Lock You In My Heart novel Chapter 351

Wendy fiddled with her fingers; she was a bundle of nerves. She couldn't stay still because of anxiety. She wished that Westley would help her find Bryce right away, but she didn't have it in her to push Westley too far. He was, after all, a scary and intimidating man.

As for Gabrielle, she had little say in the matter. That was why Wendy decided not to rush Westley. Still, she couldn't stop her restlessness.

Westley already promised to look for Bryce, but if they continued pressuring him, Gabrielle might end up paying the price.

Wendy was at a loss. She hated not being able to do something. And now, the only person she could count on was Gabrielle—Wendy's only connection to Westley. Wendy pinned all her hopes of finding Bryce on her foster daughter.

It was a rather uninteresting lunch for the pair. After which, Wendy suggested keeping Gabrielle company on her way to the studio. "Gabrielle, is it okay if I walk you there? Don't worry, I won't go inside. Your workmates will not notice me, I promise."

"It's alright, Mom. I can go back by myself. By the way, about Bryce, I'll keep an eye on Westley. But I don't want you having false hopes, though." Gabrielle put her hand over Wendy's, a subtle reminder to stay calm and not be too anxious. They left the task to Westley, after all. The only thing they could do now was wait. How Westley decided to accomplish it was up to him—even Gabrielle shouldn't interfere.

Others might not have the faintest idea as to what kind of person Westley was, but Gabrielle did.

"You know it, Gabrielle. Your brother is still missing. As his mother, I can't help but worry about him every minute of every day. He's out there somewhere, and we don't even know if he's in danger or if he needs help." Wendy couldn't contain her feelings any longer. She knew that any mother would understand and sympathize with her. She couldn't even begin to describe the raw fear she felt each morning.

Gabrielle understood Wendy, but she didn't want to show any sympathy towards her. Gabrielle just stared at Wendy and didn't console her.

It was hard to feel sorry for Wendy. If only the older woman had called Bryce back at the beginning, she could've prevented so many things from happening.

It was Wendy's fault whether she admitted it or not. She had no right to pin the blame on Gabrielle or anyone else.

The tables had turned. Wendy probably never thought that she would one day come to ask Gabrielle for help. Wendy wouldn't have done it if she wasn't desperate enough.

"Okay, Mom. I'm going back to work. You should go home earlier, too. It's a little cold outside." Without so much as a hug or kiss, Gabrielle left and walked towards the studio.

Wendy watched Gabrielle walk away without any hesitation, and she realized that Gabrielle had changed a lot. She was no longer the pushover girl who would always do what she asked without questions.

Wendy didn't know whether she made a mistake in allowing Westley to marry Gabrielle. But, she should stop dwelling on it. At that time, Wendy was left with no choice but to use Gabrielle as their shield.

Gabrielle was in a sour mood all afternoon. Everywhere she looked, she was bound to find something that irritated her. She couldn't focus on her work. When Westley came to pick her up, he quickly noticed that she was upset.

"What's wrong? You look so tired. I think it'll be okay not to attend Micheal's birthday. It's pointless anyway." Westley didn't hide the fact that he didn't want Gabrielle to celebrate Micheal's birthday with him. It didn't sit right with Westley that Gabrielle would be dining with someone he thoroughly disliked.

The man had a crush on Gabrielle—anyone within five meters would notice that. Micheal wasn't exactly a rival, but he was potentially one, which made Westley jealous.

"You will be more than happy if I don't show up at his birthday, won't you?" Gabrielle raised her brow and gave him a smirk.

She wasn't angry. In fact, she knew from the very beginning that Westley wasn't the least bit interested in attending Micheal's birthday dinner.

What surprised her was that Westley changed his mind this morning and told her that he would go to the party with her. Then again, Gabrielle wasn't in the mood to socialize, so Westley would definitely drive her straight home instead of Micheal's place. Somehow, things turned out in Westley's favor. It was as good excuse as any.

