CHAPTER 3

The investigation of Nicole's death was still ongoing. It was hard to find the culprit, just as Gabriella thought, since there was absolutely nothing to use as a trace. Nancy had refused to resume school, even with her parent's pleas. She was the last to speak to Nicole before her death and that traumatized her.

Damian, who oversaw the case, couldn't find anything tangible, coupled with the fact that Nancy refused to speak due to her trauma. Nicole's body was found at school, but there was no footage of anyone entering the school or even leaving Nicole's house.

Frustrated by how complicated the case was, he thought of her, the girl who offered to help with the investigation.

Although, she was smart enough to figure out that the case hadn't been solved, he still didn't see her helping as a good idea.

"God damn it, Damian." He said, trying to brush the thought from his mind. He would rather not involve the kid, plus the fact that she might be a stalker, he thought. He checked his watch and saw the time, he hadn't gotten ready, hadn't freshened up. The family dinner would have to wait for a while…

★ ★ ★

Gabriella stepped out of her room, walking into the kitchen to meet her Nana. She was fully dressed, prepared for the dinner she had been invited to. Since it was just dinner and not a glam party, she decided to keep it simple.

"So, Keith I really handsome, isn't he?" Rosalind asked, and Gabriella stared at her.

"Where are you driving at, Nana?" She asked.

"No where, just wondering why you too aren't dating yet. You like him, and he likes you," Rosalind said, and Gabriella turned her head slightly, not wanting her Nana to see her face.

"I just see Keith as my friend," Gabriella defended.

"I might be old, but I know things like these when I see them. Obviously, you both like each other,"

"I'm not so sure about that, he…" Gabriella said but got interrupted by a call on her phone. It was from Keith, and obviously, he had already arrived. Shortly after, the doorbell rang and Gabriella went to open it.

"Hey," Keith said

"Hey," she responded. Keith stared at her for a while before being asked to come in.

"You look beautiful," He said

"Thanks,"

Keith greeted Rosalind who had a playful smirk on her face as she watched the both of them.

"Bring her back safely, please," she said, and then sent them off. Once Keith had turned his back, Rosalind signaled to have fun while Gabriella rolled her eyes. She had a grandmother who acted like she was a teenager.

The drive to Keith's house was awkwardly silent, Gabriella used the opportunity to think of possible reasons why Keith asked her to dinner and not anyone else.

She tried assuming Rosalind was right, but she talked herself from getting such thoughts. Keith liking her seemed almost impossible to her, and this dampened her mood.

They finally arrived at Keith's house, which was big and expensive looking because, obviously, his parents were loaded.

Keith stepped down to open the door for Gabriella, such a gentleman.

It was her first time there, so she was nervous. She was sure his parents would be surprised their son invited someone. All of a sudden, she felt out of place. It was meant to be a family dinner, but there she was, invading their privacy.

Like Keith had been reading her thoughts, he placed his hand on her shoulder and smiled.

"Relax, it's just dinner."

He said, leading her inside the house. Just as the exterior looked good, the interior of the house also looked beautiful and fancy.

"Oh, there you are," A lady said, walking towards them. She looked like she was in her late thirties or probably early forties. Gabriella could tell it was Keith's mom because of the striking resemblance and elegance, most likely where Keith got his good looks from. She turned to Gabriella and smiled, moving from to take her hand.

"You must be Gabriella, it's so good to finally meet you," she said. This made Gabriella blush because it felt like she was meeting her 'boyfriend's' mom for the first time.

"It's a pleasure to meet you too, Mrs.…"

"Oh, please, just call me Joey," she said with a smile. "I was hoping Keith would invite you, and I'm glad he did, he really talks about you a lot…"

"Stop, mom," Keith said with a flushed look on his face. Gabriella couldn't also help but blush. Maybe Nana was right after all, perhaps the feeling was mutual.

They both entered the dining hall which was fancy, as expected, and there she met his Dad. He was also good-looking, but all Keith got from him was his hair color.

"Where's he?" Keith asked.

"Well, your brother is late, as usual," His father replied.

Just like his mom, Keith's dad was also nice, and they seemed to be a happy family. Although, Gabriella had noticed the look Keith had on his face when his father responded to his question. He looked hurt and for some reason, she felt bad.

Suddenly, they all heard the footsteps, coming towards the dining hall. The silence in the hall fave away the fact that it was Keith's brother. Gabriella lowered her head and just focused on her food. Joey was the first to speak.

"Welcome home, my dear," She said with a smile.

"Hey Joey, Dad." He said. Still not wanting to raise her head, Gabriella wondered why he called his mother by her name, unless she wasn't his biological mother.

He was about to walk away when he stopped like he had noticed something.

"Who's this," He asked, looking over at Gabriella.

"Did you get a new wife or something?" He asked and Keith sighed in frustration.

"Seriously Damian?"

Hearing this, she finally decided to raise her head and that when she saw him, again.

"You?"