Chapter 14

"Leonica, is that you?" Christian asked, his tone and expression filled with disbelief as he took a step forward. The said female nearly shrank back at the sight of one of Gabriel's closest friends. She had not expected to run into him here, as a matter of fact, she had not expected to run into him at all. This was bad, she thought as he her on Ashely who was now sound asleep, tightened. Maybe she could wriggle her way out of this. "I'm sorry, but I think you've mistaken me for someone else." She quickly dismissed him. "I'm not quiet sure I know who you are." With that, she turned and continued heading for the door. Christian however, did not relent and rushed after her. "It's me Leonica, Christian, Gabriel's friend." 'Of course I know that.' Leonica thought, increasing her pace. She couldn't understand why the man was insisting on talking to her, or rather, she couldn't understand why the universe was working against her. "You're not gonna believe me if I say I don't know who you are, are you?" Leonica asked, trying to remain polite. "Nope, sorry." Christian answered and Leonica sighed. "I'm sorry, but I'm kinda in a hurry right now, so could we do this some other time, perhaps?" She asked, her fingers crossing as she prayed the male would agree. Unfortunately, luck was not on her side, again. "It'll be fast, I promise." Christian reassured. Leonica could only sigh. "Alright." The male smiled, "Thank you." After that, he paused, his gaze drifting down to the child in her arms. He could only see the back of Ashely who was peacefully sleeping in his mother's arms. "Who is he?" He asked. Leonica followed his gaze and her visage tensed. Sensing this, Christian tentatively asked. "Is he...by any chance yours and Gabriel's...?" "No!" Leonica quickly interrupted him before he could finish. "No. He's uh, my...godson. His mother, a close relative on mine was busy so I'm just filling in for her." She added after calming down from her alarmed state. Christian blinked, a bit surprised at the speed of her reply. "I see," He replied, although not quite convinced but not choosing to pry further either. Changing the topic, he asked. "How have you been this past few years?" Leonica raised a brow, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. What was his deal? Why was he acting like they were friends and not acquaintances. "I'm fine," Leonica replied. “And you?” Christian nodded, his mouth opening and closing, as if searching for the right words. “I’ve been good. So uhm… you’re back in town, does Gabriel know?” At the mention of Gabriel, the atmosphere around Leonica seemed to change. “Why should he.” Christian was taken aback by her cold retort. Just seconds ago she had looked like a harmless Dryad trying to protect it’s groove, but now, she very well resembled one who was ready to take out an entire community. “You know, just cause…” “Gabriel and I are no married. We’re basically strangers now, so I believe he doesn’t have any right to know by location, correct?” “Ah, I was just asking. Don’t get me wrong.” Leonica pressed her lips into a thin line, not believing his words. “Anyway, if that’s all, I’ll be going.” With subtly bowed her head and turned away leaving Christian standing in the lobby. Getting to her car, Leonica gently placed Ashely in the backseat, and she slid into the driver’s seat. Before starting the engine, she fished out her phone and quickly dialed Leonardo’s number. “Leonardo speaking.” Her brother picked up after the second ring. “Leo, it’s me, can you do me a favor.” Leonica began, not even bothering with greetings. “Yes, of course. What is it?” “Ashely…can you make sure no one’s keeping tabs on him? I happened to run into some unpleasant company and I want to be certain nothing would happen.” Leonardo paused, not expecting the sudden request. After a few seconds, he asked. “You want me to mask his existence?” “Yes.” Leonica answered as she turned on the engine and adjusted her top mirror, glancing through it at Ashely’s sleeping figure. “Can you do that?” “Why do. It’d be a piece of cake for me, so don’t bother yourself. No one’s going to be disturbing you or your son any time soon.” *~* The day of the banquet arrives in a blink of an eye. Influential figures were dressed in their best attires while walking down the plush red carpet set out for them. At the entrance, Gabriel stepped out of his Maybach, dressed neatly in his custom made black tux, his hair