Christopher came downstairs after taking a refreshing shower, his mind still burdened with thoughts that refused to dissipate. As he settled at the dining table, Mary, the household staff, had impeccably prepared his breakfast, presenting it before him with precision. However, he found himself unable to eat, lost in his own thoughts.
Breaking the silence, Christopher's voice cut through the air, "Where is Gabriella?"
Mary, taken aback by his sudden inquiry, responded, "She is in her bedroom, sir."
"Please, let her join me for breakfast now. I need to talk with her," Christopher requested, his tone indicating a sense of urgency.
Immediately, Mary went to fetch Gabriella, who had no intentions of venturing downstairs. She had completed her morning routine, clad in one of Mary's dresses as it was the only presentable option available to her. Although it felt relieving to be out of her confined room, fear still gripped her. Since the signing of the marriage contract, she hadn't seen Christopher, her husband by law. In her mind, he was nothing short of a demon, a figure of fear and uncertainty.
Taking a deep breath and mustering her courage, Gabriella made her way into the dining room. Christopher commanded her to sit, and Mary served her plate with the untouched meal. Tension hung in the air as the room grew heavy with anticipation.
"My family wants to meet with you tonight for dinner. Do you have something suitable to wear?" Christopher spoke, his voice betraying a sense of authority.
"I do not wish to meet your family, Mr. Gonzalez," Gabriella responded, her voice filled with defiance.
"It was never a multiple choice question, Gabriella Thompson. It was an order that you will obey," Christopher retorted firmly, his words leaving no room for negotiation.
Gabriella, in a moment of raw honesty, admitted, "Well, I didn't have the privilege of packing clothes while coming here. Therefore, I have nothing but a maid's uniform to wear."
For the first time that morning, Christopher's gaze met Gabriella's. He took notice of her appearance, indeed dressed in a maid's uniform. His expression remained stoic as he processed the information.
"Noted. I will have a dress delivered here before my return from work. Be ready by then because we will leave immediately," Christopher stated matter-of-factly, his tone brooking no further argument.
At that moment, Christopher dropped his fork, only having eaten half of his meal, while Gabriella's plate remained untouched. With a final directive, he left the house for work, leaving Gabriella to her own thoughts.
As the door closed behind Christopher, Gabriella's uneasiness began to subside. The weight of his presence lifted momentarily, allowing her to finally eat her breakfast in peace. However, the looming anticipation of meeting Christopher's family still hung in the air, casting a shadow over her newfound calmness.