Chapter 23

Vien covered her mouth as she took in Gabriela's flustered state. She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to stifle her laughter, but her own resolve betrayed her. A fit of giggles escaped that had her clutching her stomach, her face turning crimson.

Gabriela let out an exasperated sigh, her hands flying up to cover her face. "Hey, don't laugh at me!" she protested, though her tone held more embarrassment than anger.

Vien tried to regain her composure, clearing her throat as her laughter subsided. "You're avoiding me because you're shy?" she teased, a chuckle escaping despite her best effort to stay serious. "Wow," she murmured, shaking her head. "Yet you had the guts to tell me you'd stick around or whatever dramatic thing you said before."

Gabriela clicked her tongue, glaring half-heartedly at Vien. "That's different. I was telling you how I felt," she muttered. "But last night... that was..." She hesitated, her words faltering. "I don't know why I opened up to you like that. It's just—ugh—it's embarrassing."

Vien crossed her arms, her teasing expression softening. "Why would you be ashamed of that?" she asked, tilting her head curiously.

Gabriela lowered her gaze to her bandaged hands, her voice quiet. "Because you saw me like that," she admitted. "You took care of me... stayed with me."

Vien swallowed hard, glancing away as warmth crept up her neck to her cheeks. "I only did what I could to make you feel better. Don't... don't read too much into it."

Gabriela's lips curled into a small smile. "Still, thank you," she said, her tone genuine. Then, with a playful glint in her eyes, she added, "And I didn't know that hugging me while I was wrapped in a blanket was part of your comfort service."

Vien froze, her eyes widening in shock. "What?!" she hissed, her voice rising. "Y-you! You were awake for that?!"

Gabriela's grin widened as she watched Vien's flustered reaction.

Gosh, I thought she was asleep! Vien thought frantically, her mind racing as she stared at Gabriela, utterly mortified.

"I told you," Gabriela said, her grin turning mischievous. "You could just admit you like me already. It'd save us both a lot of trouble."

"I don't!" Vien shot back, her voice high-pitched. "There's nothing to admit!" She gripped the edge of her desk as if it could anchor her spiraling emotions. "I was just worried about you. That's it!"

Gabriela stepped closer, her movements deliberate yet unthreatening. "Okay," she said softly, lifting Vien's chin with her fingers, forcing their eyes to meet. "I still appreciate it," she murmured.

Vien's heart pounded erratically, her breath hitching as Gabriela leaned closer. The faint scent of Gabriela's perfume made her lightheaded, and her words came out in a weak mumble. "You're... too close..."

Gabriela's gaze softened, but there was an intensity in her eyes that pinned Vien in place. "Don't you feel anything... not even now, Vien?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Vien cleared her throat, fighting the lump forming there. "W-what should I feel?" she stammered, feigning ignorance as her pulse raced.

Gabriela shook her head and smiled, her fingers brushing lightly against Vien's cheek. "Nothing," she said, her voice gentle. "Take your time." She gave Vien's head a soft pat, her touch lingering just long enough to leave an impression.

Vien stared, swallowing the lump in her throat as Gabriela's gaze lingered on her. She couldn't stop her eyes from darting to Gabriela's lips, her stomach doing flips as she gulped audibly.

Gabriela leaned in, her voice low and almost breathless. "I want to kiss you," she murmured, her words dripping with longing. "So bad."

Vien's breath hitched, her eyes wide as she stared at Gabriela. Her heart pounded in her chest, betraying the calm façade she was trying to maintain. "Y-you can't just say that out of nowhere," she stammered, her voice trembling.

Gabriela smirked, her gaze unwavering. "Why not? It's the truth," she whispered, her tone soft but firm. Her hand remained on Vien's head, her fingers lightly brushing her hair.

Vien swallowed hard, her throat suddenly dry. "I... I don't know what you're trying to do here," she said, stepping back slightly, her movements awkward as her back pressed further against her desk. "But you can't just... tease me like that."

Gabriela tilted her head, her expression softening. "Tease you? Vien, I'm not teasing," she said, her voice sincere. "I'm just being honest about how I feel."

The sincerity in Gabriela's words made Vien's chest tighten. She averted her gaze, her hands gripping the edge of the desk for support. "This isn't... something you can just spring on me," she murmured. "I need time to—"

"Take all the time you need," Gabriela interrupted gently, stepping back to give Vien space. "I'm not here to rush you or make you feel pressured. But I won't hide how I feel, either."

Vien finally met Gabriela's gaze, her steel blue eyes filled with a mix of confusion and vulnerability. "You're serious," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Gabriela nodded, her smile warm. "Completely. But I meant it when I said take your time, Vien," she said, picking up her bag. "I'll wait for you to figure things out... no matter how long it takes."

With that, Gabriela turned and made her way to the door, pausing for a moment. "And for the record," she added, glancing over her shoulder with a playful grin, "you were really cute when you hugged me last night."

