The Vanished Fiancé Has Returned - Chapter 3

It was a matter unrelated to Gabrielle, a contract worker. She simply nodded along, thinking it was nothing serious, when suddenly her hand was grabbed.

“So, if you hear anything, make sure to tell me, okay? You know how much I look out for you.”

“Alright.”

With someone this persistent, it was useless to be firm. Gabrielle just nodded along vaguely, and only then did the supervisor leave in satisfaction. Letting out a sigh, Gabrielle resumed typing.

The long document had been handwritten by Dominic Moore. Handwriting that looked fit for a newspaper submission—neat and straight, just like his long fingers. At the bottom, a short note was written.

[There’s a lot to type today. Thank you for your hard work.]

Just as he said, today of all days, the work had piled up. Gabrielle barely managed to finish her own tasks before having to help out with another department’s workload.

The worst among them was waiting for confirmation regarding an event happening the day after tomorrow. Since they hadn’t yet secured cooperation from another city office, she could only wait for the call. And by then, quitting time had long passed.

They had promised to call even if it was late at night, so she couldn’t leave her post. Stuck in limbo, Gabrielle remained at her desk, waiting without direction. She must have dozed off, because when she opened her eyes again, she found herself slumped over the desk.

“The phone!”

It felt as if someone had poured cold water over her head. What if the call had come while she was asleep? Then everything she’d waited for would be in vain. Her mind went blank, and just then, someone spoke.

“I answered it.”

Startled, Gabrielle turned her head to see Dominic Moore standing there.

Still dazed, she brushed the hair that had fallen over her face. Unnoticed before, there was a jacket draped over her shoulders.

“When did you get here? I didn’t even notice.”

“Not long ago.”

“Thank you for the jacket.”

“You’re welcome,” Dominic replied lightly and retrieved his jacket. “You should go home. It’s late.”

“Oh, yes. I should.”

She answered compliantly, but her expression darkened. She dreaded the eyes and words that would greet her as soon as she got home. It was well past curfew. Sabrina would no doubt start interrogating her about whether a man was involved.

“It’s late. I’ll walk you.”

“It’s fine. I can walk.”

“It’s dangerous for a woman to be out alone.”

“I walk this road all the time. Thank you for your concern.”

Since she kept refusing, Dominic didn’t insist further. Gabrielle gave a polite bow and exited the office.

Outside, the late hour had left the streets deserted. Using the gaslight as her beacon, Gabrielle walked on and suddenly spotted a paper tossed on the ground. She bent down to throw it away, only to realize it was a flyer for a technical school.

It was the same school she had once intended to attend. With the teacher’s recommendation, she could have enrolled on a full scholarship. Whether it was the late hour or sheer exhaustion, tears suddenly began to fall.

If she had been able to enroll in that school, what would her life look like now?

Surely, it would be different. The piled-up work and overtime would have come later. She would have been buried in books at the library, wrestling with assignments and exams. Both paths were hard, but if she had gone to school, she could have looked to the future with hope.

Staggering, Gabrielle collapsed on the spot. Anyone passing by would think she was a strange woman, but she couldn’t bring herself to stand. Because of that, she didn’t notice someone approaching. As she swayed, a large hand grabbed and lifted her up.

“Gabrielle.”

A refreshing musk scent tickled her nose. A hand supported her back. Time seemed to freeze.

“Where do you live?”

She slowly lifted her head to see a familiar face. It was Dominic. She had assumed he’d gone home long ago in his own car.

“……”

“Where is it?”

When she didn’t respond, his firm voice followed. Gabrielle reluctantly gave him her address.

“Get in. I’ll take you home.”

“It’s really alright…”

He helped her into the passenger seat, supporting her staggering body, then got into the driver’s seat himself. The engine started, and the car pulled away smoothly.

In the awkward silence, Gabrielle parted her lips and finally spoke, “You really didn’t have to take me. I’m sorry for troubling you…”

Before she could finish, he responded, “Being considerate is something you can afford to do when you’re in a position to.”

“……”

His neat profile stayed fixed on the road ahead. Without even glancing her way, he added, “Pride is for those who can afford it, too.”

It felt like he was saying, “You have nothing, so why are you resisting?” Her insides didn’t just sting—they burned. His words hit where it hurt most, and her face flushed red. Gabriellele abruptly turned her head and looked out the car window.

