Chapter 21

If Alex and Lucas had pleaded and made those promises five years ago before Melody returned, Gabriella might have relented. But after everything she had endured, they were no longer as important to her as they once were. Family mattered, but not at the expense of her self-worth. "No one is obligated to wait forever for an apology. Before I was a mother, I was my own person." Gabriella pried Lucas' hands off her and shook her head. Whether she was speaking to him or answering Alex was unclear. She added, "I didn't know who I was for far too long. But now, I do. And I've found someone who truly understands me. So, why would I give up on my life and relationship just because you regret the past?" Having said that, Gabriella walked away with Stephen. Just as Alex was about to go after her, his phone rang. It was Theodore. "Mr. Hackett couldn't reach you and called me instead. Alex, how could you let personal matters cloud your judgment? Do you even realize you stood up a business