Husband With Benefits
Chapter 100: A Heart to Heart

Chapter 100: A Heart to Heart

As Demetri made his way towards the small gathering of his brothers and his grandfather, Elijah Frost quickly excused himself without glancing at his wayward grandson and went on to chat animatedly with the many fawning guests.

Seb and Gabe exchanged glances as they observed their brother approaching. With a grimace, Seb muttered a quick wish of luck to Gabe before making a swift escape. Picking up two glasses of whisky from a passing waiter, Gabe handed one to Demetri before the two of them moved to a small anteroom at the back.

The low buzz from the celebration outside could be heard in the silent room as the two brothers stared at each other. While Demetri looked at his brother as he leaned against the wall casually, Gabe had nothing to say as well, looking away.

"Congratulations," Demetri uttered the words that were right for the occasion but somehow sounded more like a question than a wish.

Gabe forced a smile and looked at his drink, unable to look at his brother as he muttered," Thanks."

Demetri arched an eyebrow at this," You sound thrilled."

Gabe hesitated, his eyes betraying a complexity of emotions. "It’s complicated, Demon. I mean, I like Arabelle, you know that. But this whole situation is just... overwhelming."

Demetri nodded with understanding as he took a sip of his own drink," Then why did you offer yourself as a replacement groom?"

Gabe winced at the blunt question. Taking out his phone, he showed the message that he had received from their grandfather’s assistant. "Arabelle’s future is now in your hands. The engagement is about to be announced as for the groom... no one knows."

"I had no idea that grandfather would pull such a move and announce an engagement for Arabelle. And that foolish girl was about to walk towards you. I can’t imagine the mess it would have created."

"But it wasn’t your mess to clean up." Demetri pointed out.

Gabe looked conflicted, "I know, Demon. It’s just that... When I stepped forward, I thought that Arabelle would refuse and even laugh off the engagement. But instead she... I suddenly have hope. I want to use this chance to turn this engagement will turn real soon. I like Arabelle, I’ve never hidden this, and being with her would make me happy. But it’s hard to accept that she’s in love... with you. I know that you do not reciprocate her feelings... but seeing her like this hurts me."

Demetri sighed, "Well, you can’t control her feelings, and you can’t force her to choose. It’s her decision. But you owe it to yourself to be truthful. All this can blow up in your face and hurt you."

After a moment of silence, Gabe nodded, "You’re right, Demon. But it’s a risk I have to accept. Are you going to tell me not to."

"No. I have no right. I can only advice that you do not let this matter linger too long."

Gabe agreed ruefully, before giving him a smile, "I’m just glad that you are supporting me in this. Demon, I’ve decided. This is the last time I am going to pursue this. If, after this, I am still unable to make her fall for me, then I will give up. Whether this engagement goes ahead or not, I’ve decided it’s up to Arabelle now. I can’t let my own desires cloud my judgement anymore."

Demetri narrowed his eyes and looked at Gabe carefully before patting him on the back," Just remember that whatever happens, we are together. And in the future, do not put her feelings above yours. You are both important."

Gabe nodded gratefully before leaving. However, as the younger man left, Demetri’s eyes hardened. He had done everything he could to keep Arabelle out of the family and yet, she had found a way in. This time, he accepted that he could not protect Gabe anymore. He could only hope that Gabe would be able to survive this.

Quickly, he dialed a number," Keep an eye on Gabe. Let his security double up and he is to be shadowed every moment. Also, I need you to pull out a few juvenile records from Country B...The records are sealed. Be careful to not alert the authorities."

Downing the rest of his drink, he stepped out of the small room, ready to leave the celebration, done for the night.

However, as he stepped outside, looking for Nora as he did, he did not expect that he would fail to find her. His eyes quickly scanned the surroundings and he noticed that his grandfather was also missing...This time, his eyes narrowed to pinpoints. He’d already overlooked Elijah Frost’s meeting with Nora at The Cafe, knowing that she could handle it. But the old man needed to be shown that he could no longer control him...

Quickly he changed his path and marched towards the old man’s office. But he’d barely reached the door, when the butler stepped in his way," Master Demetri, I must insist that you do not enter the office. Your grandfather is in an important meeting, and no interruptions are allowed."

Demetri’s eyes narrowed, and he shot back, "Where’s Nora? Why has he brought her here? Bring her to me right now."

The butler’s gaze remained unyielding. "I assure you, Master Demetri, Mrs. Frost is safe. Your grandfather will inform you when the time is right."

Just when he would have pushed the man aside, the butler lowered his voice and uttered," Young master. There is no need to escalate matters... yet."

As the situation threatened to escalate, the office door creaked open, and Nora emerged. Her expression was strained, and she glanced at Demetri with a mix of disappointment and frustration.

Demetri’s jaw tightened, and as he would have questioned her, she subtly shook her head. As he reluctantly backed away, he cast a lingering glance into the office. His grandfather wore a satisfied smile, a sight that fueled Demetri’s suspicion even further.

R𝑒ad lat𝒆st chapt𝒆rs at f(r)eew𝒆bnov𝒆l.com Only

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.