N nced at the invitation in Gabriel’s hand. She hadn’t bought a birthday gift yet, so attending the jewelry auction could be a nice alternative.


    However, she didn’t want to feel obligated to him.


    “No, thanks. I’m not interested,” she declined.


    Gabriel looked a bit helpless. “N, are you still upset about what happened with your dad?”


    N met his gaze calmly. “This is between me and him. It has nothing to do with you.”


    Gabriel seemed hurt by her response. “But we’re family!”


    “To your mom, I’ve never been considered part of the family. In her eyes, the three of you are the family,” N retorted.


    “She’s her, and I’m me! To me, you are family,” Gabriel insisted, his expression earnest and passionate.


    N paused before replying, “But we’re not destined to be a family.‘


    The hallway fell into a heavy silence, their breathing the only sound breaking it.


    Gabriel’s emotions flickered in his eyes. He seemed on the verge of saying something but thenposed himself.


    As if nothing had happened, he looked down and said, “I know you don’t want any contact with me. I’ll give the invitation to Melody. If you’re interested, you can go with her.”


    He then walked past her and left.


    The next morning, as soon as N entered theb, Melody approached her.


    “N, your brother gave me two tickets to a jewelry auction this morning. Do you want to go with me?” Melody asked.


    N was surprised that Gabriel had actually done that. She shook her head. “No, I have other ns.”


    “I haven’t even told you the date yet. How do you know you have ns? You don’t want to go with me, do you?” Melody pouted, clearly disappointed.


    “No. It’s just that you could use this opportunity to get closer to him. Don’t you want to pursue him?” N asked.


    “I do…” Melody murmured.


    Conflict shed in her eyes. Gabriel had mentioned earlier that morning that N was feeling down and suggested she take N to the auction to cheer her up.


    “But I still want to go with you. Men don’t understand things like jewelry. Pleasee with me!” Melody pleaded.


    N hesitated but ultimately refused, “Melody, let him apany you. I really don’t want to go.”


    ||


    Seeing her firm stance, Melody knew she wouldn’t change her mind. What N had decided wouldn’t change because of others.


    “Okay, then,” Melody relented.


    Chapter Say


    25 Bonus


    At lunch, Melody told Gabriel about the situation. “Gabriel, she doesn’t want to go. Maybe you could join me instead?”


    Gabriel was aware of Melody cautiously testing the waters. He lowered his eyes, his handsome profile cold.


    After a few seconds, he declined with a smile, “No, thank you. I’m not interested in jewelry. You can invite other friends.”


    Melody bit her lip, about to muster the courage to invite him again, but he stood up, carrying his tray.


    “I’m done eating. Enjoy your meal,” Gabriel said.


    Without waiting for Melody’s reaction, he turned and left.


    Gabriel returned to his office with a cold expression and sat at his desk, pondering how to get N to stop resisting him so much. After all, if their rtionship remained this strained, his feelings for her would remain buried forever.


    After a while of contemtion, he came up with an idea.


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    Cede


    <strong>Cede</strong> is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a ir for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cede’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.