Before Vien could respond, Gabriela slipped out of the office, leaving her flustered, confused, and unable to ignore the rapid thumping of her heart.

Vien groaned as she reached the last step of the staircase, chuckling to herself as her repeated attempts to call her personal driver failed. Of all times to lose signal, it had to be now. She scoffed, crossing her arms and tapping her foot impatiently as the rain poured heavily.

She glanced at her wristwatch, clicking her tongue in frustration. Just as she was about to turn back, someone appeared beside her. Vien groaned inwardly when she recognized Matthew, who was now smirking at her.

"Ms. Briar," Matthew greeted, his tone smug. "No car or driver today?"

Vien raised an eyebrow, her expression cold. "And?" she shot back, giving him a quick once-over. "Don't waste your time offering me a ride, Professor Ward. That's not happening."

Matthew chuckled, unfazed. "Still holding on to that ego, huh, Vien?" He took a step closer, his tone softening but still condescending. "There's no one else here. Just let me drive you home."

Before Vien could respond, a familiar voice cut through the tension.

"Ms. Briar, sorry to keep you waiting."

Both Vien and Matthew turned to see Gabriela walking toward them, holding an umbrella.

"Oh," Gabriela paused when she noticed Matthew. "Professor Ward," she said with a polite smile. "What a surprise to see you here."

Matthew chuckled. "Just wrapping up some student grades, Professor Vaega. And you?"

Gabriela nodded, stepping between Vien and Matthew with an easy smile. "Same here. I finished grading papers in the library."

She turned to Matthew, her tone casual. "Actually, Ms. Briar and I were just about to grab some coffee. I owe her for helping me out earlier." She nudged Vien subtly, signaling her to play along.

Matthew blinked, clearly caught off guard, before laughing nervously. "Ah, I see. Well, I'd join you, but I still have a lot to do at home," he said, excusing himself as he walked off under his umbrella.

Vien let out a small sigh of relief, watching him disappear into the rain. "Thanks," she mumbled before glancing at Gabriela. "But why are you still here?"

Gabriela tilted her head, amused. "I already told you—I was grading papers," she said with a chuckle. "Anyway, I heard you're stranded. Want a ride? We're neighbors, after all."

Vien rolled her eyes but smiled faintly. "You keep using that same excuse," she muttered, shaking her head. "But fine, I won't turn you down this time. It's raining, and my driver's MIA."

"Good choice," Gabriela said with a grin, opening her umbrella wider. "Let's go."

As they walked toward Gabriela's car, Vien bit her lip, noticing how Gabriela tilted the umbrella more toward her, letting part of her own clothes soak in the rain. When they reached the car, Gabriela quickly unlocked the passenger door and opened it for Vien, shielding her from the downpour with the umbrella.

"All set?" Gabriela asked, peeking in to make sure Vien was comfortable before closing the door. She then walked around to the driver's side, slipping into the seat and tossing the wet umbrella carefully into the back.

"You're soaking wet," Vien remarked, glancing at Gabriela's damp coat.

Gabriela laughed lightly. "It's just water. No big deal."

She turned to Vien, teasing. "Do you need me to buckle your seatbelt again?"

Vien rolled her eyes, tugging at the belt herself. "I can manage, thanks."

Gabriela shook her head, laughing softly as she started the car. After a moment of silence, she asked, "So... is Professor Ward your ex or something?"

Vien shot her a sharp look. "Absolutely not," she said firmly. "Though he did try to court me once. I rejected him."

Gabriela raised an eyebrow, curious. "Why?"

Vien chuckled, leaning back in her seat. "Because I had a girlfriend at the time."

Gabriela blinked in surprise. "Really?"

"Yep. It was a secret, though. No one knew—not even my twin," Vien said, her tone lighter.

Gabriela nodded slowly. "And that's why you turned him down?"

Vien smirked. "That, and he's not my type. Matthew's just a pest who latches onto people when he thinks it'll benefit him. He's still the same now."

Gabriela frowned slightly. "But... how did you end up with your ex-husband if you had a girlfriend?"

Vien laughed softly. "You're nosy, aren't you?" She shook her head, her smile fading slightly. "Well, we broke up after a few years, and I moved to New York to pursue another medical degree. That's where I met my ex-husband. We fell in love, and the rest is history."

Gabriela slowed the car as the stoplight turned red. "You must have loved him a lot."

Vien hesitated, her gaze fixed on Gabriela's face. She swallowed hard before responding. "I did. I loved him deeply," she admitted. "But not enough to stay when he ruined me. That's why I divorced him and fought for Blair's custody."

Gabriela nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Are you happy now?"

Vien smiled faintly, her voice softer. "I am," she murmured. "But lately... I don't know. I've been happier these days."

She glanced out the window, a warm smile tugging at her lips. She wanted to add, Maybe it's because of you, but chose to keep the thought to herself.