Chapter Thirty-One

"I apologize for the scene you just had to witness, Miss Rose," Julian says, setting down a platter with a serving of tea and a mysterious box that looks like it's from a pastry shop.

"We've been working alongside each other for quite some time, Julian. When are you going to stop addressing me as Miss Rose? Technically we are both employees of Gabriel Monroe, and I'm below you, so you don't have to address me so formally, it should be the other way around," she teases.

Julian smiles awkwardly, wondering how he explains that he shows her such formality because of how much Gabriel himself cares for and values her, therefore holding her at a much higher status them himself, a mere assistant.

It's obvious to Julian that Gabriel is planning on courting Miss Rose, he is just waiting until she seems more willing to accept his feelings and be comfortable looking past their current relationship as employer and employee. Gabriel and Miss Rose have a much different relationship than your average employer-employee relation, to the naked eye making it seem normal but to those like Julian on the inside, it is obvious they are merely using one another.

"It is merely out of respect, Miss Rose, please don't think too much of it."

Miss Rose has been fighting unknown demons of her known, mostly having to do with her family, but her own struggles still unknown to at least Julian, with even Gabriel keeping a tight lip around him about it. It's clear she needs help with uncovering whatever it is her family and stepfamily are plotting against her, and Gabriel is the perfect person for that.

In return, she is supposed to be helping him lure and uncover the enemy group that has been attacking him and threatening to steal his latest advanced technology, making bold movements like kidnapping people in broad daylight and holding innocent strangers' hostage to achieve their goals.

"Regardless, there is no need to apologize for what has happened today. I always suspected someone like Gabriel would have a line of suitors waiting to be the first in line to be whisked away by him, I just never expected such a bold and naïve girl would be clinging to him. I do wonder where she came from, it's clear she isn't from here but her relationship with Gabriel obviously runs deep meaning they grew up together," Athena says.

Julian nods, serving the tea and sitting down across from her.

"Miss Verona Dynes and her mother Veronica Dynes have made quite the name for themselves in New State and many other places in the world with their fashion company. Mrs. Veronica Dynes is a renowned fashion designer in Country A and made her breakthrough right here in Luxe City where she was born, moving to New State at the age of 25 when she started rising to popularity, but she was good friends with Gabriel's mother in college and never forgot her roots. When Mrs. Dynes became pregnant with her daughter, she often invited Gabriel and his mother over for playdates and came back to visit with her as well, causing them to have a solid upbringing together."

Athena had a strong feeling that was their relationship. Why else would a woman like Verona Dynes be so confident of her position in Gabriel's heart, despite travelling across the world to discover him hiding another woman in his secret hotel suite? She even went as far as to try and physically kick Athena out, not bothering to try and find out who she is, or how long she has been supposedly involved with Gabriel.

She was more willing to trust that Gabriel would side with her and kick out Athena the moment he realized he 'true fiancé' showed up.

"What happened then? It's been many years and Gabriel is past the usual age that most get married. Why haven't they married or even announced their engagement publicly yet?" she asks.

Julian simply chuckles and looks out towards the balcony, admiring the top-side view.

"Gabriel has never shown much interest in getting married now or in the near-future, let alone agreeing to an arranged marriage for political or personal gain. Although Miss Dynes has always held genuine feelings towards Mr. Monroe, he has never felt the same towards her, even when they were kids, he always described her as a younger sister to him."

"If that's the case, why is she openly announcing herself as his fiancé, and embracing each other in the living room just now?" she scoffs, feeling the irritating surge of jealousy spike through her.

Though she once again tries to hide it, it is even more obvious in her tone and on her face this time that even Julian can pick up on the hint of it, trying his best to contain his smile.

He coughs slightly to cover it. "Miss Rose, I guarantee you he is in there right now asking her to leave and telling her to stop announcing such silly things. After he is done that, I have no doubt he will call me to drive her home and come here to try and make sure you don't misunderstand the situation."

"What is there for me to misunderstand? He is allowed to have relations with whoever he pleases, whether it be serious or a fling, it's of no concern to me."

Julian opens his mouth to protest but is distracted by the sound of his phone going off. He excuses himself to read the message, his prediction from earlier coming true.

