A romantic novel

"Don't you remember?" Eveline mocked, her eyes going gloomy.

Gabriel remained motionless, his mind struggling to understand what she had said. Although it was obvious to him, the way she looked at him just now made his stomach turn.

He was concerned that she may tumble earlier. But his generosity was misconstrued.

"Can you just tell me what I did wrong?" Gabriel crossed his hands. "Was warning you a wrong intention?" 

He fixed his eyes on her, waiting anxiously for an answer.

Eveline couldn't believe Gabriel would be interested in her response, especially since he never intended to wait. He always thought she was a foolish girl and blamed her for everything that happened.

All of his deeds throughout her prior existence demonstrated how ruthless he was.

Eveline's blood curdled with wrath as the feeling of betrayal rushed over her, regretting her love for him to the point of losing her self-esteem. However, she was unable to express her feelings or allow him to mock her.

Eveline took a deep breath, disregarded all thoughts, and returned his stare with the same steely eyes.

"Listen, Gabriel. I realize that you initially did not want to come and tutor me. I compelled you to come here after asking Uncle Richard about it. But now, I've realized my mistake, and I no longer want to learn anything from you," Eveline stated simply, leaving Gabriel suspicious.

He had never adapted to Eveline's coldness, but today he felt like someone she detested.

'Is she serious right now?' he wondered.

Eveline, on the other hand, saw a shift in his gaze.

Was it the contemplation she saw in those eyes, or was he finding a way to laugh at her?She was unable to express her feelings, yet she could not imagine sharing the same space with him.

"So, there's no need for you to come here," she said, leaving Gabriel stunned.

Eveline's words struck like a knife, piercing his heart with a cruel blow. "I have already lost my face due to my years-long crush on you, but I no longer want to associate with you in any way."

Gabriel clenched his jaw in wrath at the sound of her angry remarks and walked away solemnly.

Scoff

"Does he think his anger still bothers me?" Eveline muttered, ignoring his exit, and turned to return to her room.

Jonathan remained seated downstairs but rose up when he saw Gabriel walk back down. He intended to ask Gabriel where he was going, but he stopped when Gabriel walked away without looking back.

"En, why did he leave like that? he wondered.

Jonathan may not be outraged, but Gabriel's departure shouted anger.

His gaze immediately focused on the first floor, where he observed Eveline walking the corridor and entering her room.

'Did they fight?' Jonathan mumbled a statement that didn't align well with his understanding, as it hadn't happened often. However, given the circumstances, he couldn't help but wonder if they had indeed engaged in an argument.

 ****

[Outside] 

Gabriel got into his car and drove away from the mansion's gates.

He got angry and wished to scold Eveline for her bluntness, but he couldn't since he felt helpless at the thought of her being disrespectful to him in the first place.

It had never happened before, so it felt strange to suddenly see the change in her heart for him. But then he didn't expect it.

Gabriel continued to speed up, his mind racing over her words.

'You don't need to come here,' she said, her anger intensifying.

"I was mistaken for crushing on you, and now I don't want to associate with you anymore."

"Argh!" Gabriel slammed the brakes and jerked the vehicle to the side of the road.

He had never been so agitated, but the way she ended their relationship enraged him.

"What is her opinion of herself? Is she perceived as a leader who has the authority to say anything she wants, or as a princess who has the ability to manipulate everyone around her? Gabriel let out a frustrated groan and smacked his fist on the steering wheel.

He couldn't tell what hurt him more: her rejection or the hatred in her eyes.

Helpless, he dropped his head against the steering wheel, feeling a weird sensation creeping into his heart. The restlessness continues to increase.

Gabriel never objected to Eveline's adoration.He could feel his heart skip a beat because Eveline's adoration was so evident, but he never tried to acknowledge it.

She was a young girl, and he believed it was a silly idea, so he never once tried to admit that she had a crush on him.

Despite knowing that she would soon leave him and that these fleeting feelings would not last forever, he gradually grew accustomed to her reflex.

Even though Gabriel will never accept it, he appreciated that she did not treat him like her brother because he does not intend to have a sister, especially not one with whom he practically grew up.

