Gabriella's days started to feel lighter now that she had her own apartment. Waking up in a space she could call her own brought her a sense of peace she hadn't felt in years. Her mornings began with coffee at her tiny kitchen table, the sunlight streaming through the window while she sketched new designs for her candles.
But the quiet didn't last long. Between her shifts at the hotel and fulfilling her candle orders, Gabriella stayed busy. Business was steady, and every sale felt like a small victory.
One evening, Gabriella was packaging a batch of candles when Zay called.
"What's up?" she answered, wedging the phone between her shoulder and ear.
"You free tomorrow?" Zay asked.
"I've got the morning shift, but I'm off after three. Why?"
"Thought we could celebrate your new spot," he said. "I got somethin' planned."
Gabriella hesitated. "What kind of something?"
"You'll see," he said with a grin in his voice. "Just be ready by five."
The next evening, Zay pulled up to her apartment in his sleek black car, the engine rumbling softly. Gabriella stepped out, dressed in a simple black dress and sandals, her curls framing her face.
"You look good," Zay said, his eyes sweeping over her.
"Thanks," Gabriella said, blushing slightly as she got into the car.
They drove through the city, the hum of the streets blending with the low music playing on Zay's radio. Gabriella tried to guess where they were going, but Zay kept his lips sealed, only smirking when she asked.
When they pulled up to a small, upscale restaurant, Gabriella blinked in surprise. "This is...nice," she said, glancing at him.
"Only the best for you," Zay replied, his tone casual but sincere.
Dinner was intimate, the low lighting and soft jazz creating an atmosphere that felt almost too perfect. Zay ordered for them, surprising Gabriella with dishes she'd never even heard of.
As they ate, Zay leaned back in his chair, studying her. "You know, you've come a long way, Gabby."
She smiled shyly, twirling her fork. "I couldn't have done it without your help."
"Nah," Zay said, shaking his head. "You did this. I just gave you a little push. You got somethin' in you, Gabby—something special. Don't ever forget that."
His words made her chest tighten, and for a moment, she let herself believe that maybe he really was everything he seemed to be.
After dinner, Zay drove her back to her apartment. They sat in the car for a moment, the streetlights casting soft shadows across his face.
"I had a good time tonight," Gabriella said, breaking the silence.
"Me too," Zay replied, his gaze lingering on her.
For a moment, it felt like he might kiss her. But instead, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box.
"What's this?" Gabriella asked, her eyes widening.
"Just open it," Zay said, a smirk playing on his lips.
Inside was a delicate gold bracelet, simple but elegant. Gabriella stared at it, her breath catching.
"Zay, this is too much," she said, looking up at him.
"Stop," he said gently. "You deserve nice things. Let me do this for you."
She hesitated before nodding, slipping the bracelet onto her wrist. It felt cool against her skin, a tangible reminder of how much Zay cared for her—or at least how much he wanted her to believe he did.
"Thank you," she said softly.
"Anytime, boss lady," he replied with a grin.
That night, Gabriella lay in bed, her fingers tracing the bracelet on her wrist. She wanted to believe in Zay, to trust that he meant everything he said. But a small voice in the back of her mind wouldn't let her forget the unanswered questions.
The past had a way of creeping into the present, and Gabriella couldn't shake the feeling that Zay's might still be following him.
For now, though, she chose to hold onto the moment.
To Be Continued...
