Unspoken Desires: A Billionaire's Journey of Love and Redemption

"Calm down, Gabriel," I said softly, my voice filled with patience. "I understand that it's frustrating, but getting worked up won't help your recovery." Gabriel's brows furrowed, his eyes narrowing with a mix of anger and helplessness. "Easy for you to say, Emily. You don't know what it's like to be trapped in this damn wheelchair, dependent on others for even the simplest tasks." I took a deep breath, maintaining my composure despite his fiery temperament. "You're right, Gabriel. I may not fully understand the depth of your experience, but I'm here to support you through this. I've witnessed your strength, and I believe in your ability to overcome any obstacle." He scoffed, a bitter smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Strength? What strength is there in being confined to this chair? I used to be powerful, in control of everything around me. Now, I'm nothing more than a burden." I reached out, gently grasping his hand, hoping to convey my unwavering support. "Gabriel, you are not a burden. Life can throw unexpected challenges our way, but it's how we face them that defines us. You still possess the same determination and drive that I admired before the accident. The circumstances may have changed, but your essence remains unchanged. You have the strength to rebuild and rediscover yourself." A flicker of vulnerability passed through Gabriel's eyes, his anger momentarily giving way to a glimmer of longing. "You don't understand, Emily. I've lost so much. My independence, my dreams... I don't even recognize the man I've become." I squeezed his hand reassuringly, meeting his gaze with warmth and sincerity. "Gabriel, I may not fully comprehend your journey, but I see the person you are beyond the surface. You're still the same passionate, driven man I met before. The accident may have altered your path, but it hasn't extinguished your spirit. Together, we can navigate this journey. You're not alone in this. I'll be here every step of the way, helping you find your strength and purpose once again." As our eyes locked, I felt a glimmer of hope ignite within me. In Gabriel's vulnerability, I saw the potential for growth and healing. Perhaps, by offering my unwavering patience and support, I could help him embrace his new reality and embark on a path of self-discovery. "Emily, please don't give me false hope for something that I know is impossible," Gabriel snapped, his anger intensifying. His eyes bore into mine, filled with frustration and disappointment. I took a step back, feeling the weight of his words. "Gabriel, I understand that it's difficult for you to accept, but I believe in the power of hope. We can find alternative solutions, explore different paths. It may not be easy, but we can overcome this together." He scoffed, his voice laced with bitterness. "You don't get it, Emily. This isn't some fairy tale where everything magically falls into place. I'm stuck in this situation, and no amount of hope will change that. It's pointless." I felt a pang of hurt, but I refused to let it show. "Gabriel, I'm not trying to downplay the challenges you're facing. I know it's not easy, and I can't fully understand what you're going through. But I believe in your strength, in your ability to adapt and find new ways to live a fulfilling life." His frustration boiled over, his voice rising in anger. "You think you know what's best for me? You think you can magically fix everything? Well, you can't! Stop pretending like you have all the answers!" I took a deep breath, trying to remain calm despite his outburst. "Gabriel, I never claimed to have all the answers or to know exactly what you're going through. But I care about you, and I want to support you. We can work through this together, even if it means facing the harsh reality and finding a new path forward." He clenched his fists, his face flushed with anger. "I don't need your support or your false hope. Just leave me alone!" Tears welled up in my eyes, but I fought to keep them at bay. "Gabriel, I won't force you to accept my help, but please remember that I'm here for you. I believe in you, even when you don't believe in yourself." With those words, I turned and walked away, leaving Gabriel to wrestle with his anger and his emotions. I hoped that one day he would find solace. As my tears flowed uncontrollably, I sprinted through the garden, desperately seeking refuge amidst the vibrant blooms and swaying trees. The weight of Gabriel's anger and despair pressed heavily on my heart, threatening to suffocate me. I stumbled upon a secluded bench and collapsed onto it, my body trembling with overwhelming emotions. In the midst