Chapter 49

Emma happened to look up, and her gaze collided unexpectedly with Gabriel's deep, unreadable eyes. "What's wrong?" Even after living together for a few days, she still wasn't entirely used to it. But to her surprise, Gabriel had been nothing but considerate. He was the perfect, thoughtful roommate. They slept in separate rooms, and every morning when Emma woke up, breakfast was already waiting on the table. Gabriel tugged at the corner of his lips. "Nothing. Just came across some gossip." "What gossip?" "Frank is getting engaged to Lea." The moment the words left his mouth, silence settled between them. Gabriel watched Emma closely, his sharp gaze fixed on her face as if bracing for a reaction. His hands, hanging loosely at his sides, unconsciously clenched into fists. And that was when he realized something—he had underestimated himself. The thought of Emma leaving Steistan because of this… was something he couldn't accept. But to his surprise, Emma only hesitated for a mom