In silence, the car continued on and soon reached its destination. Turning to her, Dominic gave a light farewell.

“We’re here. Get home safe.”

“…Thank you.”

Gabrielle bowed and stepped out of the car. She was about to close the door when the words slipped out.

“By the way, sir…”

The man, who had been staring forward with a bored expression, finally turned to look at her.

“You really don’t need to take me home anymore.”

Not even knowing why she said it, Gabrielle quickly shut the car door and walked away.

Naturally, as soon as she woke up the next morning, she regretted it. What was she thinking, saying that to someone who had driven her all the way home?

Fortunately, it was the weekend. At least she wouldn’t see him for two days. But how would she face him at work from now on? Just thinking about it made her feel faint.

She might not get her contract renewed. Young women were always the first to be replaced in an office.

Letting out a heavy sigh, she forced herself out of bed, only to hear someone knock.

“Gabi, are you up?”

“Mom?”

Even though Gabrielle had come home late last night, her mother hadn’t said a word. In the past, the whole house would’ve been turned upside down. But yesterday, oddly enough, had been quiet. She had simply told her to wash up and go to bed. Neither her brother, her sister, nor her stepfather had been around.

“By the way, where is everyone?”

“That’s what I need to talk to you about.”

“Talk to me about what?”

“Come out here.”

There was a gloomy atmosphere in the house. Some of the furniture was missing. Just as Gabrielle began to notice how strange things were, her mother dropped a bombshell.

“We sold this house a few days ago.”

“What?”

“Your brother is about to start a business. He needs capital. And all we had left was this house.”

Gabrielle had never heard this before. Surprised, she tried to stay calm and asked, “Then where are we going to live?”

“We found a smaller house. It’s on the outskirts, but it’s livable.”

“You can’t just spring this on me. How am I supposed to commute to work?”

“Gabi.”

She was about to ask where it was when another shock hit.

“It’s time for you to live on your own.”

“What?”

“You have a job and you’re an adult now. It’s about time you stood on your own.”

It felt like being used up and thrown away. Her head buzzed.

“What… are you saying?”

“Exactly what I said, Gabi.”

“You’ve got one week. Find a room to rent by then.”

“Mom!”

Sabrina left as Gabrielle stood frozen in shock.

Compared to this, feeling ashamed to face Dominic Moore was a small issue. Whether it was lucky or not, Gabrielle was able to show up to work a few days later with an empty mind.

“Gabi?”

“……”

“Gabi!”

Lost in her typing, Gabrielle only looked up after being called repeatedly.

“What are you typing?”

“Ah…”

She must have been completely out of it. Her typing was a mess. Embarrassed, she ripped the paper from the typewriter and tossed it into the trash.

“It’s nothing. What brings you here?”

“Do I need a reason to come by?”

The supervisor laughed and got straight to the point.

“Anyway, Mr. Moore sure has been in the office all day.”

“Oh, yes. He doesn’t have any outside meetings scheduled today.”

His urgent business trips were already finished, and all that remained was paperwork and in-office tasks. The phones rang nonstop all morning. Strangely, there were many people desperate to set up appointments, even though he was just an acting deputy director. Just like the supervisor said, maybe he really was backed by someone powerful.

“What about lunch? Have you eaten?”

“Not yet. Why?”

“Here.”

The supervisor set a lunchbox down. Gabrielle blinked in surprise at the unexpected gesture, but then came the real reason.

“Give this to Deputy Director Moore for me, okay? Make sure you tell him it’s from me.”

“…He might not take it.”

“If he doesn’t, you eat it. I’m off!”

The supervisor stood and left the secretary’s office without even looking back. Gabrielle sighed heavily as she stared at the lunchbox like it was a live grenade.

“I can’t just throw it away.”

She hesitated briefly. But she figured it was the perfect excuse to apologize for last week anyway. Taking a small breath, Gabrielle stood up and knocked on the office door.

“Deputy Director, it’s Gabrielle.”

“……”

“I have something to give you. May I come in?”

She stood outside the door, tense. Then came the answer.

“Come in.”

His tone was the same as always—emotionless. Relieved, Gabrielle opened the door. Inside, she saw her supervisor busy working through a pile of documents.