FORBIDDEN LOVE

CHAPTER TWO

"Hello?" Gabriel's voice answered on the other end of the line. Adrianna felt a mix of nervousness and anticipation as she spoke into the phone.

"Hi, Gabriel. It's Adrianna," she said, her voice slightly shaky. "I was just calling to say that I would love to grab that coffee with you."

There was a brief pause before Gabriel responded. "That's great to hear, Adrianna. I'm glad you changed your mind. How about we meet tomorrow evening at The Brew Haven? It's a cozy café not too far from your school."

Adrianna smiled, feeling a surge of excitement. "That sounds perfect. What time should I meet you there?"

"Let's say 7 p.m. Does that work for you?" Gabriel suggested.

"Yes, that works perfectly. I'll see you then," Adrianna replied, her voice filled with anticipation.

After hanging up the phone, Adrianna couldn't help but feel a mixture of nervousness and excitement. She had taken a leap of faith by agreeing to meet Gabriel, someone she had only just met on the subway. But there was something about him that intrigued her, and she couldn't ignore the spark she had felt in their brief encounter.

The next day at P.S. 6, Adrianna's mind was preoccupied with thoughts of her upcoming coffee date. She went about her teaching duties, trying her best to focus on her students, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Gabriel. The bell finally rang, signaling the end of the school day, and Adrianna hurriedly packed up her belongings.

As she made her way to The Brew Haven, Adrianna's heart raced with anticipation. She entered the café and looked around, searching for Gabriel. She spotted him sitting at a corner table, his dark hair neatly styled and a warm smile on his face. Adrianna's nerves eased as she approached him.

"Hi, Gabriel," she greeted, her voice filled with excitement.

"Adrianna, it's great to see you," Gabriel replied, standing up to greet her. "Please, have a seat."

Adrianna settled into the chair opposite Gabriel, feeling a sense of comfort in his presence. They engaged in small talk, sharing stories about their lives and passions. As the evening progressed, Adrianna discovered that Gabriel was not only charming but also incredibly genuine and down-to-earth.

Throughout their conversation, Adrianna learned that Gabriel was a successful entrepreneur who had built his fashion empire from scratch. His passion for his work was evident, but he also expressed a deep appreciation for the simpler things in life.

As the evening came to a close, Adrianna couldn't help but feel a connection with Gabriel. They had shared laughter, stories, and even a few vulnerable moments. It was clear to her that there was something special between them.

Days turned into weeks, and Adrianna and Gabriel's connection continued to grow. They spent more time together, exploring the city, trying new restaurants, and enjoying each other's company. Adrianna found herself falling for Gabriel, and it seemed that he felt the same way.

One evening, as they strolled hand in hand through Central Park, Gabriel turned to Adrianna with a serious expression on his face. "Adrianna, there's something I need to tell you," he began, his voice filled with a mix of hesitation and vulnerability.

Adrianna's heart skipped a beat, fearing that Gabriel was about to reveal something that would change everything. "What is it, Gabriel?" she asked, her voice filled with anticipation.

Gabriel took a deep breath before continuing. "I haven't been completely honest with you, Adrianna. You see, my life hasn't always been as glamorous as it is now. I come from humble beginnings, and I've had my fair share of struggles."

Adrianna listened attentively, her heart pounding in her chest. She reached out and gently squeezed Gabriel's hand, silently encouraging him to continue.

"I grew up in a small town, and my family didn't have much. But I had dreams, dreams of creating something meaningful and leaving a mark on the world. So, I worked hard, faced countless failures, and eventually found success in the fashion industry," Gabriel explained, his voice filled with a mix of pride and vulnerability.

Adrianna felt a wave of relief wash over her. She had feared that Gabriel would reveal some dark secret or hidden past. Instead, she found herself even more drawn to him, inspired by his journey of perseverance and determination.

"Gabriel, thank you for sharing that with me," Adrianna said, her voice filled with sincerity. "Your story only makes me admire you even more. You've worked hard to achieve your dreams, and I do not doubt that you'll continue to do great things."

Gabriel smiled, his eyes sparkling with gratitude. "Thank you, Adrianna