Chapter 4

His brows furrowed as he read through the documents. The atmosphere was sharp, and Gabrielle hesitated as she placed the lunchbox she’d brought onto the mahogany desk.

“You haven’t eaten yet, right? Chief Colton asked me to deliver this to you.”

“I’m fine.”

Dominic didn’t even glance at her as he flipped through the papers.

“She insisted I give it to you. If you’re not hungry now, you can eat it later.”

Instead of answering, Dominic waved her toward the door. His gesture was like shooing off a peddler, and Gabrielle’s ears burned with embarrassment as she clenched her teeth and stepped back.

She was called in again about an hour later. When the bell rang, Gabrielle entered the office to find Dominic Moore sitting on the couch. The lunchbox was on the table.

“Um… Is there something you need?”

So he hadn’t forgotten. Relieved, Gabrielle approached as he handed her a disposable spoon.

“Aren’t you hungry?”

“Sorry?”

“Let’s eat together. You probably missed lunch because of me.”

“No, I’m fine.”

Gabrielle shook her head, declining. The lunch wasn’t even meant for her, and since it was only a single serving, she couldn’t shamelessly join in.

“It’s fine, it’s fine.”

Just as she turned to leave, Gabrielle froze.

“Miss Gabrielle, is that phrase a habit of yours? It’s not a very good one.”

“…….”

“You kept saying you were fine that night, too. Even when you were barely able to stand.”

He brought up the night she’d hoped would be forgotten. Gabrielle coughed, as if she’d been struck in the chest.

“About that night… I misspoke. I’m sorry.”

“I didn’t mention it to get an apology.”

Dominic replied firmly, gesturing to the seat opposite him.

“I’m not fine, so sit down.”

His tone made it clear he wouldn’t accept refusal. Gabrielle sighed inwardly and finally sat across from him.

The lunch was a sandwich—stuffed with ham, carrots, eggs, and other fillings, it was just enough to quiet an empty stomach.

Gabrielle quietly watched Dominic eat his sandwich. He looked like someone who’d only ever dined on steak and course meals at fancy restaurants—not someone who would scarf down a sandwich in the office while overworked.

Maybe sensing her gaze, Dominic turned his head mid-bite.

“Is there something on my face?”

“Sorry?”

“You were staring.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“There’s nothing to apologize for.”

Dominic smiled faintly and shook his head. His tidy fingers reached toward Gabrielle, and she stiffened in surprise as he brushed a crumb from her cheek with his index finger.

“Oh.”

Her face flushed with embarrassment, not even sure what she’d been expecting. Dominic looked at her with amusement.

“You say ‘I’m fine’ and ‘I’m sorry’ an awful lot.”

“If it bothers you, I’ll fix it.”

“No need. I just find it amusing.”

There was laughter in his voice. Gabrielle found herself looking at him curiously. At first, he’d seemed like a composed pianist; then cold and mechanical; now, he looked like a mischievous boy.

His expression changed as if covered by a thousand layers of cloth. It was fascinating that one person could have so many faces.

“If you’re done eating, let’s get up. We still have a lot to do.”

“Oh, right. I’ll clean up.”

“Tell Chief Colton I enjoyed it, and also let her know not to send things like this anymore.”

“Do you dislike it?”

She asked cautiously, and he replied simply.

“It’s too much for me.”

* * *

The room she’d hurriedly rented was even older and shabbier than expected, with hardly any sunlight. It was in District 7, known to be the least safe area nearby.

Gabrielle followed the broker into a dark alley. At an old villa, the broker climbed all the way to the top floor.

Creeeak.

The un-oiled, rusty hinges squealed loudly. As soon as the door opened, a musty smell rushed out.

“This is the only place you could get with your money. I had to wrestle with the landlord just to secure it.”

The broker emphasized again, gesturing inside the house. Gabrielle anxiously looked around the place, which felt more like an abandoned house. Being right under the roof, the ceiling slanted, and the floorboards groaned loudly with every step.

“Can someone actually live here? It smells, and I don’t see any neighbors around.”

“The neighbors work at night, so you won’t see them now. You’re old enough to know what that means, right?”

