Chapter 7
Reynald’s thin lips pressed into a line–then suddenly, he froze.
Gabriella lay among the white lilies, her face pale as paper, like she were about to fade into the cold, desolate white around her. Only the lingering bloodstains on her wrists and ankles stood out–sharp, jarring.
And when did she get this thin?
It felt like a thorn had stabbed through his chest. His heart clenched hard. Without thinking, he called her name. “Gabriella…”
When she opened her eyes, his voice turned harsh. “What the hell are you trying to do?”
“Didn’t you say this was your gift to me?”
Reynald paused, then laughed.
“I told you, I’d display your private photos at my funeral. I always keep my word. Gabriella, we’ve known each other for ten years. You should know playing the victim doesn’t work on me.
“I do.”
He stepped back. “Everyone, light candles for Mrs. Dalloz. Let’s wish her a smooth trip to the afterlife.”
Gabriella finally smiled. “Light more. Use it all.”
Reynald’s friends stepped forward one by one, with candles in hand.
“Gabriella, I hope you get reborn into a good family.”
Chapter 7
“Be a better person in your next life. Don’t be the daughter of a murderer.”
“Rest easy, Gabriella.”
Gabriella remained silent the whole time. Her face didn’t even twitch. Only when the last candle was lit did she stand up.
Reynald stared at her, his chest tight. “Don’t you have anything to say, Gabriella?”
Gabriella thought for a moment. “Thank you.”
If she had really died, no one would’ve gone this far for her. Honestly, it was nice.
Reynald’s eyes darkened. “You’re welcome. Now it’s time for a birthday wish.”
“My wish is…”
She met his gaze. “Reynald, may you live a long, long life.”
It was meant to be cruel. A curse wrapped in pretty words. But in her eyes, he saw only sincerity.
Without thinking, he grabbed her arm.
“What the hell is wrong with you?”
The next second, searing pain exploded in his chest. Reynald’s face turned pale. He clutched his heart and collapsed.
Gabriella rushed to him, fingers pressed to his neck. Her breath caught.
His heart had stopped.
Panic broke out. Gabriella gave him emergency CPR, barking orders for a car and a hospital.
Chapter 7
When his heartbeat finally returned, her hands were trembling.
She helped him into the car, never once letting go of his hand.
Reynald had to live. He had to.
At the hospital, Gwen took over. The Dalloz and Hensley families arrived in chaos.
Moments later, Gwen stepped out.
“The situation doesn’t look good…”
Her voice was strained. She didn’t dare meet Gabriella’s eyes. Only duty kept her speaking.
“If he doesn’t get a heart transplant today, you all should be prepared.”
The hallway was filled with sobs.
Gabriella’s nose stung.
Of course. Her luck was always bad. Even her last birthday wouldn’t end well.
“The patient’s awake,” a nurse said. “If you have anything to say, now’s the time.”
Gabriella followed the others into the room. Reynald’s eyes found her immediately dark, clouded, unreadable.
She walked to his bedside.
“It’s my birthday,” she said softly. “Can you at least say it? Just once. ‘Happy birthday“.”
He froze. Then all those messy emotions vanished from his face–replaced by pure malice.
Chapter 7
“Gabriella, why don’t you just go die?”
