Betrayal or Love?

Eleven months ago, Gabriella King joined a trending dating site. She honestly had no idea what made her do so when she would rather spend her time in her room, reading one hell of romantic novels and imaging herself being one of the characters and falling in love with the Hero who was every Girl's dream.

Gabby was almost logging out on the website when a message came in from someone with the name 'Sam.'

Angry was not enough to describe how Gabby felt upon reading his message. She couldn't believe the sender had the nerve to ask such a question.

Gabby typed a couple of abusive and sassy responses but for some reason unknown, she didn't have the mind to hit the send button so she ended up logging out with Sam's question unanswered.

Twenty-four hours later, Gabriella found herself in front of her laptop, logging into the site with the intention of deleting her account. But before doing that, she clicked on Sam's profile. Just like Gabby, Sam didn't put up his profile picture. But she was impressed by what was on his Bio. That alone, made her finally reply to his question politely.

Fortunately, Sam was also online, one thing led to another and they ended up chatting for a little over two hours with Gabriella ending the chat because she had assignments to catch up on.

From their first conversation, they both realized they had a lot in common and for some cheesy reasons, they both had smiles on their faces while replying to each other's messages.

Chatting two hours or more every night later became a habit for Sam and Gabby. They became addicted and looked forward to their chats all the time.

Whatever was going on between the duo was put on hold when they revealed their ages to themselves. It was a total shock to the two of them. They had so much in common that they both thought they were around the same age.

The dating site does not reveal the exact age of its users. Instead, every user falls under three categories: teenagers, adults and older adults.

It was Gabby who had asked for Sam's age on that fateful day and he replied immediately with "35"

Gabriela's eyes almost popped out of its socket when she read his reply on her phone. She was beyond shocked. She couldn't believe the Sam she had grown fond of was way older than her and that made her start thinking if whatever was going on between them was appropriate or not.

Just when it was starting to occur to her that she might have found the perfect guy because she had started growing some feelings for him, their age gap was already screaming NO at them.

Sam, on the other hand, could tell something was wrong when he received no immediate response from Gabby.

"Gab?"

"You okay?"

"You know you can talk to me about anything?"

Gabriella did not reply to Sam's message immediately but when she finally did, a shock and devastating expression overtook him.

"You're 35 and I'll be 20 soon. I don't know how to feel about this." was Gabby's reply.

Sam and Gabby didn't communicate for a while after this but that didn't mean they stopped thinking about each other. They both missed their night chats, most especially Sam who looked forward to telling Gabby about his day.

Gabriella was really pained and confused. If only wishes were horses and Sam carter was her age! Though they've not seen each other's picture, they've perfectly described how they look to one another.

Gabby had no doubt that Sam was incredibly sexy but she had pictured him at a much younger age.

Since she came to know about Sam's real age, she had been doing research about age gap relationships to know if there was any chance that they could work.

Gabriella also had a series of thoughts going through her head and a series of questions she would love to ask Sam.

'What if he was married or has a girlfriend and was only looking for a fling?"

For some reason, Gabby chose not to think ill of Sam. He was always honest in all their chats that she found it hard to believe his intentions were evil.

After almost two weeks of both of them being mute, Samuel took a bold step by leaving Gabby a message.

Gabriella didn't know what to expect when she saw a notification that she had a message from Sam. They hadn't contacted each other for a while so she was trying to take her mind off him and accept the fact that whatever they had between them was over.

A small part of her was also happy and nervous that he reached out to her.

Gabby clicked on the notification and read the message. Sam wanted to know how she was fairing, he confessed he had missed her and their nights' chats. That made Gabriella's heart melt and he politely asked for her phone number because he wanted to discuss some things with her.

The last statement made Gabby more nervous but after reading his message about four times, she sent him her phone number.

Gabriella had her eyes glued to her phone all day, not wanting to miss Sam's call. She could not help but wonder what he wanted to say to her. She didn't want to be overconfident either so she won't get her heart broken. They didn't end their friendship well the time they had the age conversation thing and she couldn't help but think his call would be to end things officially between them. She facepalmed when she realized again that she was head over heels with someone she had not physically seen.

Gabriela was almost giving up when a call from an unknown number came in. She had had dinner and was almost ready for bed.

She had no doubt it was Sam. She heaved a big sigh in hope that it would calm her heart rate which had suddenly increased.

With shaky hands, Gabby answered the call.

"Gabby?!" She heard a comforting masculine voice say. The tiny hairs on the back of her neck stood to attention as a shiver ran down her spine.

She swallowed painfully. "S... Sam?" She asked even when she was sure as hell that he was the one.

"I missed you!" Sam said from the other side.

When he heard no response from Gabby, he continued. "I miss us. I miss our nightly chats and I know you miss us too!"

"Bu....but...... " She was starting to say but Sam cut her off.

"I know Gabby and I promise you that I've been doing a lot of thinking lately."

