DRAMA NOVEL ONLINE Chapter My CEO 254
254 I Got This
(Cass)
Gabriel and I arrive at the restaurant a little before Winona, H hand resting gently on the small of my back as we walk in.
It's a simple gesture, but it makes me feel... anchored.
in his usual smooth, confident mode, his
Like I'm the most important thing to him right now. I smile, a small flicker of warmth settling in my chest. Everything with him just feels right.
Not like with the guys I've known before-the ones who treated me like I was disposable, like I didn't
matter.
Gabriel's different. He's attentive, always making me feel like I'm the center of his world. And maybe I am. I'm starting to trust that.
We settle into our seats, Gabriel giving me this look that makes my pulse quicken. He leans in, brushing strand of my hair back, his fingers lingering a little longer than necessary
His blue eyes are soft but focused, and I feel like he's seeing all of me, not just the parts I show to the world. Now I totally get how Winona feels about Jayden. These Brennan eyes are impossible to fight against. "You look beautiful today, Cass," he says, his voice low, like it's just for me.
I blush, my heart doing a little flip. "Thanks." I can't help the way my lips twitch up. Compliments aren't something I've ever gotten used to. Especially from guys like him.
I'm usually too busy being the girl who's tough, the one who gets by on street smarts and sharp comebacks. But with Gabriel, it's like I'm allowed to be something softer, Feminine
And damn, I kinda like it.
Winona arrives a few minutes later, looking like she's got the weight of the world on her shoulders. I know she's been stressed-between the wedding, Henry, and everything else, it's a lot to handle. Gabriel stands up immediately, pulling her chair out and kissing her cheeks, that same smooth confidence he always has
I shoot her a smile, but I can see she's reading me, probably worried about me like always. We agreed she wouldn't interfere with Gabriel, but I know she still has her reservations. That's just who she is.
We order some shared food, keeping the conversation light for a bit. I talk about work, aut the wedding. making jokes to keep things easy. But as usual, Winona gets to the serious stuff.
It's like she can't help herself.
"Are you guys all set for Cancun?" Winona asks, her tone casual, but I can see her sizing Gabriel up, watching his every move.
"Sure, we are," Gabriel says smoothly, leaning back in his chair, completely unfazed by her scrutiny. "Mia is joining us, did Cass tell you?"
I 1
Winona nods. "Yeah, I heard."
"Well, Ana and Eva will be there as well. They're heading back to Cuba after that, so they're taking a couple of days with us along the way," he continues.
"I can't wait to spend more time with them," I chime in, trying to keep things upbeat.
"So, they aren't staying in the U.S.?" Winona asks, her eyes narrowing just a bit..
Gabriel shakes his head. "No, they prefer home. They've enjoyed visiting, but Cuba's where their heart is."
Winona nods, but her expression shifts slightly, like she's gearing up for something. "What are intentions, Gabriel? Your plans for the future?"
your
I feel the tension rise, and a flicker of defensiveness sparks in me. It's not that I don't get it-she's protective-but I don't need her interrogating him. Not like this.
Gabriel, though? He doesn't even blink.
I'm
"I'm planning to stay in the U.S. as long as my visa allows," he says calmly, locking eyes with her. waiting on my green card, and I want to invest in a business. Something that can create local jobs, but also give opportunities to immigrants. Help them build a better life here."
Winona crosses her arms, clearly not convinced yet. "That sounds like a big project. I know you have to pledge a lot of money to start that visa process. Are you planning to sell some of your shares to raise the capital?"
Gabriel meets her gaze, unflinching. "I might have to part with some shares, yes. I've had a few offers already."
I jump in quickly, not wanting this conversation to spiral any further.
"Anyway, it's going to be amazing, Cancun," I say with a grin, hoping to lighten the mood. "Sun, beaches, all that. I've got five new swimsuits to try. One for each day. Mia helped me pick them out."
Winona's expression softens a little, and I feel the tension ease up. "Is Mia going back home after the trip?" she asks, changing the subject.
I shake my head. "No, she's staying in the U.S. as long as she can on a tourist visa. After that, she'll figure it out."
Winona gives me a long look, like she's trying to read between the lines, trying to see if I'm hiding. something. But I'm not. I'm done hiding.
I've spent too long keeping parts of myself locked away, thinking I had to be tough, unb kable.
But I don't need to be that girl anymore. I've got my own back, and I've got Gabriel now. He's the first guy who sees me for who I really am and isn't scared off by it.
The rest of the meal is lighter, thank God. We talk about the wedding, about Cancun, about everything and nothing. Winona's still distracted, but I can tell she's trying to be present, trying to trust that I know what I'm doing.. And I do. I've survived worse, and I'It survive whatever comes next.
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2541 Got The
Whether it's with Gabriel, without him, with Winona's approval or without it.
I've got this.
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