Chapter 13: Fight My Battles
Kyle: [I'll pick you up at six in the evening.]
At one in the afternoon, Gabrielle received a text from Kyle. She had just taken her lunch and how she had to worry about what to wear.
She was about to head to her room when she heard the doorbell rang. When she opened it, she was stunned to see the same front desk supervisor at the door. "Miss Taylor, Mr. Wright had asked to give you this package." There was a teasing grin on Alex's face that Gabrielle gawked at the huge box she was holding.
"What's this?" Gabrielle asked.
Alex raised both her shoulders, suggesting she had no idea. "Beats me! It was the family driver who left it at the front desk."
Gabrielle accepted the sizable box in her arms and carried it to the living room. She saw the note, and it read:
[Since I invited you for dinner, it's my responsibility to give you something to wear. Kyle.]
Her eyes widened and her lips pursed while reading the note. She immediately opened the box and saw a baby blue dress, carefully folded.
She pulled it up and wondered, "Wow, how did he know my size?"
It was an off-shoulder and ruffled dress that flowed down to her knees. It was simple, but the brand caught her attention! The dress was made by a famous designer in the city. It looked elegant, and the material was clearly of excellent quality.
Just when she thought there was nothing else, she saw underneath; another box, containing a pair of shoes.
"Wow! So Beautiful!" Gabrielle wound up having a new pair of charming high heels, fixed with Swarovski crystals! When she tried it on, it was a perfect fit! She could only shake her head and said, "Wow, this guy is amazing."
"Wait, did I put on my shoe size somewhere in my resume?" She did not think so, but she sure would like to ask Kyle later on.
Six in the evening came, and Gabrielle found herself standing at the hotel entrance, ready to be picked up. She had light makeup on and her hair was tied behind her back with a few strands falling down her gorgeous face.
Her dress hugged her beautifully, that she looked divine with just one glimpse. The hotel staff could not help but appreciate her glow that evening, giving glances at her exquisite frame. When a black luxury car pulled up in front of her, she immediately recognized the driver. It was Hank. Her eyes shifted to the back seat as Hank got out and opened the door for her. Entering the vehicle, Gabrielle smiled at Kyle and greeted, "Good evening. Thank you for the dress."
Kyle was closing his laptop and putting it aside when she spoke. He smoothly turned to her and answered, "You are welcome. It looks good on you."
"How did you know my size? And the shoes?" She asked, looking at Kyle's athletic face.
"You seemed to be the same size as my sister." Kyle looked down and saw how the shoes fit her well, too. He said, "I just have a good hunch."
Gabrielle giggled lightly and claimed, "Wow, your hunch was really good! But, I can't possibly take this for free. You can deduct these from my salary."
"No, Gaby. Those are only cents for me. Consider those as a welcome gift from me," Kyle answered as he looked her straight in the eye. "It's a bribe for your loyalty and commitment." Gabrielle was stunned at that. She had never had such generosity before. In response, she bit her lip and flickered her eyes repeatedly before finally saying, "Thank you, Kyle."
The rest of their car ride continued, with Kyle getting to know Gabrielle on a different level.
While Mark had given him a good amount of research about her present life, including her back-stabbing ex, there was so much more that he needed to know.
Gabrielle was completely orphaned at a young age. Her father died when she was just eleven years old and her mother passed away when she was just sixteen years old. Her aunt took care of her up until she turned eighteen.
From her tale, Kyle learned of how her aunt, Cassandra Taylor, had abandoned her when she turned eighteen, leaving her to fend for herself after claiming her parent's house and other properties.
"Didn't your mother left a will?" Kyle asked, knitting his brows at Gabrielle's narrative. "What kind of aunt does that to her own niece?"
Gabrielle shrugged and responded, "According to my aunt, they had an agreement with my mother that the properties will be as payment for all the expenses in raising me."
With a sigh, she explained, "I don't really know. I saw the document, but I did not understand it, nor could I fight it. Back then, I was still young."
"So you mean to say, the house that your parents owned, including the car and the belongings, all totaled up to paying your tuition, food, and other expenses in just a matter of two years?" Kyle sarcastically asked.
"That's what she said," Gabrielle answered, frowning while she said it. "But I know it was still not right. However, I just did not have the strength or the time to fight for my rights. I just... focused on getting myself educated, got myself a scholarship, and found a place to live in."
With a weak voice, she reasoned, "I did not have the time to dwell on my misfortunes... I knew... I knew I just had to move forward."
"What about your other relatives?" Kyle probed. "Did no one else helped you?"
"Mom never spoke about her side of the family. It was like... top secret! As for my Dad, my aunt and my cousin were my last kin. Well, they both were of no help to me after they kicked me out," Gabrielle responded.
She forced a smile and revealed, "But I plan to get the house back... After all, I have my mother's and father's memories there... When I earn enough money to hire a lawyer."
Gabrielle clearly saw Kyle's displeasure, but not wanting him to get involved with her problems, she said, "I'm fine, Kyle. Thanks for your concern... but, I can handle it. I fight my own battles."
In response, Kyle just looked straight into the rearview mirror, directing his gaze to Hank, and said, "Hmmm.... We'll see about that."