Chapter 13 The First Time He Truly Saw Her
"You... why are you home this early today?" Lilah glanced at the time and blurted out, "Did you bring work with you?"
Gabriel gave a quiet "Mm." His expression remained unreadable, but he didn't seem as distant as usual.
Lilah was slightly taken aback. There was a rare flicker of surprise in her usually calm eyes.
The accusations she threw at him that day, full of anger and frustration...
Did he actually take them to heart?
Gabriel, who always put work first and practically lived at the office, now changing his routine?
But that barely-there sense of peace didn't last long.
"Aiden, you came back with Dad today?" came a sweet, honeyed voice from nearby. Lilah's gaze cooled as she looked up.
Verity walked over gracefully, obviously dressed to impress in a soft ivory knit dress and peachy makeup that made her look demure and gentle. Her practiced smile was flawless.
She clearly knew Gabriel's schedule in advance.
"Gabriel..." Verity's voice dripped with sugar and subtle excitement. "Aiden's got a craft project this afternoon. Since you're home early, how about doing it with him?"
An opportunity to get closer to Gabriel didn't come often, and Verity wasn't about to let it slip past.
Gabriel's eyes moved to his son, who was staring up at him with hope glowing on his small face.
There was no way he could say no to that look.
Just as he was about to nod, Aiden tugged on Lilah's hand, his eyes sparkling.
"Mom too! I want you and Dad to do it with me."
"Sure." Lilah couldn't resist her son's cuteness and agreed with a warm smile.
Verity's smile froze instantly, her eyes flashing with a quick, poisonous glint.
She's coming too?
This woman nearly hurt Aiden once—how could she still show her face?
"Alright, I'll head over in a bit," Gabriel said calmly, patting Aiden's head before turning toward the study—he clearly had unfinished work to get to.
Verity didn't care; the moment he said yes, a gleam lit up her face.
He'd definitely help out when they did the craft stuff.
That meant she'd get some alone time with him, even if just for a little.
Only... that annoying woman was tagging along too.
Verity frowned slightly and shot Lilah a side-eye full of disdain.
Just as Lilah finished telling the housekeeper to help Aiden change, Verity suddenly chimed in, "Lilah, I remember last time... didn't you almost cut Aiden by accident?"
"So, what are you trying to say?" Lilah responded coolly.
"Aiden's still a kid. Safety comes first, right? Maybe it's better if you just watch from the side today?" Verity suggested with fake concern.
"You're overthinking it, Miss Nolan. I'm perfectly sane. It's a big deal for our son—of course I'll be there with my husband."
Lilah's tone was firm and unapologetic. She knew exactly what that woman was getting at—trying to edge her out, as usual.
Verity looked like she'd just swallowed a lemon, her face pale with a twist of anger in her eyes.
Lilah, you lunatic, still trying to worm your way in.
Just wait—you'll mess up again in front of Gabriel.
Then let's see if he still backs you up.
She let out a cold snort, nose in the air as she turned sharply and walked off.
Lilah pressed a hand to her forehead, speechless.
Did Verity really think she still cared enough to get worked up?
Doing crafts with her kid—how is that a problem?
...
Once Aiden had changed,
they made their way to the kids' activity room."Aiden, come here. I've got everything ready," Verity called out warmly as she walked over.
Aiden subtly edged away—her perfume was seriously overwhelming. Wasn't she just supposed to help him with the handicraft? Why douse herself in perfume today?
Verity didn't catch his reaction. She was too busy fussing over her hair and fixing her look instead of getting started.
At last, footsteps echoed in the hallway. Verity spun excitedly toward the sound.
Her face dropped the second she saw who it was—Lilah.
Lilah had tied up her long hair and changed into a simple yet sharp outfit. Her chiseled features looked cold and flawless under the hallway lights, making Verity's mood instantly sour even more.
Lilah easily caught the shift in her expression and seemed rather entertained by it.
"So it hasn't started? Guess I came just in time," Lilah said with a pleasant smile.
"Aiden, come over here, let's fold th—" Verity started speaking while deliberately ignoring Lilah's presence.
But Aiden had already dashed to his mom like a little rocket, proudly holding up a golden ginkgo leaf in front of her. "Mom, look! Doesn't this look like a tiny boat? Can we make one?"
Lilah took the leaf, held it up to the light, and her face softened with a smile.
"It really does! You've got such a sharp eye. Alright, what could we use for the sail?" she asked gently, picking up a piece of blue paper to guide him.
They were now completely absorbed in their own world, mother and son, warm and close—completely leaving Verity out in the cold.
And watching it all from the side stung more than she expected.
Just when Verity opened her mouth to say something, Gabriel walked in. He went straight to the table, barely sparing her a glance.
"Gabriel," Verity greeted with her best effort to sound sweet.
He gave just a nod before focusing entirely on what Aiden was doing.
Verity drifted closer to them, trailing her thick perfume. "Aiden, let's build the craft together with Dad!"
His nose scrunched slightly.
Verity usually starts by showing the blueprint; what's with the sudden switch?
Aiden quietly moved behind Lilah again.
Verity's smile faltered mid-sentence. She forced herself to stay cheerful, desperately trying to draw their attention.
But Aiden wasn't going anywhere.
Stupid kid! she screamed internally, though her face stayed soft and teary, pretending to be hurt. "Gabriel, Aiden only wants his mom lately... Am I just not doing enough?"
She subtly reached for Gabriel's arm.
"As long as Aiden's happy, that's all that matters."
Gabriel glanced at her for less than a second, then calmly stepped over to Lilah, completely sidestepping her touch.
Like her little theatrics didn't even make it onto his radar.
Verity froze. That hurt expression turned into stunned disbelief.
Lilah was kneeling on the soft mat, the warm glow from the lights giving her profile a gentle outline. Her entire aura was calm, collected, and nurturing.
Gabriel couldn't tear his eyes from her—how carefully she held Aiden's hand, how her lashes cast soft shadows over her cheeks, how her smile flowed out so naturally. No pretending. No drama.
She looked up briefly, brushing a loose strand of hair away. And just for a moment, their eyes met.
Her delicate beauty caught him off guard, and he looked away before she could notice.
He hadn't seen Lilah like this before.
The dramatic, emotional version of her that used to echo in his mind—suddenly, it didn't weigh the same anymore.
For once, in those usually unreadable eyes of Gabriel, she was all he saw.