’t we?”
Gabriel smiled but didn’t respond. Instead, he got out of the car and opened the door for her.
“You’ve slept for so long. You must be starving. Let’s eat first.”
At the dinner table, Gabriel seemed to know everything about her.
He not only knew her likes and dislikes but also understood her habits, serving her with meticulous
care. He placed food on her plate and refilled her glass without her having to ask.
Unable to stand him waiting on her so attentively, she decided to break the silence. “How old are you?”
Gabriel was busy peeling shrimp, not looking up as he answered, “Twenty–one.”
“Pardon?” Adeline nearly choked on her water, coughing uncontrollably.
Chapter 8
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Gabriel quickly wiped his hands, standing up to help her breathe.
After a long while, as she calmed down, she saw him looking at her with big, watery eyes, full of what seemed like hurt.
He crouched down, placing his hands gently on her knees, and looking up at her.
His voice was slightly hoarse, “Why are you so surprised? Do you think I’m too young? I can change
it.”
Adeline couldn’t help but laugh.
He looked just like the golden retriever from her landlord’s house when she was studying abroad. So endearing. She just wanted to ruffle his hair.
“How can you change your age?”
Gabriel tilted his head, bringing his face to rest in the palm of her hand.
“I can dress more maturely, so we look like a good match. After all, no one else will know how old I really am.”
Adeline couldn’t help but chuckle, bending down to pull him up from the floor.
She laughed and explained, “I’m not complaining about your age. It’s just… you’re so young. You’re accepting this marriage that your family arranged for you, to spend the rest of your life with someone you don’t even know, someone who’s five years older than you. Do you really think you won’t regret it?”
