Chapter 51: How Dare You Touch My Woman!
The earplugs were useless.
Gemma could still hear the racket.
What bad luck, she thought.
Marcus’s voice carried through her door like some eerie late–night wailing.
After about 20 minutes, the police arrived.
The noise finally stopped.
She opened her door.
She was just in time to see Marcus, unconscious, being dragged into the elevator.
A female officer turned to her and saluted. “The drunk has been taken into custody. You can rest easy now.”
Gemma signed the report.
“Thank you so much, officer.”
“Remember, if anything feels off, contact us immediately,” the officer said before leaving.
Gemma nodded, “Thank you. I will.”
“Anytime. Have a good night, miss.”
Once the door was shut, Gemma let out a long sigh of relief.
Exhaustion overtook her as she collapsed into bed.
The next day.
Gemma arrived at work nursing a headache.
Brian greeted her with a bouquet of roses.
“Don’t get me wrong,” he began.
“This is to celebrate your success and to apologize for not being there when you were in danger.”
Gemma didn’t take the flowers.
“Brian, you’re being too kind. I know you did your best during the hacker incident.
The help you found bought us crucial time.
I should be thanking you instead, not the other way around.”
Brian seemed to relax a bit.
“As long as you don’t blame me.”
Gemma was touched. She had suffered injustice in the small town since she was a child, and she felt even more wronged after marrying Marcus.
This was the first person besides Cassius who was willing to treat her equally
“How could I blame you? I’m grateful.”
“But I don’t want your gratitude,” Brian interrupted.
“Huh?”
Gemma looked up, startled.
Brian’s eyes
The look in was filled with unmistakable tenderness, as though his feelings were ready to overflow.
“Gemma.”
His voice dripped with affection
He stepped forward.
They were at the back of the building, rare to see patients or staff members here.
This gave him a little more courage.
He reached out to embrace her.
Gemma immediately stepped backward.
“Brian!”
Gemma raised her voice.
She was hoping to stop him in his tracks.
But Brian didn’t waver.
“I know this might sound crazy, like I’ve lost my mind.
But I’ve never been more clear–headed.
I’ve liked you for years, Gemma. I was just too scared to say it.
Gemma stood frozen, her mind blank
What was happening now?
Was this a prank? A nightmare?
She’d always seen Brian as a good friend–nothing more.
All she thought about before was Marcus and Alijah, which meant she had hardly talked to Brian before.
Why would he like her?
“Brian, are you sure you didn’t lose a bet or something?” she asked, grasping for a rational explanation.
Brian flinched at her words but quickly composed himself.
“Gemma, do you really doubt my feelings that much?”
It wasn’t doubt, but the sheer absurdity of it all left her reeling.
Too absurd.
“I mean it, Gemma. I want to be with you.”
“But, Brian,” she protested, “I’m still married. I have a child!”
“I know,” he said calmly. “You’ve kept it quiet, but Marcus’s behavior and Alijah’s words during the competition made it obvious
Gemma’s brain stalled.
“Then… I mean, you know you’re like a… male mistress?
“And I also know you’ve already filed for divorce. In a few days, you’ll be free.”
Brian stepped closer. “You don’t have to accept me now, but please give me a chance to pursue you.”
He wanted to take time to company her.
However, the hacker incident made him feel threatened. That guy… was a big threat
He didn’t have much time to wait,
Gemma calmed down a little bit.
It’s no doubt that Brian was a nice person.
Marcus was a volcano, an emotional mopster.
Brain was like the river, who’s always calm and gentle.
But…
Her last marriage life was a total disaster. She just felt like… she couldn’t fall in love anymore.
At least, not now.
I’m
sorry. Brian. You’re a good man, but I just don’t feel the same as you. If what I did, or said before was misleading, we should try not to work in a team later.”
Chapter 51: How Dare You Touch My Woman!
Brian was not angry, but smiled softly.
“I know. I know you don’t see me the way I see you.
Anyway, he told her his feeling today, and they work in the same hospital, which meant they had plenty of time
“I’ll pursue you. Give you a unique experience.
Gemma, I have plenty of time to walk you out of this shadow and welcome our better future.
We have a lot to talk. I know your dreams. I know the direction of your research, and I know you have a golden heart.”
Gemma was helpless, “You really don’t have to waste so much time, I
“Rejecting me is your choice, but pursuing you is mine. Let’s take it slow.”
He moved even closer.
Gemma instinctively backed away.
“Brian, stop. I need time to think-
“Gemma, L.. hiss
Before Brian could close the gap, a hand shot out and gripped his wrist like a vice.
He even felt like his bones were about to break
WE
Before he could see who had come to delay his confession, he was punched in the face, his glasses were knocked off to the ground, and blood oozed from the corner of his mouth
“Marcus, what the hell”
Gemma wanted to turn around and run just now, but was stopped by this sudden change.
Marcus, disheveled and bloodshot–eyed, didn’t stop. His punches landed one after another.
“You dare touch my woman?!” he roared.
Turning to Gemma, his voice laced with fury.
“Is this why you called the cops on me last night? To bring this pretty boy around while we’re still married? Already lining up your next man?”
Gemma was scolded for no reason. While she felt aggrieved, she also felt 17 little angry.
What’s that supposed to mean? It’s not her fault people find her attractive!
Brian managed to stand, wiping blood from his mouth.
“Gemma is my pursuit, not my possession.” he said firmly. “She hasn’t even accepted me, so there’s no need for your insults.”
“Oh, you want to fight me? Come on, then!”
“Gemma, get out of here!”
But Marcus was relentless, throwing another punch.
“You think you can just take my woman? Who the hell do
