Pampered After Divorce - Chapter 121: Chapter 121

Octavia’s POV
“Gael was raised by my best friend, but I felt it was time for him to understand the Dawson’s business. So, I introduced him to Gio’s father as a nephew, but I didn’t know he would get suspicious. Also, Gio didn’t like Gael."
Now it made sense. Gael faked his death with a bullet, but one thing was still unclear.
“Why did I come into the picture?”
She laughed sarcastically, hinting that there was more to the whole situation. “Octavia, I needed a virgin for Gael, which is why I had him take care of you as a teenager after your parents died.”
Tears welled up in my eyes as I began to question Gael’s supposed love for me. Also, Beatrix always preyed on orphans like me because it was the same with Nicole but as for Gael, “He never loved me.”
“Oh, stop it, you fool. No one is expected to fall in love in this game. That’s why as soon as I heard Gio had a woman in college, I had to separate them, and that woman is Molly. We had to ensure you were pregnant with Gael’s child before placing you near him, but you failed, just as the friend I paid to poison his coffee.”
There was no hint of regret in her eyes, but I started to worry about Roger. If the truth came out, wouldn’t Vanni hate him? This woman had even tried to eliminate Vanni by letting someone poison his coffee and I wonder how he survived it.
It also meant that Molly was not new in Vanni’s life. She was the only woman he loved, which was why he couldn’t love anyone else. She didn’t take Vanni from me. He was always hers from the beginning.
“Alright. I will go back and beg Molly. It’s the only way I can see Vanni again, but before that, I want to see Gael.”
With such an evil mother, I regretted falling in love with him, especially knowing he never loved me.
No wonder he told Vanni to marry me, except Vanni couldn’t be manipulated.
A FaceTime call was in progress, and after over five years, I saw his face again. He hadn’t changed a bit.
“Octavia, I see Mom told you everything. Look, I’m so sorry, but if you think I don’t love you, I do.”
How could I believe him? Despite my efforts, I couldn't hide my disappointment. "I wish I could trust you, Gael. Your mom said everything is just a game."
"My mom doesn't know everything about me. Yes, she chose you for me, and I didn't like you at first, but I fell in love with you later."
"Your mom said you were going to return in a few days, so let's talk again after that," I said, ending the FaceTime call.
Beatrix held my hands in hers. "Octavia, please don't disappoint me. Just imagine marrying Gael, having your son back, and becoming the Donna of the Dawson Group," she said, and I forced a smile.
With a woman like her, I didn't stand a chance. Even if I succeeded, I was certain she might eliminate me, just as she did to Vanni's parents.
I may have failed to win Vanni's heart, but at least he taught me to think smart.
"Okay, Mom. I'll go back and update you on the progress of things."
Vanni had blocked my number, and I didn't have Molly's, so I sent a message through one of his bodyguards, Zak.
"I need to see Vanni. Tell him it's about Molly. Someone is planning to kill her."
Molly was Vanni's weakness, so I could only use her name. A few minutes later, Vanni called, meaning he had unblocked my number.
"Octavia, what are you up to?"
"Vanni, please, just a few minutes. You know why I can't talk on the phone," I pleaded. There was silence before he spoke again.
"Zak is coming to get you."
I heaved a sigh of relief, and an hour later, I was at Vanni's office. He looked impatient, but I knew he still had a soft spot for me because of Gael or Roger, whichever.
"I don't have all the time in the world, Octavia. Who is planning an attack on Molly's life?"
Oh, it wasn't what I was thinking. Molly was the reason he agreed to see me. I decided to come clean.
"Vanni, I only used Molly to get here, but this is important," I confessed.
"Zak," he yelled, tears stinging the corners of my eyes. "Get her out of here," he said as soon as Zak appeared. I blurted out, "Gael is alive."
"Excuse me?" His gaze focused on me, a mix of emotions swirling in his eyes.
"Vanni, I went to see your mother and..." Tears overwhelmed me, my knees felt weak, and I sat on the floor.
For some reason, he allowed me as much time as I needed. I heard footsteps. Zak was walking out, and I heard another footstep approaching me.
"Drink."
Vanni offered me a glass of water. It was only after emptying the glass that I realized how thirsty I was. "More," I requested, and he patiently poured me another glass.
"Thank you," I said as he led me to the chair in front of him.
"Tell me everything."
This was why I loved him, but sadly, he couldn't be mine. My dream man belonged to Molly.
"Mom would kill me if I tell you everything," I murmured, seeking assurance of his protection.
"If you wanted to obey her, then you wouldn't be here," he pointed out, and I nodded.
"But you cut me out of your life, so how can I be certain of your protection?"
Disappointment filled his eyes as he leaned in. "Haven't I protected you all these years?"
About to respond, we heard the sound of stilettos. Turning around, it was Molly, looking upset. I hoped she wasn't reading the wrong meaning into this.
"Molly, what's the matter?" Vanni asked, already by her side, embracing her safely in his arms. What a lucky woman she was.