Lock You In My Heart
Chapter 81

"Holly, congratulations on the opening of your new studio. Now people won't have to travel to Paris to own one of your designs."

Holly should have been the focus in her stunning white strapless fishtail dress. However, Gabrielle couldn't tear her gaze away from the man at her side, Westley.

He was a busy man but he still found time to attend the opening of Holly's studio. For Gabrielle, he hadn't even bothered to pick up the phone.

"Thank you for taking the time to come today. I know how busy you are."

"The pleasure is all ours, Holly. Do you have time for a few questions?"

"Of course." The woman smiled at the camera. Holly was well-liked by everyone who knew her, because of her grace and beauty.

"Mr. Morris is here to cut the ribbon for you. Can I ask about your relationship with him?"

A straightforward question.

Gabrielle was about to switch off the TV, but stopped when she heard the question, her interest renewed.

"We're good friends. You're more than welcome to ask me about my studio. Mr. Morris is a private man and would like to keep it that way. I'm sure you understand." Holly smiled at the reporter.

She asked so politely and they nodded.

"Of course, questions for another time. I must say you both look perfect together."

Gabrielle took the time to study what they were both wore.

Holly's white dress was highlighted by the blue diamonds used for embellishment, and Westley wore a blue suit and matching tie, his white shirt pristine. Their choice of clothing complemented the other. They looked like a couple. A match made in heaven.

Gabrielle's cold husband with another woman, it was ridiculous.

"Holly, will we see Mr. Morris by your side in the future?"

This reporter was experienced. Was their relationship as simple as he claimed? How was it possible they were just friends?

"Thank you for taking the time to attend the opening of my studio today. In the evening, we have a banquet planned at the Flando Hotel. Please attend it." Holly changed the topic with another smile.

Gabrielle switched off the television. She couldn't bear to see them together anymore tonight. It was time for her to go food shopping anyway.

Maybe that would lift her spirits?

When she finished shopping, she returned to the apartment. As she put the items away, the phone rang. She double-checked the caller id, Mr. Smith, the chairman of the department. "Good afternoon, Mr. Smith. Is everything okay?"

She kept her tone respectful. After all, Mr. Smith was a very important man. It depended on him whether Gabrielle graduated or not. "Gabrielle, you know why I've called, don't you?"

Three days had passed since the news had been exposed online. Though Micheal had removed the reports of the fight, it had spread fast. Now all the teachers and students at the university knew what happened. Worse, Westley had seen it and they had ended up arguing.

But Mr. Smith hadn't talked to Gabrielle at the time. Why was he calling now?

"Mr. Smith, it was a misunderstanding."

"That's not for you to decide, now is it? Emily's and Cassie's parents came to the school today and asked us to expel you. I need you to come to my office with your parents."

Her heart tightened. Emily wasn't satisfied with Gabrielle getting scolded on the Internet. The girl only seemed happy when she gave Gabrielle a hard time.

Their families were not to be trifled with. If they went to the university to create a scene, the school would take their side.

She didn't dare to ask her parents to go with her. There had to be a way to hide her situation from them. At least for a little while. "Mr. Smith, I'll be there as soon as I can. Unfortunately, my parents are very busy. They won't be able to go with me." The man sighed. "Okay, just get here as quickly as you can." After Gabrielle called for a taxi, she hung up the phone and went to replace her bag. When she arrived she headed straight to Mr. Smith's office.

She knocked on the door. "Mr. Smith? It's Gabrielle." Her palms were sweaty and her heat raced in her chest. She knocked again.

Would Emily's and Cassie's parents be there as well? The thought terrified her. She was no match for them by herself.

The door opened and Mr. Smith smiled at her. A robust man with a kind face, Gabrielle had always liked him. As much as any student could like a teacher. "Come in and take a seat. Thank you for coming so promptly." She nodded in greeting as she hurried in. It didn't take long for her to realize she was the only one there.

"Where are they?" Gabrielle asked. She took a deep breath but her heart still raced.

He locked the door and walked towards her.

"Please sit down, Gabrielle. The president knew they were coming, so he invited them to his office for tea first. He said they would come here after you arrived." Mr. Smith poured a glass of water for Gabrielle from the fountain. "Take this." Mr. Smith offered it to her.

She took a sip but the act did little to calm her. If anything, she was more nervous at the thought of being alone with a teacher.

"Gabrielle, I'm here to help you. How are you feeling after your time off?" Mr. Smith gestured back to the seat.

Gabrielle sat down and Mr. Smith joined her. He kept space between them but she was acutely aware she was alone with him, in a locked room.

"Thank you for your concern, Mr. Smith. I'm feeling much better, but I still need to rest before I return to school," Gabrielle informed him.

No one at school knew she had gotten married and she breathed a sigh of relief.