Chapter 17

I had just settled into the coffee shop when Gabrielle entered. "Have you been waiting long?" she asked.

"No, I just arrived," I replied. Gabrielle studied me for a few seconds, her expression suggesting internal debate. "If you have something to say, just say it. We don't need to beat around the bush," I said.

She sighed, a worried frown creasing her brow. "When I went to the office this morning, HR told me Alicia is starting at Millenia." I instantly understood her hesitation. Alicia had made a mockery of my marriage for years. Jonathan's immediate rescue of Alicia after our pool accident had fueled endless gossip. Alicia joining Millenia felt like a fresh insult.

"Gabrielle, you don't need to keep track of them," I said lightly. But her concern lingered. "Can you stomach Jonathan doing this?" she asked.

I chuckled helplessly. "And if I can't? Millenia isn't mine. I don't call the shots."

"You're remarkably accepting," she observed.

"It's all I can do. I just want a divorce," I admitted. Gabrielle sighed and took my hand, mistaking my acceptance for sadness.

"Stop looking at me like I'm pitiful!" I blurted. "Once I'm divorced, I'll start a new life!"

She nodded, but her concern remained evident. I changed the subject. "Oh, right. Do you know Frederick Guzman? He saved me from the pool."

"You don't remember him?" she asked, surprised. Leaning closer, her brows furrowed. "Elise, do you need to go to the hospital? I'm seriously worried."

I glanced around before whispering, "Gabrielle, honestly… I have amnesia." Perhaps my previous absurd questions—like how Jonathan and I knew each other—had prepared her for this revelation.

"I thought your brain was waterlogged!" she exclaimed, nodding. "Everything makes sense now. No wonder you want a divorce."

Curious, I asked, "Did I really love him that much?"

She pursed her lips, reluctant to recall the past. "It wasn't just love. You were obsessed. I've never seen you behave so fanatically! Frederick was your friend; he even pursued you, but you rejected him. Then you met Jonathan, married quickly, and cut off contact with other men," she explained, rolling her eyes. "And Jonathan didn't like you hanging out with me, so we fell out, too."

I stuck out my tongue apologetically. "I'm sorry."

Gabrielle stared indignantly. "Even with amnesia, I have to ask—was Jonathan really that much more important than me? I can forgive you prioritizing love over friendship, but did you have to completely cut me out?"

I was silent for a long time. "I can't answer that. Eighteen-year-old me would never abandon Gabrielle Harrison for anyone."

She moved her lips, but remained silent. Finally, she grumbled, "Fine. I forgive you this time, but don't pull that stunt again."

We smiled. She contacted Frederick for me, then left for work. Our meeting was arranged near Millenia's office. When Frederick arrived, Gabrielle bid us farewell. He sat opposite me, a slight smirk playing on his lips.

"I can't believe you asked to meet privately, Elise." He still possessed that roguish charm and untamed energy from the day he rescued me. "Wasn't threatening Jonathan with divorce enough? Now you're meeting me to spite him?"