Chapter 19
Gabriella woke naturally at ten, stretching luxuriously. “Mmm… not working feels amazing.”
After her morning routine, she headed downstairs for breakfast.
Rosa had prepared enough for two.
Gabriella glanced at the empty seat across from her, saying nothing.
“Miss Rodriguez, will Mr. Ashcroft be joining for breakfast?” Rosa asked hesitantly.
“He didn’t come home last night,” Gabriella replied between sips of coffee. “So no.”
“Oh.” Rosa retreated to the kitchen, knowing she’d overstepped.
After breakfast, Gabriella got a message from Asher.
[Thoughts on engagement gala attire? Custom or designer ready–to–wear?]
Was there even time for custom?
Come to think of it, she didn’t know the engagement date.
[When’s the gala?]
Asher: [Not set yet. Waiting to see when you’re back in London?]
Gabriella: [Nine more days here.]
Asher: [Perfect.]
Worried about custom timing, she replied: [Let’s go with designer. I’ll look at collections.]
Asher: [Let me know what you choose.]
As she was about to close WhatsApp, Drake’s chat notification appeared.
It was a video.
In a dimly lit private room at some club, a drunk Drake was leaning into Sienna’s embrace, mumbling, “Sienna, you’re finally back… I knew you’d come back… I waited five years…”
The background was noisy with their friends‘ voices–Drake’s usual crowd and Celine among them.
All people she knew.
In the video, Sienna held Drake, smiling down at him. “Drake, you’re drunk.”
Not Your Backd
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Drake muzzled closer. “I’m not.. I’m perfectly clear… You’re Sienna, the love of my life… See? I know exactly what
I’m saying…”
Someone off camera: “Drake, if Sienna’s the love of your life, what about Gabriella?”
Drake: “Who’s Gabriella? 1 only… only love Sienna…”
“Looks like you’re the only one for him,” Celine’s voice carried clearly, “Look how he clings to you when he’s drunk.
You’re all he sees.”
Gabriella’s lips curved in derision.
Three years with Drake, and she’d never heard them call her anything but “the girlfriend.”
No surprise there. They’d never considered her Drake’s real partner.
“Why can’t Gabriella take a hint? Sienna’s back and she’s still hanging around. Zero self–awareness.” That was. Celine’s friend, the same one who’d called her necklace fake. She’d always looked down on Gabriella.
Celine chimed in: “Girls like her don’t let go of trust fund babies easily.”
Gabriella’s eyes lowered, a cold
ile playing c
lips. Celine would never say this to her face.
Now she knew for sure–that look of disdain at the birthday party hadn’t been her imagination.
Celine’s friendly act was just that: an act. Like the others, she saw Gabriella as beneath them.
“Sienna, we’re all on your side.”
“God, yes. We never liked her. She needs to understand her place, trying to force her way into our circle.”
“She’s probably read too many romance novels about the billionaire falling for the commoner. She’s a joke and doesn’t even know it.”
“Exactly! She’s not our class. Drake was just slumming it. Now that Sienna’s back, Gabriella needs to go.”
Gabriella felt nothing.
She knew Sienna had sent this video both to mark her territory and to humiGabbyte Gabriella into leaving Drake.
That was exactly Sienna’s plan.
She’d imagined Gabriella watching it and breaking down, running home in tears after breaking up with Drake.
She couldn’t have known their words held no power over Gabriella.
As Drake continued sweet–talking Sienna in the video, Gabriella felt nauseated and closed it.
She typed out a message.
[You’re right. We’re not the same class.]
Sorry My Sten–Uncle. I’m Not Your Backup Plan
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Using Drake’s WhatsApp, Sienna quickly replied.
(Glad you finally understand.j
Gabriella scoffed. Ashcroft Capital’s business was pocket change–any single subsidiary of her family’s company
was worth more.
The Ashcrofts‘ annual profits wouldn’t cover one of her father’s casual investments.
The Rodriguez had been British aristocracy for four generations, now among Britain’s wealthiest families. She and Drake’s nouveau riche crowd truly weren’t in the same league.
None of them had any idea her ” Rodriguez” was the same ” Rodriguez” as Randolph Rodriguez, her father.
The incident couldn’t spoil her mood.
On her rare day off, she lounged at home, browsing luxury fashion sites for engagement gala dresses.
She narrowed it down to three, but couldn’t decide.
The first was a modern take on traditional design–champagne silk with pale pink embroidery and pearl details cascading from shoulder to back, perfect for a young socialite.
The second was a moonlight white mermaid gown with rose detailing at the bodice, sophisticated and elegant.
The third was an off–shoulder ivory ballgown with scattered crimson rose petals on tulle overlay, romantic and graceful.
She posted the three on Instagram with the caption: “Help your girl choose!? Which one’s giving main character energy for the perfect night? #fashiondilemma #needadvice #cantdecide?”
Within minutes, likes and comments flooded in.
Asher: “All three are absolutely stunning? Get them all if you love them x”
Her childhood friend Victoria chimed in.
–
Victoria: “Bestie your taste is GOD TIER? Let Asher spoil you get the whole collection! #richboyfriend #treatyourself
Her other friend Charlotte: “Our princess is about to serve LOOKS? Slaying in any of these tbh #queensthings”
Katie: “OMGGGG BOSS!? Is this what I think it is?!! Drop the deets – are we hearing wedding bells?!?”
Among the warm wishes from friends and family, a few comments stood out.
Celine: [….]
Mason: [Gabriella, are you…]
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Chase: [Seriously? Dream on lol]
Coworker A: [Maybe check the prices before flexing? You can’t even rent these…]
Coworker B: [Must be nice having money to burn.]
Drake: [?]
Gabriella raised an eyebrow. Seems Drake had sobered up.
Sure enough, his message came through.
[Delete that post. Now.]
Gabriella: [No.]
Drake: [Still pushing for marriage? Did nothing I said get through to you?]
Gabriella: [Hm.]
Drake: [Gabriella, enough.]
She didn’t bother responding.
