(Gabriella)
I sat down on the white sofa, as a few people began bustled in and out of the room. Then I noticed a camera right in the middle of everything as an older gentleman seemed to he fiddling with it.
"Don't worry, they will just take a few pictures and usually record the interview just so they can look back. It will all be published in the article tomorrow or the day after though." Jamie whispered while leaning down close to my ear.
I nodded once, my eyes wandering over to the other couch as I saw Cecelia and Regina looking straight at us with soft smiles plastered on their faces.
It was almost chilling..the only time I ever saw either of them smiling was when I had gotten in trouble or they were completely ignoring me and having their own fun.
"Oh Gabby honey, let me fix your hair." Regina suddenly blurted before standing and walking over towards me, her hand smoothed out my hair as I just froze, unsure of what to do.
"I think she is fine Mrs. Kensington.." Jamie stated firmly while moving me away from her.
"Oh, of course, I just want Gabby to look her best. I'm surprised she doesn't have sticks and leaves in there like she always did back home." She laughed, making my cheeks flame as her words embarrassed me. I would spend a lot of time outdoors in the small garden beneath the big oak tree and there have been a few instances were perhaps that has happened..okay, it happened all the time..
Jamie just gazed down at me as his eyes seemed to warm.
"I think that is adorable." Jamie whispered before bending down and kissing my lips softly.
That's when Cecelia suddenly spoke up.
"Yes, our little Gabby just loved to run around without shoes and sneak around the house. She was like a little mouse scurrying about." She added with a laugh, and that's when a man in a grey suit walked in and sat down.
"Can you tell us more about Gabriella's childhood? That might be a good start for the interview." The man stated, giving Cecelia a dazzling smile. He had dirty blonde hair that was slicked back and a well trimmed beard.
I watched as Cecelia sat up straighter before adjusting her dress, drawing attentionto her cleavage.
"Well, ever since Gabby came to the house..after you know..the tragedy..we welcomed her with open arms." I sat there stiffly, my eyes darting to my lap as I felt Jamie stiffen beside me.
"Tragedy, what tragedy if you don't mind me asking?" The man inquired, making excitement flash across Cecelia's face as she opened her mouth to speak.
"I think we should keep this conversation only about the engagement. That is why we are here after all." Jamie snapped angrily before glancing towards the interviewer.
He was clearly intimated as he sat back on his chair while clearing his throat and nodding his head.
I glanced over at Jamie..confused by his reaction as I began to wonder if he felt embarrassed by my past.
Suddenly his gaze met mine as I darted my blue eyes away but felt him grip my hand before leaning down.
"I just want to keep this interview about our engagement..there is no reason to bring up sad things that happened in your past." He explained..reading my mind once again, as I felt in awe of this man.
How did he always know what I was thinking?
"Okay, we will get on with it then." The interviewer stated while glancing towards Jamie awkwardly.
"Jamie Sinclair, there seemed to be some type of confusion as to whom you announced your engagement to. Can you explain that now?" The man asked.
I didn't think that would the first question..Jamie did tell me about the article lastnight, just to make sure I knew why we were doing this.
Jamie nodded once before gripping my hand tighter.
"It is no secret that I have been actively dating and felt the urge to settle down this past year. I wanted my future bride to be someone that I had compatability with..someone who I felt an instant connection." He explained and I was surprised he was being so transparent honestly..I wasn't sure if they wanted to even bring up the contract marriage.
"I had gone on a few dates with Cecelia Kensington and was debating if she was the right person for me..and the night I was deciding on announcing my engagement..that's when I met Gabriella." He continued as everyone in the room went quite, their eyes all shooting toward me.
I swear I felt Cecelia glaring at me but the moment I glanced her way, all I saw was a smile.
"This must've been hard for you Miss Kensington..did you believe Mr. Sinclair was going to propose to you that night?" The interviewer suddenly asked Cecelia, surprising me as I bit my lip nervously. I almost felt like a background character in this interview..
"Well, I can't lie and say I wasn't taken by Jamie from the moment I saw him. But seeing him and Gabby together..well, I just knew in that moment that maybe they really were meant to be. Gabriella has always needed someone to take care of her..and now that Jamie has bravely taken up that role, we don't have to worry about her..I know depression and mental illness can be genetic..so we always worried that Gabriella might one day.."
"That's enough! This interview is over. Come on Gabriella, we are leaving." Jamie suddenly burst out before standing abruptly as Regina hopped to her feet.
"Jamie..she deserves to know..her father has sheltered her for too long. She needs to know how her mother chose to..." Regina rushed out.
"Mrs. Kensington, I suggest you stop right there." Jamie gritted through his teeth before tugging my arm..
What are they talking about? Why are they bringing up my mother? What was my dad sheltering me from? Mom passed away from a rare condition in her sleep..my father told me she had a seizure and in turn it stopped her heart.
I was just a small kid so I obviously don't remember..but is this really necessary to bring up?
"Also, I will be speaking to your boss. The way you conducted this interview was beyond unprofessional, especially considering you are sleeping with one of the guests here. I expect the article to be in topic and if there is anything there shouldn't be..you will be hearing from my lawyers." Jamie stated firmly before wrapping his arm around my waist and walked me out of the room.
The look of shock on Cecelia and the man's face was priceless..letting me know it was her he must've been sleeping with..
But what the hell just happened? They were trying to air something about me..something about my mother that my dad is hiding..
"Do not listen to a single thing they said okay Gabriella? And I never want you to be alone in their presence again." Jamie ordered before cupping my face with his palms and searching my gaze.
I nodded my head as the elevator doors shut..and that's when Jamie pressed his lips to mine firmly.
"I promise I will protect you from those people, no matter what..but Gabriella..it might not hurt to have a conversation with your father soon." Jamie suggested and I just let out a long sigh before resting my head agaisnt his chest and inhaled deeply.
I can't believe Jamie stuck up for me like that..no one ever has..I am so grateful, and I want to show him just how much.
I want to give myself to Jamie...all of myself..I just need him to see I'm ready..how the hell can I do that?