of my turmoil, Mrs. Era, the compassionate and wise butler who had served the Lim family faithfully for years, noticed my distress. With a gentle smile, she approached and settled beside me on the bench. Without uttering a word, she reached out and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, offering solace in her touch. Looking up at her, my tear-streaked face mirrored a mixture of sorrow and gratitude. "Mrs. Era, I don't know what to do. Gabriel is consumed by anger and feels as though his world has crumbled. I want to help him, but he keeps pushing me away." Mrs. Era's voice resonated with empathy as she spoke, her words carrying the weight of wisdom. "My dear, when people are hurting, they often lash out at those closest to them. It is not an easy task for Gabriel to accept the changes he is facing. However, that does not mean you should abandon him. Patience and understanding are the keys to unlocking his wounded heart." I nodded, my eyes still brimming with tears. "I wish I could make him realize that he is not alone, that he possesses immense strength within him. But every time I try, he pushes me further away." Mrs. Era gently squeezed my hand, her touch offering reassurance. "It is a challenging journey for both of you, my dear. Healing takes time, and each person copes in their own way. Instead of striving to fix everything, perhaps you can simply be a steadfast presence. Demonstrate your unwavering support and love, even if he is not yet ready to fully embrace it." Taking a deep breath, I found solace in Mrs. Era's words. "You are right, Mrs. Era. I will be patient and continue to show him that I am here for him, no matter the circumstances. I will not allow his anger to deter me from helping him rediscover his strength." Mrs. Era beamed with pride, her eyes reflecting warmth and encouragement. "That is the spirit, my dear. Love possesses the power to mend even the deepest wounds. Remember to care for yourself as well, for you cannot pour from an empty cup." I wiped away my tears, feeling a renewed sense of determination wash over me. "Thank you, Mrs. Era. Your wisdom means the world to me. I will continue to support Gabriel, standing by his side, even when the path becomes arduous." Together, we sat in the tranquil garden, engrossed in conversation, exchanging stories of resilience and hope. Mrs. Era's guidance and unwavering presence fortified my resolve, knowing that love and patience would eventually guide Gabriel toward healing and growth. In that moment, within the embrace of nature's beauty, we forged an unbreakable bond, united in our commitment to help Gabriel rediscover his true self. As we sat in the garden's serenity, we found solace in the belief that, with time, understanding, and unwavering support, Gabriel would emerge from the depths of his despair, once again embracing his strength and purpose. Mrs. Era, the only confidante privy to my deepest secret, knew of my hidden love for Gabriel. After a few minutes, I finally decided to enter the mansion. I need to give Gabriel his medication since we will be going to his office later. I found him at the balcony, seemingly lost in deep thoughts. I cleared my throat to get his attention. "You need to take your medication, Gabriel," I said to him. I held out the medicine and a glass of water, approaching him. He turned his gaze towards me. Gabriel accepted the glass of water and the medication. Then he said, "Let's go, I still have a lot of work at the office," he replied to me. I nodded in response. "Everything that needs to be brought is already prepared. I'll just go and inform the driver about our departure," I replied to him. I then excused myself briefly. "Alright," Gabriel replied. I turned away from him and walked towards the exit of the mansion. I headed to the garage to inform the driver about Gabriel and my departure. "Good morning, Ma'am Emily!" the driver greeted me cheerfully. "Good morning as well. Gabriel instructed that we'll be leaving today, so please prepare the car," I replied with a smile. "Alright, ma'am." "Thank you," I responded. I turned away and decided to go back to Gabriel. I am unsure of where my hidden feelings for Gabriel are leading me, but I find happiness in what I am doing. However, what I fear the most is the eventual revelation of the true perpetrator, the reason why Gabriel is now in a wheelchair. It was my own father who became the culprit in everything. And here I am, in the presence of billionaire Gabriel, who seems to have lost hope and is always hot-tempered due to what happened to his legs. It is terrifying to think about what might happen if Gabriel discovers the true culprit. And I do not want my father to be imprisoned.