Gabriella's pov
I swear he was testing my patience. Every nerve in my body felt irritated by his attitude, even though he had godly looks, he had a bossy attitude.
I walked over to the huge pile of files, all messed up in no particular order.
"Can't he at least keep things neatly?" I murmured under my breath. It was like he messed up everything to punish me.
He walked out of the office and coldly dismissed everyone outside, canceling the interviews.
I let out a sharp breath. I finally had a way to pay grandma's bills. I'd pay during lunch - I'm sure I could rush over to the hospital before John noticed.
After what felt like hours, I held the last file. It seemed like a marriage certificate with two names: Isabella and John, but only John's part was signed.
I scanned my eyes over the paper. I felt my heart tighten, for a split second. I felt a pang of jealousy as my eyes kept reading the same two names.
Why would it bother me? He's an asshole, he probably chased the girl because he's grumpy and too serious.
Almost immediately, I heard John's voice, and I nearly dropped the paper.
What a scary man. I scoffed, shoving the certificate in a neat corner.
I looked at the time, and it was nearly lunch. As I walked out of the office, I heard John's voice again, but I couldn't see him.
"Let's see if Gabriella can do the job right," a manly voice said.
I hovered over to hear exactly what they were saying. My name was being mentioned, and I wanted to know why.
"She's the sixth one you have fired this month alone," the man proceeded. He sounded elderly. His voice was too familiar.
"Even if she does the job right, have you seen that ugly dressing? It's making it nearly impossible to even glance at her." John's voice echoed through the thick door.
My heart pounded against my chest. Hard.
I cupped my mouth and blinked away a few tears. I looked at the mirror in front of me and felt tight knots in my stomach.
Why did his words hurt me so much? I didn't care what that jerk said.
But he was right. I was plain. Too plain.
And so, I rushed out the building doors, the cash in my bag. It was lunchtime.
But my heart was still twisting from John's cruel words.
When I reached the hospital, the scent of medicine immediately hit my nostrils. I hated hospitals, and I wondered how my grandma handled it.
I reached the nurse's desk and called for the payment details.
"I'm sorry, Ms. Brooks, but your grandma is..." She hesitated and looked into my eyes with worried eyes.
Oh no... no... no... This can't be.
"What is going on? If anything has happened today, her...!" I clung to the handle of my bag tightly. I didn't even look at the time; I was too concerned.
"Her condition is worse, whether you go through the surgery or not. There is no hope. Unless you want to take the chances," the nurse said.
"I don't care if she has 2% chances of survival! Please, start the surgery right away." I gently slammed the stacks of cash on the desk.
The nurse looked at me like I was a lunatic. Maybe I was.
She took one stack and began to process a deposit.
"You can have the rest. This is all we need," she said before walking off with some files.
I looked at the money like it had no value. I only wanted my grandma to live, so that we could be together, bake, and watch movies together.
A few tears betrayed me and slid down my cheek.
I grabbed the rest of the money and followed the medical crew who were taking my grandma to the operation room.
She looked lifeless. I felt like she was betraying me, but I wasn't going to give up on her yet.
"Grandma, don't give up on me yet. I still have tickets to watch that movie you had been telling me about." I wiped my tears.
"Shouldn't you be at work right now?" John's voice startled me.
I flinched, my eyes landing on him.
"I'm sorry, I just..." He cut me off.
"You did great," John murmured and tapped my shoulder. "You can proceed to the shift tomorrow. Your grandma needs you."
I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. His hands were in his pockets, his eyes bore into mine lazily.
I watched him as he took a peek inside, and for a split second, I saw a glimpse of sadness.
"Thank you," I murmured.
The doctor walked out with a worried look on her face.
"Uhm... Ms. Brooks, we are trying everything we can... but it's..." she trailed off, and I stopped her.
"Can I see her at least?" I pleaded, my hands gripping the door like a lifeline.
She nodded and ushered me in.
I walked in, my grandma's eyes slightly opened, and she pulled a smile.
"My grandbaby..." she said weakly.
I blinked away a few tears and held her hand.
"I'm here. Always." I kissed her forehead. She chuckled lightly.
"I don't have much time. All these procedures are too painful for me to proceed with." She coughed a little. "At least tell me you've gotten married." She grunted and coughed more.
I chuckled nervously, tears streaming down my face.
How do I tell her that Ben is a cheater and a fraud? How do I tell her there will be no marriage?
Then... the door creaked open. John walked in, his hands were no longer in his pockets.
"She's my wife," he said, wrapping his arms around my waist. I felt my cheeks flush pink.
"John..." He cut me off, the feeling of his warm finger shushing my lips.
His eyes locked into mine, and I instantly felt like I knew what he was trying to say. But I couldn't lie to my grandma.
"Oh wow, he's so handsome. He's better than that ass... Ben." Grandma chuckled and coughed harder.
I felt my knees weaken at her sight. I hated seeing her in pain.
"Grandma, it's not..."
"It's not what? You have made me so happy and proud. Now I know you won't be alone," Grandma said.
She rested her head on the pillow.
"Your granddaughter is amazing. I'd love to spend my life with her." John smiled.
But his smile was genuine. He put up such a beautiful act. I couldn't tell if it wasn't true or not.
"Ms. Brooks..." The doctor walked in.
"It's Mrs. Smith," John corrected her. His voice was low, calm, and collected.
Oh shit.
