The door slammed shut with a loud bang, and Gabriel's facade of kindness and his smile vanished instantly.
A sobbing sound came from behind him. Gabriel stood still for a moment, listening, before he turned around.
He sighed, then walked over to help Ashley up and wiped her tears with the back of his hand.
"Can't you see? He's not the one for yo," he said softly.
"What's it to you who he is?" Ashley shot back. "Why are you trying to hurt me?"
"I..." Gabriel froze. He wanted to say he was looking out for her, but facing her piercing gaze, the words caught in his throat.
As he fumbled for a response, Ashley shouted, "Gabriel, answer me!"
Her look of disgust cut him to the core. Agitated, he tugged at his tie and blurted out, "I never meant to hurt you. I just... I don't want you to go
