Taming the Bitch (COMPLETED)

Chapter XXII - Terrace Kiss

It took them more than an hour to get ready for the Terrace opening. Gabrielle looked absolutely stunning in a red Swarovski-studded gown that hugged her curves perfectly—from the gentle swell of her chest to her slim waist. The top was cut in a heart shape, emphasizing the perfection of her firm, round breasts. The Swarovski crystals glittered under the lights, but her radiant face outshone them effortlessly. She was drop-dead gorgeous.

Vincent noticed the glances from men around them—they couldn't take their eyes off his wife as she walked with an icy composure, her hand loosely resting on his arm. Her uneven pixie haircut gave her a fierce, untouchable look, making her beauty even more intimidating. The flashes of cameras tried to blind them, but the media's focus was clearly on Gabrielle.

Vincent let go of her hand and slid his arm around her tiny waist, guiding her with protective care. He wanted to lash out at the flashing cameras, but then the crowd's attention shifted. The Sheikh of Dubai, accompanied by the Crown Prince, entered. The red carpet cleared, and the king stopped before them, greeting Gabrielle warmly.

"As-salaam 'alaykum, Your Highness," she said with a bright smile, completely different from the cold expression she had worn just moments ago.

"Wa alaykum salaam, Gabrielle," the king replied, surprising Vincent by offering his hand. Arabs rarely shook hands with strangers. The Crown Prince approached as well, giving her a warm hug.

"Gabby! Good to see you here!" he exclaimed. Gabrielle curtsied, and both the king and prince chuckled at her gesture.

"His Royal Highness Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was my classmate in college, Vincent," she explained, her voice calm yet pointed. Vincent felt a twinge of jealousy at the obvious closeness.

"Gabby is the nicest lady I've ever met. I hope you take good care of her," the prince said, pressing Vincent's hand firmly before letting go.

"Send my regards to your father," he added, tapping Vincent on the shoulder before moving on.

Gabrielle smirked at Vincent. "Not a surprise, marrying a stranger leaves you knowing nothing about her, doesn't it?" she whispered, walking toward a staff member offering champagne.

"You're above twenty-one, right?" a man asked, blocking her path.

She raised an eyebrow. "Well, per Dubai law, you shouldn't serve alcohol to those under twenty-one. So technically... you shouldn't have invited me." She smirked, taunting him.

Before Vincent could intervene, another man approached—tall, with golden hair—and wrapped Gabrielle in a friendly embrace. His presence agitated Vincent, but Gabrielle welcomed him warmly.

"How've you been, kiddo?" the man asked, lifting her briefly off the ground.

"You tell me, Scott!" Gabrielle replied, laughing and kissing his cheeks one after the other.

Vincent watched, feeling out of place yet oddly content. She laughed again, reminded of her old friends and the life she had before him, and his heart ached. It wasn't him making her smile... yet somehow, he was happy she was smiling at all.

Then a little boy in a tuxedo approached, wrapping his arms around Gabrielle's hips.

"Oh my goodness! You can kill me!" she exclaimed, quickly handing her champagne to a passing waiter to avoid spilling it.

"Uuuup! Gaaaabbeee!" the boy sang, wiggling with glee. Gabrielle tried to ignore him, but the boy's energy and innocence were impossible to resist. She finally laughed, scooping him up as he showered her face with kisses.

Vincent observed silently, the boy's playful affection breaking through the icy barrier that had formed between him and Gabrielle.

"I miss you, Gabby!" the boy exclaimed, pressing his small palms to her cheeks and kissing her lips.

"Ooooh! You kissed my lips! Now you have to marry me!" she joked.

The boy's wide blue eyes studied her rings. "Ring..." he whispered, curiosity pure and innocent.

"Are you married now? In love like mommy and daddy?" he asked. Gabrielle responded with gentle kisses on his chubby cheeks, smiling at his innocence.

"Where is he? I want to meet him!" the boy demanded. Vincent stepped in, kneeling to meet him at eye level.

"I won't punch you... because I know you love Gabby," the boy said confidently, looking up at Vincent.

Gabrielle whispered, "How do you know that, Tyler?"

"Dada said you only marry the woman you love. He wouldn't marry you if he didn't," the boy explained. Turning to Vincent, he asked innocently, "Would you...?"

Vincent smiled, nodding. "When I grow up, I'll marry the girl I love. Just like my dad and you did." He took the boy's hand, sealing the promise.

"Maybe I'll marry a girl as beautiful as Gabby," Tyler beamed. "Would you let me marry your daughter when we grow up?"

Gabrielle opened her eyes wide, glaring at Vincent. "Fuck off," her look seemed to say, but she stayed quiet, letting the boy's innocence remain untouched.

"Gabby loves me, right?" Tyler asked.

"For sure, our baby girl will decide herself," Vincent replied, his hand still holding hers.

Tyler hugged them both briefly before running toward the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Gabrielle followed, her smile fading slightly, leaving only a faint, bittersweet curve on her lips.

Vincent walked up behind her, sliding his arm around her waist. As fireworks erupted in the sky, signaling the Terrace's official opening, he pressed his lips to hers. For the first time in a long while, Gabrielle allowed herself to feel his warmth and the sweetness of his kiss.

Her arms rose to embrace his neck as the kiss deepened beneath the glittering fireworks. When the show ended, Vincent lowered her to the floor, his strong arms holding her. They stared into each other's eyes, words unnecessary, hearts speaking their own truths.

Vincent leaned closer, kissing her forehead. "Children always know the truth... even if you don't tell it," he whispered, pressing her hand to his chest.

"They know... even if you don't tell..." he continued, gazing into her warm chocolate eyes.

"What... is your truth?" Gabrielle asked, feeling her pulse race as her hand rested over his heartbeat.

"This..." Vincent pressed her hand against his chest, kissing her lips again. His heartbeat answered her question, carrying every promise he had to make her feel the love she truly deserved.