Payback

Chapter 26: Let's Settle This

"Bad decisions made with good intentions, are still bad decisions." -James Collins

8 pm. Do not forget. One wrong decision and you'll live with the consequences. -Sandra

☔︎・☔︎・☔︎

"Are you okay now?" Gabriel asked when he saw me walking out of the bathroom. I suddenly felt sick after breakfast which is why I quickly rushed to the bathroom to vomit.

"Yeah," I answered before sitting on our bed.

He walked towards me. "Are you sure?" he asked, worry in his tone.

I smiled. "I'm okay, Mr. Lamppost. I shouldn't have drunk the orange juice, I guess," I said before kneeling on the bed and buttoning his dress shirt.

He laughed. I eyed him weirdly. "Why are you laughing?" I asked.

He shook his head. "It's just you look cute."

I felt heat rush into my face. I stopped what I was doing and looked away from him. "Stop flirting with me, Gabriel."

He laughed again. "You called me Mr. Lamppost again after a long time. I missed it so much," he said. "How did you even come up with that before?"

"First insult that came to mind," I answered before continuing to fix his clothes. "And you're tall and fair so you looked like a streetlamp," I added. He glared at me and I laughed.

"I don't want you to call me that anymore," he said.

I placed both my arms on his shoulders. "Well, you should find it cute again because I'll be calling you that every day."

"I prefer love or your baby," he said before placing his arms on my waist.

"Well, my baby, you should love that nickname because you are my Mr. Lamppost, the person who lights up my dark world," I said before kissing his cheek.

I laughed when I saw his face redden. "I caught you off guard there," I teased.

I got startled when he suddenly kissed me. "I caught you off guard there." He smirked.

I rolled my eyes before removing my arms from his shoulders. "You'll be late for work," I said, pushing him lightly.

He laughed before tightening his embrace and burying his face on my neck. "I can't live without you. I love you," he whispered.

"I love you too, my love," I said.

We suddenly heard the door creak open. Both of us looked at the person who opened the door.

"We don't have time for this. Oh, my God," Marina said when she saw us. "We're gonna be late, Dad. The both of you can do whatever you want later," she added.

"Your daughter got your attitude," Gabriel whispered and I scoffed before getting out of his embrace.

I watched him fix himself in the mirror before walking over to the door where Marina was standing.

I heard my phone beep so I immediately checked to see who messaged me. I felt my heart start to race when I read the message.

Just reminding you about our meet-up at 8 pm. Come alone if you want to protect your precious family.

I looked at Marina and Gabriel who were about to go. They waved at me before exiting and while watching them leave, I knew I had to do this. I had to face her for the sake of Marina and Gabriel. This is the only way I could bring back our peace.