Chapter 27
When Emma returned to the Dyer residence that evening, the pressure weighing on her had only grown. Stepping through the door, she found Velma bustling around the house.
The maids were in the kitchen preparing dinner while Velma stood in front of a mirror as she tried on different outfits.
When she saw Emma, Velma’s eyes lit up. “Come help me pick out the best outfit.”
Emma walked over and pointed at one without much thought. “Mom, I’m just bringing him over to meet you. There’s no need to go all out.”
But Velma wasn’t convinced. Ever since Emma had come to Steistan, she had barely spoken, and more than once, Velma had caught her crying in the middle of the night. If she hadn’t been hurt back home, Velma knew Emma would never have left the country.
For years, Emma had followed Frank like a shadow and trailed him every step of the way. She had even joined Castro Group right after graduation without hesitation and worked there for several years.
“How could I not take this seriously?” Velma said. “If things work out between you two, I’m hoping you’ll be engaged soon.”
Emma scratched her nose and smiled awkwardly.
No matter how much Velma pushed for marriage, Emma had already planned ahead. If it came down to it, she could even present a completely authentic marriage certificate.
Soon, the doorbell rang.
A maid hurried to open the door. The next moment, Gabriel stepped inside with his hands full of heavy gifts.
Both Emma and Velma instinctively turned to look.
Dressed in a sharp suit, his handsome face radiated elegance and calm. It wasn’t just Velma who was stunned by his tall, commanding presence–Emma found herself catching her breath. Was he really going all in on this charade?
Velma nudged Emma’s arm and snapped her out of her daze. “Emma, is this your boyfriend?”
Emma’s lips parted slightly before she quickly stepped forward to his side. Her mind went blank, and before she could stop herself, she murmured, “Is all this really necessary? We’re just… pretending. You don’t have to take it this far.”
Gabriel, however, remained composed. His deep, magnetic voice carried no hesitation. “If we’re faking it, we should go all the way. It’ll keep us from getting caught later.”
She let out a soft hum of acknowledgment and instinctively reached for the gifts in his hands.
But he was already striding toward Velma with effortless ease, and his composed expression never wavered. Every movement, from the tilt of his head to the way he carried himself, showed the quiet refinement of a man raised in privilege.
“Hello, Mrs. Dyer. I’m Gabriel Castro.”
Velma took one look at the strikingly handsome man in front of her. She couldn’t help but glance at Emma as she silently praised Emma’s good taste.
She immediately pulled Gabriel toward the couch. “Gabriel, what a lovely name. When did you and my daughter start dating? She’s been so sneaky about it. She didn’t even tell me.” Emma noticed Velma’s excitement and quickly gave Gabriel a warning look to ensure he wouldn’t slip up.
However, Velma had already noticed her daughter’s not–so–subtle movements. Without missing a beat, she said, “Since he’s here, why don’t you head to the kitchen and bring out some fruits?”
Emma’s eyelashes fluttered
She was being sent away so her mother could talk to Gabriel alone? What if the plan fell apart?
But when she met his gaze, he reassured her without a word.
Despite how quickly their relationship had progressed, Emma soon realized that Gabriel was surprisingly dependable. He answered Velma’s questions with ease and won her over in no time, making her lower her guard.
A man this handsome and well–mannered… Who wouldn’t like him?
By the time Emma’s father, Darren, got home, she realized she had no chance to intervene. Velma had already taken Gabriel by the arm and led him straight to Darren.
“Honey, look. This is Gabriel, Emma’s boyfriend. Don’t they make such a perfect pair?” Gabriel extended a hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet
