Juan Carlos's heart pounded as he walked away from the sight of Gabriella and Gentle King outside her university.
The scene played on repeat in his mind: Gabriella standing there, smiling at the man who Juan knew was dangerous.
His grip on the steering wheel tightened as he sped home, barely registering the passing lights of Behinton Town.
"Why would she be with him?" he muttered under his breath, parking in his driveway with a screech.
Inside, the house was eerily quiet. Teeto was out, and the stillness offered little comfort. Juan collapsed onto the couch, running a hand through his hair.
Gabriella had been a constant presence in his thoughts for months now. To see her with someone like Gentle King brought a storm of emotions he wasn't prepared to face.
He poured himself a drink, the amber liquid swirling in his glass. The memory of their first meeting surfaced unbidden, pulling him back to a simpler, more innocent time.
It was a Friday night, a year ago. After a grueling day at The House of Carlos, Juan had sought solace at The Juggers Pub, a quiet retreat owned by his old friend Albert Moon. Unlike the trendy clubs Teeto often dragged him to, The Juggers Pub offered a place to breathe, to think, and to escape.
Juan had nursed his drink in relative silence, the bar nearly empty except for a few patrons. His thoughts were on the company, the challenges ahead, and the dull ache of loneliness he had grown accustomed to.
Then she walked in.
A sweet, subtle fragrance reached him before he saw her. Turning, his eyes fell on a young woman who carried herself with quiet confidence.
She had long, flowing hair, and her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she approached the bar. She seemed out of place in the modest setting, her presence illuminating the room like a rare gem.
Juan watched, intrigued, as she slid onto the stool beside him. Their eyes met briefly, and she smiled.
"Hi," she said, her voice soft but assured. "You're Juan Carlos, right?"
He froze, caught off guard by the fact that she knew his name. His reputation as CEO of The Fashion House of Carlos didn't often extend beyond the fashion industry, especially to strangers in a bar.
"Yes," he managed after a moment, his curiosity piqued. "And you are?"
"Gabriella Santana," she replied, extending a hand. Her handshake was firm, her smile warm. "It's nice to finally meet you."
"Finally?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
She chuckled. "Let's just say I've heard a lot about you." Her response was cryptic, leaving Juan with more questions than answers.
Before he could press further, Gabriella stood. "It was nice meeting you, Juan. I hope we can talk again soon."
And just like that, she was gone, leaving behind a trail of mystery and the faint scent of her perfume.
Back in the present, Juan shook his head as the memory faded. He had been captivated by her from that moment.
Gabriella had an air of independence that intrigued him, a contrast to the women who often sought his attention for superficial reasons.
But today's encounter with Gentle King disturbed him. Who was Gentle King to her? Was he merely a business acquaintance? Or something more?
Juan drained his glass and stood, determination hardening his features. If there was one thing he knew, it was that Gabriella had become more than just a passing fascination. He needed answers and he wasn't going to stop until he got them.
One year ago, that night, Gabriella Santana couldn't shake the sting of disappointment as she walked away from The Juggers Pub. How could Juan Carlos not remember her?
Their first meeting had been so vivid in her memory, a chance encounter during her first week at the University of Behinton.
She replayed that day in her mind, the image of Juan offering to help her when she was lost on campus. His kindness had left a lasting impression, but now it seemed like it had meant nothing to him.
Sitting at the dining table in her family's villa, Gabriella sighed, fiddling with her glass of water. Maybe he had been distracted, or perhaps she hadn't stood out that day as much as he had to her. But deep down, she felt there was more to it.
The way he looked at her at The Juggers Pub, as if trying to piece together a puzzle, lingered in her thoughts.
Four months earlier, Gabriella's first day at the university had been a whirlwind of excitement and nerves.
Her father's driver had dropped her off at the wrong gate, leaving her clutching a campus map she couldn't decipher.
Frustrated and overwhelmed, she wandered aimlessly until a car slowed to a stop beside her.
"Excuse me, Miss, do you need any help?" a warm voice called out.
Gabriella turned to see a well-dressed man stepping out of the car. His confident demeanor and kind smile immediately put her at ease. "Yes, I'm trying to find the business management department, but I'm completely lost," she admitted.
"That happens to a lot of new students," he said with a chuckle. "I'm Juan Carlos. That was my department when I was here. I can show you the way."
Relief washed over her as she followed him. The short walk was filled with polite conversation, and when they arrived at her destination, she couldn't help but smile at his kindness.
"Thank you so much for your help," she said, extending her hand. "I'm Gabriella Santana."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Gabriella," he replied warmly before turning to leave.
That brief interaction had left Gabriella enchanted. Over the next few months, she often found herself wondering about the charming stranger who had come to her rescue.
She tried searching online but found little about him beyond his role as CEO of The Fashion House of Carlos. His low-profile lifestyle only added to his allure.
At The Juggers Pub, Gabriella had been excited to see him again, though it was completely unexpected. She had confidently walked up to him, introduced herself, and watched his face shift from confusion to curiosity. But when he failed to remember her, it stung more than she cared to admit.