"Miss Rose I must pardon myself; it seems Mr. Monroe requires me and afterwards I will be finished my work for the night. I hope you enjoy the pastries Mr. Monroe has prepared for you, and go easy on him when he arrives, he is a rather naïve and ignorant person when it comes to matters of the heart."

Julian bids her good night and wanders off before she has the chance to ask him what he means.

Matters of the heart? What in the world is that man sputtering about?

Trying to wrap her head around the events of the night, she opens the box that was prepared along side the tea and is surprised to see an array of perfectly designed and arranged cookies and cupcakes. Having an odd sweet tooth at the moment, she picks a few cookies and munches away, looking up towards the sky scattered sky and getting lost in the view.

"I hope the pastries are to your liking."

Athena nearly jumps when Gabriel passes through the terrace archway and stands behind her, a crooked and hesitant smile on his face. It's like Julian had predicted; he is there to clear up any misunderstandings she might have.

"Where did you get these?" she asks, hoping to steer the direction away from what happened, and have it pass by as if it never did occur.

"A small pastry shop I had passed during my business trip. I had planned to go back properly before leaving and get a sample of every pastry there, but this was all I could end up grabbing." Gabriel hints lightly at the fact that he rushed back to Luxe City the moment he heard what was happening back here.

Looks like there is no avoiding the topic.

"Gabriel, did you really feel it necessary to disrupt your work and rush all the way back here over something like this?" she asks.

He frowns at her, hoping she would play along but instead is being rather blunt. That just goes to show how desperately she is trying to hide how upset she is.

"Everything she said to you today is utter nonsense, I'm sorry you experienced that. I should have warned you the moment I knew she would be coming to the city, but she wasn't expected for another week and was never meant to come here."

Though he knows he is rambling, Athena is showing no expression on her face, in fact she looks rather calm. But her quivering eyes are what give away her true feelings.

"As I've told Julian, there is no need for an explanation for the relationship between her, or any other woman you decide to bring here. I suspected that since you offered this place for me to stay, that other female guests wouldn't appear here, but I can tell she isn't a mere guest, and your relationship with her is none of my concern."

Gabriel feels slightly upset with her response. For some reason, he wants her to be jealous rather than trying to rationalize the situation and point out they don't have the kind of relationship for her to be worrying over his romantic affairs.

"Why do you believe it's none of your concern?" he asks.

She gives him a puzzled look but responds anyway.

"Because I have no right, or should I worry over it."

"What if I want you to worry?"

Athena is shocked speechless, unsure if she has heard him correctly. Gabriel stares blankly back at her, patiently waiting for her response.

"Gabriel, the relationship between us has already been established as a means to an end. We are simply using one another to help each other, I think it would be difficult to continue this relationship if it were to become a romantic one," she says, though even Athena herself feels foolish uttering the useless excuse.

The truth is – she's scared. If she gets distracted now, everything she has worked for and achieved so far might come to an end. She has uncovered a lot of useful material and evidence from Gabriel and his tech, she can't run the risk of losing access to that.

"Did you really think I approached you because I needed your help?" Gabriel asks. He reaches across the table and takes her hand in his, lightly playing with the tips of her fingers.

"W-what do you mean? Of c-course not." She is unable to think properly with the warmth of his hand on hers. "I almost caused you to have a traffic accident, and you sent me to the hospital, I owed you a favor after that and started working for you. We naturally and coincidentally came to this conclusion to work together."

Gabriel continues caressing her hand, and for some odd reason although it makes her feel uncomfortable, she doesn't dare pull away either.

"It seems you've greatly misunderstood this relationship as well, and since you've expressed no concern for clearing up misunderstandings involving my romantic affairs, I have no choice but to make you understand through actions."

He grasps her hand tightly and brings her knuckles to his lips.

Athena is riddled with an uncomfortable desire, not sure how the situation become so heated in such a short time and hating how vulnerable she feels with this man.

"I'm having a hard time following you," she whispers, sounding like she is caught in a trance.

"I've been too naïve with my advancements. This day forward, I plan to properly pursue you, Athena Rose."