Chapter 5 Encounter with Diana
"Are you done yet?" Jessica asked, feeling embarrassed.
"It'll be done soon." Gabriel frowned, surprised to see such a severe reaction on Jessica's back. "Why did the doctor prescribe a topical ointment? Wouldn't oral medication be more effective?"
"With how bad it is, you should be on oral meds," Gabriel said, "Maybe we should head back to the hospital and get you some."
"No need. My stomach's been upset lately, so the doctor gave me some ointment to apply instead," Jessica said, quickly turning to face Gabriel, her heart racing. But she forgot her shirt was pushed up to her chest to apply the ointment, leaving her ample chest and slender waist fully exposed to Gabriel.
Realizing his gaze was off, Jessica quickly pulled her shirt down. "Gabriel, thanks," she stammered, her face flushed, avoiding Gabriel's eyes. She cursed herself for being so foolish, wishing she could disappear on the spot.
"If you don't want to take the pills, just say so. No need to get all worked up." Gabriel said, clearing his throat, trying to maintain his composure. But a closer look would reveal the redness of his ears.
Jessica felt utterly embarrassed, the awkwardness growing with each passing second.
Since Gabriel had been helping her apply the ointment, they were very close. Even though Jessica avoided looking at Gabriel, she could still feel his breath. Unable to bear it any longer, she looked up at Gabriel, wanting to escape.
In the warm light of the bathroom, Jessica's face was flushed, her eyes glistening slightly. Her lips were slightly parted that no man could resist; Gabriel was no exception.
He leaned in closer, his lips parting slightly. "Jessica, don't look at other men with that expression."
Gabriel's words were possessive and domineering, making Jessica's mind go blank for a moment. Her hand rested on the sink, and in her panic, she knocked something over, breaking the tension with a sharp sound.
"Get yourself ready; we'll head to the mall shortly to pick out a gift for Grandpa," Gabriel said as he straightened up and took a few steps back.
Jessica nodded, and Gabriel left the room. As he turned away, a look of frustration crossed his face.
Jessica leaned against the wall, clutching her chest, trying to calm her racing heart.
The awkward tension between them eased a bit once they reached the mall.
"How about we pick out an outfit for Grandpa and then some jewelry?" Jessica asked Gabriel.
"Sure. Grandpa's always been fond of you. He'll love whatever you choose," Gabriel agreed.
Thinking about Xavier's care for her over the years, Jessica's smile grew even warmer.
As they walked into the custom suit shop and started choosing suit styles, they heard a soft voice speaking. "Excuse me, could you show me that suit?"
Jessica turned towards the voice and saw a woman in a white dress, smiling gently. She seemed like a kind woman, but she was in a wheelchair, accompanied by a servant.
"Diana, why didn't you tell me you were coming to the mall? I told you, you can call me anytime you want to go somewhere, and I'll come with you," Gabriel said, hurrying over to the woman, his voice full of concern and affection.
'Diana? This is Diana?' Jessica wondered as she looked at the woman in shock. 'What happened to Diana's legs? Why is she in a wheelchair?'
"I just wanted to get out for a bit. Grandpa's 80th birthday is coming up, and I wanted to get him a gift. Don't worry," Diana said, holding Gabriel's hand and turning to Jessica. "Hello, Jessica. What a coincidence running into you here."
"Ms. Bush, hello," Jessica said, trying to hide her shock.
"Am I interrupting?" Diana asked, biting her lip and looking at Gabriel.
"Not at all. Are you cold? Why didn't you bring an extra jacket? The mall's air conditioning is quite strong; don't catch a cold since you're already not in the best of health," Gabriel said, his eyes full of concern for Diana.
"I brought one, but I left it in the car. I'm not cold, so I didn't ask anyone to get it," Diana replied with a smile.
"Don't be so stubborn. I'll go get it. Wait here," Gabriel said, taking off his jacket and draping it over Diana's legs before leaving. Before he could say anything to Jessica, she spoke up. "Go ahead."
After Gabriel left, Diana found an excuse to send the servant away.
"Sorry, Jessica. Gabriel's always like this. He worries about me too much and insists on doing everything himself," Diana said apologetically, with a hint of pride in her tone.