Lock You In My Heart

Video call?

It was not something that Gabrielle would want to do—to have a video call with Austin. She still had the hideous scar on her face. She didn’t want him to see it.

But if she wouldn’t do the video call, Austin would be more worried about her. If he’d come to Bangkok, things might only get worse.

“Please let me have a look at you. Let me see you.” There was a long pause. Austin felt sad that Gabrielle was taking the time to respond to him.

Gabrielle finally spoke. “Look, Austin. I just got up. I haven’t even washed my face and combed my hair. I can’t let you see me like this. You’d be horrified.” She thought that this would be an acceptable reason for her to refuse Austin’s request.

And it was. Austin stopped insisting on a video call.

He also thought of what Westley had said about what happened the previous night. They were exhausted, Westley told him. That was the reason that Gabrielle woke up late.

Of course, this only made Austin feel more miserable.

“Okay, we can have the video call when it’s convenient for you,” Austin said resignedly. He had acquiesced to Gabrielle’s argument.

Maybe he should wait for another day. Maybe then, Gabrielle would be willing to do the video call. She was in Bangkok at that moment; he was in Antawood. The distance between them was tens of thousands of miles across the seas. It was impossible for him to see her even if he wanted to.

If it were up to him, he wouldn’t give up so easily.

“Austin, I sent a parcel to Grandma. See to it that she gets it soon after you receive it. Also, tell her that we are okay here. Thank you, Austin,” Gabrielle said. Her tone was happy and light.

“You don’t have to thank me. It’s not really an inconvenience to give the parcel to Grandma,” said Austin.

Gabrielle was glad to hear that. “Just the same, I’ll have to thank you. Listen, I have to go now. I have to go downstairs now to look for Westley.”

“Gabrielle, you really have to take good care of yourself. You should also have a real good time,” said Austin, still not wanting to hang up the phone.

that,

“Bye.”

hung up the phone and let

the room carrying a

little late for breakfast. Nonetheless, it was the first real

done with your phone call?” Westley asked

to go downstairs to have it.” One look at Westley and she could recognize jealousy on his countenance. To allay this feeling, she thought of something

so I won’t get hungry. How thoughtful of you! Caring husbands are a rarity and I am so blessed to have you.” Westley put the tray on the small table. He then

for him that

quizzically as she looked at the food

and bread—all nicely set on the tray and enticing

wafting through the air. She wanted to

for you.” Westley thought that she

starting to smell like vinegar. I sure can dip the dumplings in the vinegar,” Gabriel said, teasingly smiling

right hand on his forehead. Was she saying that he was

ng jealous?

the phone. You have been talking on the phone with my rival. Yes, I’m jealous!” Westley looked at her. The green-eyed

friend, nothing more,” Gabrielle assured him. She then took the spoon, dipped

jealous of Austin to a point that he would

I hope that you won’t forget that Austin is my cousin. Yours, too. Despite that, he

have to trust me when I tell you that Austin is just a friend. Anyhow, you can’t forbid me

Westley but he should know that she couldn’t give up friendships because he

ties from her past.

smiled at her sheepishly. He couldn’t help it. She said the very words he wanted to hear. It

words that always smoothened Westley’s ruffled