Juan, on the other hand, was equally perplexed as he left the pub that night. The beautiful stranger who knew his name had sparked something in him, a sense of familiarity he couldn't quite place.
Lying in bed, he racked his brain, trying to recall where he might have met her before, but his mind came up blank.
The next morning, Juan sat at the breakfast table, distracted. Teeto, his best friend and housemate, noticed his preoccupied state.
"You seem off, man. What's on your mind?" Teeto asked, taking a sip of his coffee.
Juan sighed, rubbing his temple. "I met a girl last night. Her name's Gabriella. She seemed to know me, but I can't remember where I've seen her before."
Teeto raised an eyebrow. "Gabriella, huh? She must've made an impression if you're still thinking about her. Why don't you ask around? Someone might know her."
Juan nodded. "That's not a bad idea. Thanks, Teeto."
Determined to solve the mystery, Juan spent the next few days discreetly asking friends and acquaintances if they knew Gabriella.
He even visited The Juggers Pub again, asking Albert if she was a regular, but came up empty-handed.
Finally, a week later, a call from an old classmate at the University of Behinton gave him the lead he needed.
"There's a freshman in the business management department named Gabriella Santana. She's been asking about you, too," his friend revealed.
Juan's heart raced. The name brought back a flood of memories helping a lost girl on campus, her warm smile as she introduced herself. He couldn't believe he hadn't connected the dots sooner.
Excited but nervous, he immediately called Teeto to share the news. "She's the girl I helped at the university a few months back. Gabriella Santana. And get this, she's related to the Santana Group of Companies."
Teeto whistled. "That's a big name. You better tread carefully, man. Her family's no joke."
Juan knew Teeto was right. The Santana Group was a powerhouse, and Gabriella's father, George Santana, had a reputation for being protective of his daughter. But Juan couldn't let that deter him. He felt a pull toward Gabriella that he couldn't ignore.
That afternoon, Juan decided to take matters into his own hands. He drove to the university and parked near the business management department, waiting patiently.
After about half an hour, he spotted Gabriella walking down the stairs with her friends. His heart pounded as he approached her casually.
"Mr. Carlos?" she said, surprised to see him.
He smiled. "Yes, Gabriella Santana. I remembered your name."
Her face lit up, and Juan handed her his business card. "Feel free to call or text me anytime," he said before walking away, leaving her stunned.
That night, as Gabriella lay in bed, she couldn't stop thinking about the unexpected encounter. Destiny had brought them together again, and this time, she was determined not to let the opportunity slip away.
Juan Carlos hadn't felt this way about any woman before. Though he had been in several relationships, what he felt for Gabriella Santana was different, special.
The previous evening, after their brief encounter, he had anxiously awaited a call or even a simple text from her, but none came. He paced restlessly from the dining room to the living room, his mind swirling with what-ifs.
Regretting not having asked for her number, he tried to push the thought aside.
Finally, he went to bed, telling himself that he had done his part. If Gabriella was interested, she would reach out. It was now in her hands. Maybe she was just curious about him, or perhaps, there was something more. His thoughts lingered as he drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, his phone buzzed, and he woke to a message from Gabriella.
His heart raced as he opened it. It read: "Good morning, Mr. Carlos. This is my personal phone number. I hope to hear from you soon. Love, Gabriella."
Juan's smile widened, his heart fluttering at her words. It was simple but meaningful. She had taken the first step. With renewed energy, he jumped out of bed, got dressed, and went about his morning routine. Teeto, as usual, had already left for the gym.
After a quick breakfast of a sandwich and coffee, Juan called his driver and asked him to take the day off. He was feeling unusually lighthearted. Arriving at work, he was greeted by his staff, who noticed the noticeable bounce in his step.
Whispers floated around the office, with colleagues speculating on the source of their boss's happiness. Vina, his legal adviser and cousin, overheard the chatter. She cleared her throat loudly, making the office go quiet.
The staff returned to their tasks quickly, knowing Vina wouldn't entertain any gossip.
Vina approached him with a knowing smile. "Good morning, Juan. You seem unusually happy today. Care to share the good news?"
Juan chuckled, his smile still wide. "Let's just say I received some good news this morning," he said, his eyes sparkling.
Vina's smile deepened. "I'm glad to hear that. Whatever it is, keep that energy up. It's contagious."
The day went by with Juan still buzzing from Gabriella's message. He couldn't wait to speak to her and see where their connection would go. But he knew better than to rush things. He had learned that relationships, even the most promising ones, needed time to grow.
So, he decided to play it cool. After reviewing some paperwork and checking in with his team, he sat down and composed a thoughtful text to Gabriella:
"Good morning, Gabriella. Thank you for sending me your number. It was wonderful meeting you again. I look forward to getting to know you better. Have a great day! – Juan."
He pressed send, his heart racing in anticipation. Then, with a sigh, he returned to his work, trying to focus on the tasks at hand.
His phone buzzed again. This time, it was Gabriella's reply: "Hi, Juan. I don't mind at all. I'm currently in class, but I'll make sure to chat with you later in the evening."
