Gabriella.

"Good morning Martin." I chirp happily hoping that today wasn't gonna be like yesterday and the day before because for reasons best known to him, he'd become distant and snobbish and I didn't like where our friendship was heading.

"Morning," he replied coldly, throwing his car keys on the kitchen counter.

"Aren't you going to work?" I asked with raised eyebrows, my heart skipping a beat when I see him with luggage.

"Are you m...moving out?" I asked, my eyes already preparing for the waterfall that was going to flood out if he nodded affirmatively.

"No, I'm only going on a business trip and I also took permission to take a few days off to clear my head. I'll only be gone for a week. Take care," he responded dryly but I wasn't having any of that.

"What exactly is your problem with me Martin? You've been acting like a dick for the last three days. You don't talk to me, you 

Gabrielle.

"My head hurts." I complained to Layla as soon as she walked into my office.

"Should I get you some pain killers?" She asked.

"You shouldn't be asking that you fool and while you're at it, get me something to eat as well. I haven't had anything to eat today and I'm starving." I said to her and she nodded calmly before attempting to leave and then stopping abruptly.

"What now?" I asked irritatedly.

"I'm sorry miss, it's just that I forgot to tell you that a man by the name Martin Deville is here to see you and he says it's important." She informed me and I frowned.

What exactly does that fool want now?

"Let him in." I tell her and she gives a quick bow before walking out.

The annoying figure of Gabriella's best friend graces my vision and I immediately had a bad feeling about his visit. Martin isn't the type to just go around paying unnecessary visits to people, most es

Liam.

"Hey mom, I heard you asked to see me." I greeted, taking a seat beside her and I'm quick to notice that she had a very serious look on her face.

"Yes I did and what I have to say to you is very important son but you may not like what I'm about to tell you," she replied nervously and her tone scares me a little.

"You're scaring me mom, what is it?" I ask worriedly, she sighs.

"As you may have noticed, the fabrics that were used for the upcoming collection cost us a lot including the other expenses and that has taken a toll on us financially…," she said and I chimed in.

"What's the problem mom? Get to the point," I asked impatiently, noticing that the stress lines on her forehead are more visible and her eyes look tired.

"Various shareholders have been complaining about how terrible our financial situation is because they had suggested we use cheaper fabrics for our next colle

Gabriella.

"Good morning Martin." I chirp happily hoping that today wasn't gonna be like yesterday and the day before because for reasons best known to him, he'd become distant and snobbish and I didn't like where our friendship was heading.

"Morning," he replied coldly, throwing his car keys on the kitchen counter.

"Aren't you going to work?" I asked with raised eyebrows, my heart skipping a beat when I see him with luggage.

"Are you m...moving out?" I asked, my eyes already preparing for the waterfall that was going to flood out if he nodded affirmatively.

"No, I'm only going on a business trip and I also took permission to take a few days off to clear my head. I'll only be gone for a week. Take care," he responded dryly but I wasn't having any of that.

"What exactly is your problem with me Martin? You've been acting like a dick for the last three days. You don't talk to me, you don't eat the food I make, and you've been coming home late to avoid me. If you're gonna be mad at m

Chapter 19.