Can't you feel my heart beating? (Gabenath)

Chapter 14

Gabriel had had the same schedule since the day she started working for him. It hardly ever changed as he always wanted everything to stay the same. Nathalie knew his every move and always knew what to expect from him. Keeping the same exact schedule for so many years was what she had gotten used to.

Everything was a routine, the designs were sketched and when the time came, they landed in production. He occasionally supervised it in person as the weeks progressed, but always viewed the final product from the comfort of his home.

Nathalie knew exactly how everything ran, and she knew what to do in order for all to go well.

After all, Gabriel had been the same for years...

He occasionally attended headquarters, and interacted with the employees moderately, his stern and intimidating personality was always present.
He wasn't there to make small talk, and they were all aware of it.

His closest employee contact was always her.

Nathalie would watch as he viewed his designs on the models from a distance. She'd stand by his side, taking notes of his likes and dislikes of it all.

Then there were the fashion shows. Nathalie could count the number of times he's made an actual appearance on her fingers. She was always the one who represented him on all the events pertaining to his brand.

And now since she's returned, something has changed and Nathalie isn't quite sure what it is.

It seems she must adapt to this new working style of his. He talks more, and not just about work or their son.

He says things out of the blue which leave her mute, and it's not like he's expecting a response from her, he simply just says them as he works.

As the weeks have continued to progress, Nathalie is realizing he isn't the same.
He's changed, and now it's clear as day.

———

He typically only appeared at headquarters when needed, but this time, Gabriel wants to go and not because his presence is required.

He wants to go because as he told her, "I want to verify all is going as it should."

Nathalie was stunned by this sudden need of his to even show up. No one had called asking for his presence... not yet at least.

———

Nathalie isn't surprised by all the curious eyes that stare at them as they make their way through the large building. People's murmurs are heard from miles away, and prying eyes follow them with great shock.

Gabriel seems so calm that when she hears his voice next to her, she almost loses her balance.

"I'm sorry," he whispers, "this is very awkward isn't it?"
It's awkward indeed, but she doesn't respond, only nodding her head a bit as she keeps her eyes fixed in front of her.

———

When they arrive in the room where the fittings will be taking place, there is already an older woman there waiting for them.

Nathalie's maintained a long work relationship with her so seeing her shouldn't feel strange, but somehow everything that is happening today is very strange.

"Hello, Agathe." Nathalie greets as soon as she enters the room.
"Hi, Nathalie." The woman greets back, looking at her with the same expression that everyone has been having since she and Gabriel arrived here.

But as if something takes over the woman's thoughts, she suddenly begins to shake her head in a very apologetic manner, "I'm sorry... Hello, Mrs. Agreste."