perfectly groomed. Reporters and paparazzi alike were surprised to see his presence in a social activities for the first time in four years and rushed to snap photos of him and throw questions at him, however, he paid them no mind. With the help of the valet, he stepped into the venue and was met with the sight of hundreds of guests mingling about, some taking part in the games while others were conversing, or having their pictures taken. “Mr. Bryce,” a female’s voice called him from his right and he turned to look at the person who had called him. His eyes were met with a beautiful brunette, who was clad in a stunning silver gown that had a slit down the middle and a deep plunging neckline. “Megan,” he acknowledged the only one of Leonica’s friend who had kept in contact with his despite everything that had happened five years ago. “What a coincidence.” She smiled, stepping closer. “You’re actually gracing us with your presence tonight.” “Indeed, I am.” “So,” Megan began, her eyes scanning the empty space beside him. “Where’s your little hussy?” She asked, referring to Angelina. Gabriel who had very much gotten used to Megan’s way of speaking, brushed off the insult. “Her vehicle experienced some slight delay, she’ll be here soon.” “Well, let’s hope she doesn’t end up getting lost in the sea of people.” Megan said with a hint of sarcasm lacing her tone as she raised her glass briefly before excusing herself. Gabriel’s jaws clenched and he released a breath. Why was everyone acting like Angelina was the worst person in the world? What was their problem with her? Sighing, he grabbed a glass of wine from a passing waiter. Just as he was about to drink it, a few businessmen that he was acquainted with approached him. “Mr. Bryce, what a surprise to see you here tonight.” One of them stated, gently patting Gabriel’s shoulder. “Mr. Carlos,” Gabriel acknowledged with a light nod, taking a sip from his wine afterwards. “What finally convinced you to crawl out of your space today?” Carlos questioned. “Are you perhaps one of those men who came here just to get a glimpse of society’s hottest cake?” He teased. “What?” Gabriel’s brows creased in confusion. “Yeah, you know, the new emerging female CEO that has left everyone stunned for the past week?” He prompted, only confusing Gabriel all the more. “Dang, do you live under a rock?” Carlos companion questioned, earning a slight glare from Gabriel. “For the past week, men in the business industry have been going crazy, apparently, there’s a new chick in town and they’re more than willing to do anything to get under her skirt.” Carlos explained, chuckling at the last part. Gabriel however, rolled his eyes. Why had he listened to Carlos’s talk thinking it was something good. ‘What a waste of time.’ He thought, choosing to bore out their gimmicks until they were tired enough to leave. That was until Carlos’s companion spoke again. “Who would have thought a woman could look so hot in white hair,” He paused. “But then again, there had been someone pretty enough to pull off that look and now that I think of it, they both have an awfully resemblance.” “Who?” Carlos asked. His companion hummed gently, trying to remember the name of the woman, snapping his finger the moment his eyes met Gabriel’s. “Ah, Leonica.” Gabriel flinched. “What?” “That hot chick, she looks a lot like that wife of yours. You know, the one who you didn’t love and…” “Where?” Gabriel interrupted taking a surprising step towards the speaking male. “Uh…she’s by the drink table.” He said pointing over his shoulder. Gabriel didn’t waste time in moving in the direction the male had pointed, leaving the two businessmen alone. He weaved through the crowds, pushing in the direction they had given him, only stopping when the sound of laughter coming from a small crowd threw his attention. Gabriel froze as his gaze landed on the said female that he had been looking for. She stood in the center of the crowd, dressed in a red evening grown that draped as far down as the ground with a tight spilt and matching heels. The gown Itself was a bodycon one and had a plunging neckline that went dangerously low. The entire outfit was held up by her slim waist and curvy body and the white hair of hers gave her the aura of a seductress. Her lips, a deep shade of red, curled up as she laughed. Gabriel couldn’t believe his eyes, yet there she was, the very same woman who he had divorced five years ago. Leonica Romero.