Still, he hesitated a little, as he started to believe that Eveline's activities were inappropriate and that they should simply maintain their relationship.

Gabriel sneered and stared out the window, his eyes filled with hate.

"I am glad she realized there is nothing we can have together."

Even though Gabriel had known Eveline since childhood, he did not truly believe in her. She never truly committed herself to anything in her life.

She may have stated that she doesn't want to do anything with him, but how long will that last?

After another minute, Gabriel finally calmed enough to start his car and drive away.

****

Meanwhile, Eveline was pleased with the results. She couldn't help but be satisfied with Gabriel's expression.

She had spent her entire life chasing him for his attention, forsaking her dignity. But today she was able to see the expression of dejection in his eyes, which gave her a sense of satisfaction.

'Let's not worry about him anymore,' she admonished herself and got out of bed.

Eveline chose to study and was about to proceed to the study table when a knock on the door stopped her in her tracks, and she saw her father enter.

Eveline didn't expect Jonathan to show up here straight away because she assumed he would be preoccupied with his work. However, now that he has arrived, she greets him with a smile.

"I expected Gabriel would tutor you. However, the boy stormed out. Is everything fine between the two of you?" He inquired, his face displaying a hint of doubt.

Jonathan was aware that Eveline disliked initiating conflicts, but he couldn't help but question why Gabriel would go when there was no issue between them.

"Hmm, Dad, I believe I won't need Gabriel's assistance any longer." Eveline remarked, "I am fine studying myself." 

Jonathan was puzzled. "But didn't you pester Richard to persuade Gabriel to tutor you?" he inquired, his tone betraying surprise.

Eveline had essentially sugarcoated Richard into hiring Gabriel as her academic coach, and now she is abruptly removing him from his responsibilities.

She was aware that her decision was premature, but she needed to act severely to keep Gabriel at a remove.

"Dad, I've come to the realization that you were correct when you suggested not to worry about Gabriel, as he already has a significant workload." Furthermore, I think it would be beneficial to follow your recommendation and hire a different tutor. Eveline said, recalling his past advice.

Jonathan struggled to understand Eveline's quick turn in attitude, but he decided it was best to have a different tutor rather than bother Gabriel with everything.

"So, who do you want to hire? Do you have somebody in mind?" he asked, and Eveline went ahead and provided Jonathan the names of other professors who may help her.

****

Gabriel arrived home earlier than expected but did not greet anyone and went straight to his room.

When he walked in, his eyes darkened as he watched his brother lie comfortably on his tidy bed, reading a book.

"How many times have I told you, Daniel, to keep your shoes off my bed? You're messing with my bedsheet." Gabriel expressed his dissatisfaction.

He preferred that his stuff remained intact and that no one misplaced it.

"When did you begin reading romance novels, brother?" Daniel inquired about his brother's quick shift in tastes.

Gabriel marched to the bed and pulled the book from his grasp.

"Don't you realize that peeking into people's personal belongings is impolite? Where are your manners, Daniel?" Gabriel stared at his brother before returning the book to his shelves.

Daniel Winston embodied the archetypal younger brother, relishing in causing trouble for his sibling. Daniel Winston was consistently bothersome, or as Gabriel described it, a nuisance.

Daniel was much funnier and more carefree than his older brother, who was quiet and composed.

Daniel knew Gabriel would never detest him, no matter how many reprimands he received. He was the type of brother who liked to discipline his brothers while also loving them wholeheartedly.

Daniel jumped off the bed and approached his irate brother. He realized Gabriel wasn't in a positive mood, which prompted him to tease him.

"Do not tell me, brother, that you have finally found the one melting your stone-like heart," Daniel dreamily blinked, irritating Gabriel even more with his dumb remark.

Gabriel didn't want to remember the day Eveline gave him that book for his birthday. She had always been respectful of his tastes, but this year for his birthday, she surprised him with a book—a love novel, no less.

Gabriel enjoyed reading and was well-versed in academics, but this time she chose a book to show her affections for him. However, she was unaware that he already understood her emotions and was taken aback by her gift.

However, Gabriel glared at his brother like an eagle at its prey.

"Daniel Winston, you should remain silent if you want your father to learn about your midterm results."

"..."