If someone asked why they couldn't make it, Westley would easily say that it was because Gabrielle wasn't feeling well.

What a shrewd man! Westley always knew how to take advantage of situations.

"Well, I just don't want you to celebrate another man's birthday," Westley answered frankly. He didn't relish the idea of Micheal staring goggle-eyed at Gabrielle.

Gabrielle hadn't even celebrated Westley's birthday yet, so there was no way he would let others get that honor first.

Westley knew Micheal's birthday was a few days ahead of his, but it would make him unhappy if Gabrielle attended it.

In line with that thought, Westley realized that his own birthday was just around the corner, and he wondered if Gabrielle knew.

If she did, how come she didn't mention it or act like she was excited to celebrate? 'Wait. Does my own wife even know my birthday?

If she didn't, should I give her a hint or something? Like maybe casually mention a dinner date?'

Westley pressed his fingers over his eyes. He didn't like celebrating his birthday ever since he was a child. And after Helena's death, he lost any and all interest he had left. What's worse, his birthday was the exact day she died.

He didn't have the courage to celebrate even once in the past five years. Westley just didn't see the point anymore.

Surprisingly, however, he was actually looking forward to it this time. He stole a peek at Gabrielle. It was because of her. He wanted to celebrate because his wife made him see things a little differently.

"I'm not allowed to go to another man's birthday party except yours. Is that what you mean? Am I understanding it correctly?" Gabrielle blurted out without thinking. She realized her mistake almost the same moment the words left her mouth.

Westley was momentarily stunned, and his face darkened with anger. He was thinking of good thoughts just a while ago, and now, she quashed it all so easily. "Don't you want to celebrate mine?"

"Do you?" Gabrielle tried to keep a straight face. She pretended that she didn't know when his birthday was. Meanwhile, she felt him stiffen beside her.

"No, I don't." Westley's tone was calm, but rage burned hot in his veins. It was going to be the first time in a long time that he planned to celebrate his birthday, but Gabrielle didn't even care.

Gabrielle felt a little disappointed. She assumed that he didn't want to celebrate because of that woman. It was like a stab to her heart.

In that case, she wasn't going to say a word about throwing a party for him. It might only make him sad because the woman wouldn't be there.

"You know what, I understand your feelings. There are people who aren't fond of celebrating their birthdays. I mean, there's nothing really that special about it—it's just the day when one grows a year older." Gabrielle shrugged and looked down. She was crestfallen because she was looking forward to celebrating with Westley.

Westley quietly stared at her. In his view, Gabrielle just said that she didn't like celebrating birthdays. Westley thought that the reason wasn't about getting older but because she probably didn't know when her actual birthday was.

As for Gabrielle, her birthday was the day her biological parents abandoned her. She wasn't bitter anymore, but she didn't think the date was special or worth remembering.

"Who cares about age? That's just a natural thing. We all grow older," Westley said indifferently, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel.

Gabrielle felt a bit awkward as the silence between them stretched on. She suddenly looked up when she found a change in topic. "I... Let's go to the mall and buy a gift for Micheal."

She remembered that she hadn't prepared a gift for him yet. Whether she showed up at the party or not, it was common courtesy to give him something on his birthday.

Westley didn't say anything but turned to her. His eyes were filled with passion... and something else. His gaze never wavered, as if he was trying to see into her deepest and darkest corners. Gabrielle subconsciously bit her lip, and Westley's eyes followed. She swallowed hard.

"Westley, what... What are you doing?"

"Seat belt, just buckle up." Westley's face lit up with amusement as he watched her cheeks burn red, and she hastily looked away.

Gabrielle blushed so easily, and Westley loved it. He liked the way her body reacted to him. She could lie to him and tell him he didn't affect her like that, but her body would send a different message.

A woman always felt shy around the man she liked. That was the only explanation, and it made Westley so happy that he couldn't stop grinning like an idiot.

Even if she didn't say the words, Westley was sure of Gabrielle's emotional attachment towards him. It delighted him, and he felt like the whole world was his.