Juan smiled, the relief flooding over him. Her response was so warm, and he couldn't help but feel more connected to her, even through these brief exchanges. He knew he would see where this would lead when they had more time to talk later.
Around 4 p.m., just as Juan was wrapping up his work for the day, his father, Mr. Sebastian Carlos, called.
"Hey, son! I just wanted to let you know I'll be back from my travels this weekend."
Juan felt a rush of happiness. Despite his father's retirement, Mr. Sebastian still made regular trips to Behinton Town. Their bond had remained strong despite his father's frequent travels.
"That's great news, Dad! I've missed you."
"I've missed you too, son," Mr. Sebastian said warmly. "Clear your schedule for the weekend. I've got something special planned for us, some father and son time on a yacht."
The excitement in Juan's chest grew. Their father son weekends were always something he looked forward to. Ever since his mother remarried when he was 14, his father had devoted all his attention to Juan, and their relationship was unshakable.
"Sounds like a perfect plan, Dad," Juan said, his voice full of enthusiasm.
Later that evening, after dinner, Juan texted Gabriella again. He couldn't help himself, he wanted to know how her day had gone.
"Hi Gabriella, how was your day? I hope it wasn't too stressful."
He waited, but the minutes ticked by without a response. After 40 minutes, Juan started second-guessing himself. He had sent the message too soon. What if he had been too eager?
Just as his nerves began to get the better of him, his phone rang. It was Gabriella calling him on WhatsApp. His heart skipped a beat as he answered.
"Hi, Juan," Gabriella's voice came through, warm and friendly.
"Hi, Gabriella," he replied, his voice unsteady. "I wasn't expecting your call this late."
"I'm sorry about that," she said. "I just finished studying and saw your message. I thought it would be nice to chat instead."
They spoke for a while, mostly about her studies and how she was gearing up for exams the following day. Juan listened closely, offering encouraging words. He made sure she didn't feel too stressed, reminding her that it was okay to take things one step at a time.
"Thank you, Juan," Gabriella said softly. "Your words really mean a lot to me."
"Anytime, Gabriella. Goodnight, and good luck tomorrow," he replied, his voice sincere.
They ended the call with promises to talk again soon. Juan felt content as he settled into bed, excited for what was to come.
The next morning, Teeto knocked on Juan's door, an inquisitive look on his face.
"Juan, you up?" he called out, knocking again.
Juan opened the door, his mood lighter than usual. "Hey, Teeto. Come on in."
Teeto eyed him carefully. "You look like you've got something to share."
Juan grinned, unable to hide his excitement. "You won't believe who called me last night."
"Who?" Teeto asked, intrigued.
"Gabriella," Juan replied with a grin.
Teeto raised an eyebrow. "Gabriella Santana? The one from the bar?"
"Yeah, that's the one," Juan confirmed, recounting the details of their conversation.
Teeto listened intently, nodding in all the right places. When Juan finished, Teeto leaned back and let out a chuckle. "Sounds like you're smitten, man."
Juan rubbed his neck, a little shy. "Maybe I am, but it feels different. There's something about her that I can't quite shake off."
Teeto nodded knowingly. "Take it slow, man. You've got time. And if it's meant to be, it'll happen."
Juan smiled, feeling reassured by his friend's words. "Thanks, Teeto. I needed that."
After breakfast, the two parted ways. Juan headed to work, where his assistant Paul was already waiting for him.
"Good morning, Mr. Carlos. The event planners are waiting for you in the conference room," Paul said, handing him a few documents.
Juan nodded and headed to the meeting. The private fashion show was fast approaching, and he needed everything to go smoothly.
As he walked into the conference room, the event planning team greeted him. Juan got down to business, discussing venue setups, lighting, and themes.
His mind, however, kept drifting back to Gabriella. But he knew he couldn't let his personal life interfere with his responsibilities.
The meeting wrapped up with a solid plan in place. Juan stood, his confidence returning. "Great work, everyone. Let's make this show unforgettable."
As he left the meeting, Paul approached him again, this time with a concerned look. "Mr. Carlos, there's an issue with the guest list. Some of the most important clients haven't confirmed yet."
Juan sighed. "Get me their contact details. I'll handle it."
And so, he spent the next few hours on the phone with clients, making sure to secure the most influential attendees for the show. By the time he finished, he was exhausted. But the work was far from over.
Just as he was about to call it a night, he checked his phone again and saw a message from Gabriella: "Hi Juan, I just finished studying and wanted to say thank you for your good luck wishes. It really means a lot. Hope your day went well."
A smile spread across Juan's face as he read her message. He quickly typed a response: "Glad to hear from you, Gabriella. My day was busy but productive. How are you feeling about your exams?"
They exchanged a few more messages, and Juan felt that same spark of connection with her. As they wrapped up their conversation, he felt lighter and more determined.
With everything still weighing on his mind, the fashion show, his growing feelings for Gabriella, Juan knew that the road ahead wouldn't be easy. But he was ready to take it one step at a time. And with that, he called it a night, eager for whatever the next day would bring.