"In our chats, you sounded very smart and mature, you always made me laugh, we talked about so many things and unintentionally, I started getting fond of you. Never did it occur to me that you were very much younger than me."

"Apart from my best friend and a few close family members, you're the next in line that I've opened up to." He sighed, "To an extent, I think I've even opened up to you more than the others."

"You just have that power over me, the power that makes me want to share everything with you. And for some reason, my heart tells me I can trust you."

"I remember telling you I work in a company. That's true, but the company is mine. I also own a hotel and other investments."

"I'm not married or engaged and neither am I seeing anyone. Let's just say I'm married to my job." He paused for a while and then continued.

"But I have a daughter who I love so much and I won't hesitate to do anything for her. Her mom is not in the picture so it's just my princess and me."

"My best friend requested me to get a life outside my job. He persuaded me to try mingling again and after months of so much pressure without me giving in to his request, he signed me up on the dating site and that's how I met you."

"I spent the last few days thinking a lot and weighing options. Gabby, I would like to know you more"

Gabriella groaned and buried her face deeper into the pillow at the sound of her doorbell. She was not expecting anybody so at first, she thought she heard wrong or mistook her dream for reality.

After a while, the person outside her apartment showed no mercy by continuously pressing the bell which left Gabby with no choice but to go open up.

She was prepared to lash out on the individual but words terribly failed her when she opened the door.

Her best friends, Isabelle and Seraphina had the biggest smiles on their faces. Bella was with a bouquet of red roses which rested against her chest and supported by her left arm. She also had two gift bags on her right hand.

Seraphina was holding a big and beautifully designed cake box. And on the floor beside Gabby's door laid about six other gift bags.

"You two are supposed to have class this morning right?" Gabriella asked with a big frown.

"I need to put this down, I hope the cake in it is as yummy as the weight, " Sera said before passing by a confused and shocked Gabby and making her way into Gabby's small but cosy apartment.

"Happy Birthday my love!" Isabella gave Gabby a peck on the cheek before handing her the roses.

"Forget about our morning classes. We ditched them to come celebrate with you!" Bella justified.

"You guys got all these for me?" Gabriella asked as she took a glance at all the gifts once more.

Bella and Sera looked at each other and smiled.

"We only got this for you." Bella gestured to the gift bags she was holding.

"On our way in, we bumped into a delivery guy who said all these items were for you. We signed and accepted them so here they are. Happy birthday Gabby, you know I love you so much." Sera explained and pulled Gabby into a half hug, careful not to ruin her beautiful roses.

"Thank you, Sera and thank you too, Bella. I love you guys."

"Does that mean these are all from your Lover Guy?" Bella smirked.

Gabriella's cheek turned red as she looked elsewhere except into her best friends eyes.

"I knew it the moment I sighted all of it. It's only one who is in love that will go all the way to give a beautiful surprise." Sera said before picking up the gift bags that were by the door. They all entered the apartment with Bella shutting the door quietly behind them.

Gabriella King had always been someone that not only likes peace and quiet but someone that also enjoys her privacy.

The three best friends stayed off-campus and no matter how much Sera and Bella pleaded for Gabby to come live with them in their big apartment, she refused.

Unlike her best friends, Gabby was from an average home so she was comfortable with the apartment her parents rented for her.

A living room which was connected to the kitchen. It also has a cosy bedroom with a bathroom/tiny closet.

Though it was small, she made sure she decorated it nicely to get that homely feeling. But she visits Sera and Bella's apartment from time to time.

"Girls!!!!, it may not be from him. Are you guys even sure all these are for me because this is strange. I've never received a surprise this HUGE"

"I'm sure they are from him, " Sera said. "Though the delivery guy didn't mention your surname but Hey, you're the only Gabriella in this building and today is your birthday!"

"Btwn, why did it take you so long to open up? I was already thinking you were shagging someone who decided to give you a good fuck as a birthday present." Sera added

"Seraphina!!!!!!" Isabelle cautioned. "Of course she can't shag no one that isn't Mr Lover Guy"

Gabriella heaved a tired sigh. "You girls will be the end of me."

"I didn't go to bed early so yeah I was tired. Not that I owe you two any explanation." Gabby said.

"Of course you do because you're our friend, " Sera said.

Bella smiled, "I have no doubt the man in question is the one who kept our best friend awake. You guys talked on the phone till past midnight right?"

Gabby blushed and her friends giggled. It was sort of entertaining seeing their best friend so in love.

Bella was right, Gabby didn't go to bed early because she was on the phone with Sam. He called forty-five minutes before midnight-her birthday- and when it was midnight sharp, he wished her a happy birthday. They talked some more before they finally decided to go to bed. He didn't mention that he was going to send anything to her so yeah, she was surprised and very happy.

"Okay, I think it's time we open all these gifts. I really want to see what he got you." Bella said excitedly.

Gabriella nodded and started with the bouquet of roses she was holding. She reached for the note attached to it.

