Gunfire

"No, you shouldn't but-" She paused and drew his hand into her, pressing it gently as if conveying her inner plea, and said, "If that past contains secrets that can destroy your lives, it's better to forget than remember."

Gabriel glanced at his mother with bewilderment. He wasn't expecting her to respond this way, given how well she knew his problems.

"But what if that past comes back to haunt you, forcing you to go deeper into it? Should you still act blind?" he said, leaving Belle stunned.

Gabriel knew his parents understood everything, but they still sided with their friend. But wasn't Eveline obliged to know the truth? She needed to know that her mother had been killed.

Belle lowered her gaze in embarrassment, which stung his heart.