The broker looked Gabrielle up and down, replying coldly.

“The water works fine and the electricity only goes out occasionally, so you’ll manage. You’re not planning to stay here forever—just live here for a few months, save some money, and move out.”

“Well… I suppose.”

It hurt that she had so little money in hand. If she’d been able to save up from her job, she could’ve found a decent room in District 5.

But whenever she tried to save a little, her mother would snatch it away. The money she had now was what she’d managed to hide under shoe insoles or flower pots, bit by bit.

“If you don’t like it, speak up. There are plenty of others looking for rooms besides you, Miss.”

“Ah…”

Gabrielle hesitated, still hoping for a better room, but soon gave up.

“No, I like it here. I’ll take it.”

She had no other option. Even if the place was like this, at least she could get away from her family, who exploited her every day. Gabrielle tried to think positively. If she didn’t, she wouldn’t be able to endure.

The move felt like a getaway, happening on a weekday evening. She didn’t have much to pack, and the cheapest time slot was in the evening. The only silver lining was that she moved a day ahead of the rest of her family. At least she didn’t have to feel abandoned in an empty house.

“Gabby!”

As Gabrielle loaded the last box into the car’s trunk, Sabrina approached. Pretending to be affectionate, she placed a hand on her daughter’s shoulder and spoke.

“Did you find a good room?”

“Do you really care?”

“What?”

“…Never mind.”

Gabrielle almost snapped but held back her anger. Sabrina, thinking she’d misheard, smiled and gave Gabrielle a light hug.

“Eat well… and don’t get involved with any dangerous men.”

“Yes…”

Gabrielle nodded half-heartedly and pulled away from the hug. For the first time, the daughter was the one distancing herself. Surprised by the unfamiliar situation, Sabrina brushed Gabrielle’s hair with a wistful look.

“You don’t think I’m abandoning you, do you, Gabby?”

“…….”

“Oh, come on.”

Sabrina widened her eyes in feigned shock at Gabrielle’s silent affirmation, putting on a wounded expression.

“You’re my only blood, there’s no way I’d do that. If I could, I’d go with you.”

“Really? Then why…”

“It’s hard enough for you, I can’t be a burden. It’s tough for us both to live on your salary.”

“No, if I work weekends, then…”

“More than anything, I love your stepfather.”

With those words, whatever hope Gabrielle had vanished instantly.

“You know how I’ve been miserable ever since my first marriage failed. I deserve to be happy now, don’t you think?”

“…….”

It was the same story as always. Her life had gone off track because she’d had Gabrielle so young. Gabrielle couldn’t argue against being told her very existence was a mistake. Helplessness spread within her.

Satisfied, Sabrina handed Gabrielle a note.

“Deposit your living expenses here, every month. Got it?”

“Whose account is this?”

“It’s your big brother Chris’s.”

Gabrielle wondered if her stepfather and his sister could really be called family. They hadn’t even looked at her on moving day. They were the ones who’d lived off the money she earned, barely eating one meal a day.

“I’m truly sorry, asking for help when you’re moving out.”

Before Gabrielle could think any further, Sabrina squeezed her hand tightly.

“But I have no choice. Chris’s business won’t make money for a while. Just until things are stable. After your rent and living expenses, just this much, okay?”

“…Alright.”

Gabrielle sighed and nodded.

A mover got out of the car, lifting the last trunk and confirming,

“Is this all your stuff?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“We’ve brought up the rest, so take this up yourself.”

“Sorry?”

“Well, goodbye.”

Before she could reply, the mover jumped into the car, started it, and sped away like he was escaping. Gabrielle stared blankly at the car’s rear, blinking in disbelief.

“Everyone said they hate coming here…”

The mover had frowned as soon as she gave the address. Looking around at the bleak, almost eerie surroundings, Gabrielle sighed and struggled to lift the heavy trunk.

As she climbed the stairs, sleep-deprived from worry, her vision spun. She stumbled, missing a step. Before she could even be startled, her body lost balance and tumbled down the stairs. She squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for pain.

“……?”

A large, strong hand wrapped around Gabrielle’s waist from behind and gently set her down on the landing.