Falling For The Man I Married

Madi's POV:

I saw Gabriel coming from the minibar, the moment Aunt Morgan asked me the question I didn't expect to hear.

"Madi, how many boyfriends did you have before you met Gabriel?"

I was taken aback by her sudden and blunt question. 

"Morgan! That's a personal question, you shouldn't ask her that. That's rude!" Even her husband was shocked by what she asked. Well actually, all of us were shocked.

"It's okay, Uncle James, it's not a big deal," I said smiling. 

"Hi, love." Gabriel sat down next to me and held my hand. "What's that.. what's not a big deal?"

I looked at him and Aunt Morgan repeated her question. 

"I was asking Madi, if how many boyfriends did she have before you came into her life?"

It's getting more awkward now that I can feel Gabriel's eyes on my face and his grip on my hand has tightened. It feels like someone is asking me if I am still a virgin in front of him. 

"Actually, Aunt Morgan, I've never been in a relationship before---"

"As in never?" Nancy cut me off. 

"Yeah, I mean never." I shrugged but tried my best not to look at Gabriel's face. 

"So, does that mean Gabriel is your first boyfriend?" Aunt Morgan's eyeballs almost popped out of their sockets. 

I bit my lips as I nodded awkwardly. 

"You are so damn lucky, Gabriel!" Nancy exclaimed in a louder voice. 

"Nancy, your language!" her father glared at her and before she could react, we heard Greg's laugh. He also came from the mini-bar. 

"Yes, Nancy's right. Gabriel is indeed lucky to have Madi in his life," he smirked at Gabriel and I can't help raising an eyebrow. I glanced at Gabriel only to see him with the same smirk as Greg.

But I gasped when he suddenly lifted me and placed me on his lap. He wrapped his hands around my waist and gave me a quick kiss on the lips. 

"Yeah, I'm so lucky to win your heart and I will never let you go no matter what. I won't let those men who want to take you away from me. You're just mine and will always be mine." he said looking into my eyes. He kissed me before glancing at Greg and smirked. 

I gulped as my eyes widened in surprise. Why do I feel something is happening between the two of them? Based on their exchange of smiles and odd glances at each other, Gabriel doesn't seem pleased with Greg's sudden appearance while the latter seems to be enjoying Gabriel's annoyance. 

"I believe Greg." We all turned to Mr Wilsons who's looking seriously at his son. "You're indeed lucky, son, to have Madi in your life. I hope you'll always appreciate her efforts, give her the time and love she deserves. Take care of her, son."

That's the second time I have heard Mr Wilsons gave his advice on 'how Gabriel should love me and take care of me'. Does he know the truth? Or we're just both being paranoid because of lying to them? 

"Of course, Dad," he said seriously that you can't even hear a hint of a lie in his voice. 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I don't know how many times I let out a heavy sigh since I came out on the terrace of Gabriel's room. I suddenly want to be alone and think of everything. 

and called him 'stupid and the biggest fool I've ever met, for following her, for hiring someone to monitor her and for hoping that someday she would come back

join the parade of fools on the street and the

I mean, how could I explain this feeling? I'm happy when he's happy, I feel sad when he's sad

did I end up falling in love with him when I know he's still in love with her?

breeze embraced me and

heard Gabriel's voice as I also felt something warm

He didn't say anything. He just sighed and watched the

"Thank you, Madi."

frowning. I don't

"For what?"

me, a smile that didn't even reach his eyes. And I have to look

do we have to pretend? I mean, why do we have to do this? Why do you have to act as if you've already moved on from

told you the

"Just to punish her?"

asked that question. Haist... I wonder why I

punish her." and he answered

have to punish

left. When she decided to choose someone

to laugh.

you want to punish her!" he looked at me like I have grown two heads. "Because if you do, you will let her go and be happy for the life she has chosen. You will not punish her for what she has done because you love her, and

you understand? You don't even have a boyfriend!" his voice rose as his both eyes were boring

was a

me! She left me heartbroken, torn apart! I became like this because of her! And you won't understand because you

but I just found myself

you think I don't understand your pain? I do, Gabriel!" I said pointing to my chest and having the same tone of voice he gave me. "I do understand every little inch of it! And I don't need to suffer the pain that you had and suffered just for me to understand you, because if I don't, I won't

him, I won't sacrifice myself and my happiness just to be tied to him. If only I could force my heart not to fall in love with him, I would. If only I could ease and vanish his pain and suffering due to his past... I will definitely do it without even him asking

are you telling me this,

I chose

to marry you earlier?" I haven't heard his answer so I continued. "Because I suddenly felt guilty and sad at the same time because I really wanted to help you let out all the pain and show you the 'second chances in life' like what you said while proposing to me. I want you to

said shaking his head and I laughed again.

-'Fucking shit!'-

already planned all this and

over to him and took both of his hands. "Because hating her and holding on to what she did, you can't heal, Gab. Because this pain inside you...." I lifted my finger to point at

to show

this for her. Do this

noticed him sigh and looked at

you backing out

that question. I was just giving him advice but I didn't say

are you backing out now?" There's a certain

"Gab---"

Madi." and he suddenly hugged me. "No, please stay with me. I can't do this without you," he said as he repeatedly kissed the top of my head.

What's going on

hold both of my shoulders

let out a heavy sigh before opening them again. "Madi, please stay with me. If you don't want me to kiss you in front of my family, then I won't. Just stay with me until I'm done with

going on with him? He's like my boyfriend begging me not to leave him and to