"Happy Birthday Gabby! Many more fruitful years. Please accept all that I sent you with love and make sure you enjoy your day." Isabelle read out loud with a big smile on her face, brushing off the fact that the handwriting looks kind of familiar.

"Aweee. You definitely have to marry this dude regardless of his age." Sera giggled while Bella nodded in agreement.

"Please let's not go too far. Besides he's not a 'dude.'" Gabby defended.

Sera looked at Bella. "I think she already likes him more than us."

Gabby pouted, "You know that's not true."

"I hope so or else Bella and I will hunt you forever."

"Anyways, Can we see the cake now?" Bella pouted with the desire to eat as many pieces as possible.

The trio made their way to Gabby's neatly arranged kitchen counter where Seraphina placed the cake earlier and they gave the birthday girl the honour of opening the cake box.

"No way!"

"Oh my God!"

"I'm sure this cake was made by the best baker in the world. This is insane!" Sera, Bella and Sera said respectively. Their eyes not leaving what happened to be one of the most beautiful and yummy looking cakes they've ever seen. The cake also had "Happy Birthday Gab!" on it.

Gabriella was smiling like crazy. She made a mental note to thank the hell out of Sam. She would definitely do that later when her friends had left. They will tease her if she calls him in their presence.

"Gab huh?" Bella teased

Gabby's cheek turned crimson red. Sam was used to calling her that and She loved the nickname. She couldn't help but think he sounded so sexy whenever he said her pet name.

Sera reached for a cake knife and passed it to Gabriella. She led the happy birthday song while Bella sang along and reached for her phone to record and perhaps take pictures.

They all ate a few pieces before Bella commanded that they take a break and check out all the stuff Gaby's mystery man got for her.

They proceeded to the tiny carpet area of the living room where all the gift bags were. The three best friends got comfortable on the carpet and waited for Gabriella to start unveiling her gifts.

A jewellery organizer that had a number of bracelets, anklets, matching necklaces and earrings. Two wrist watches, three boxes of Gabby's favourite chocolate, expensive perfumes and a beautiful pair of red heels.

She moved to the second to the last box and carefully reached for the item inside because it looked very fragile.

Gabriela tried to keep her happy tears at bay when she came face to face with a Macbook air.

She remembered mentioning it to him two nights ago that her laptop was faulty. She had planned to repair it with her savings but TADA!, her Sam surprised her with the type of laptop she didn't think she would own until a few years to come.

"I'm so convinced that this guy loves you." Bella smiled while Gabby shrugged shyly.

"I'm sure he must be very hot and sexy." Sera grinned.

"Of course he must be. Do you think Gabby will agree to date someone who isn't a Greek god?" Bella voiced out.

"We aren't dating!" Gabby blushed.

"Maybe not yet. But you guys will, eventually. I can sense it." Bella smirked.

"You will say 'Yes' if he pops the question right?" Sera asked.

"Phina?!!!" Gabby groaned while Bella chuckled.

"Chill Gabby, I'm sure Seraphina meant you will say yes if he asks you to be his girlfriend, " Bella explained while Sera burst into laughter.

"So you were thinking I was referring to him proposing to you? Nice thought, bestie." She said in between laughter while Gabby looked away in embarrassment.

"You're such a bully Sera. You should try picking out your words carefully next time." Bella said.

"I think I said the right thing, Gabby just misinterpreted. I swear I'm not jealous, I'm just excited and thrilled to see Queen Gabriella whipped by a guy."

Bella nodded in agreement. Every girl deserves to be loved and spoiled, most especially by a guy and her friend, Gabby, was not an exception.

"So when will you and Sammy jammy finally meet?" Bella asked excitedly. She was aware her best friend and lover guy call and text themselves almost every time but she knew they've not seen each other physically.

Gabby quirked an eyebrow. She had never revealed Sam's name to her best friends. They even came to know about Sam earlier than she had wanted to tell them.

The trio were very close so Sera and Bella couldn't help but notice some of Gabby's stylish behaviour.

She was closer to her phone than usual, always texting and having this "I'm in love smile" on her face. And immediately a particular phone call comes in, she would excuse herself to answer in private.

So, on a fateful night, her besties stormed into her apartment and forced her to open up. She told them all they needed to know but held back a few details.

"Unintentionally, we do see his name flash across your screen, whenever he calls or sends you a text, " Sera explained and Gabby nodded.

"I have no idea when we are going to meet. Though he had proposed several invitations. He wants us to meet but I keep coming up with excuses."

"Why?" Bella asked a little heartbroken.

"Still unsure cos of his age?" Sera asked concerned and waited patiently for her best friend's reply.

"I don't know." She whispered and then heaved a sigh.

"He treats me with respect, he listens to me even during my ranting days, he makes me laugh, never for once did he make me feel I'm far younger than him, I look forward to hearing from him every day and knowing him has obviously made me a happier person."

"On the other hand, everything just seems good to be true. I'm afraid if we take a step further, like seeing each other, something might go wrong."

Sera intertwined one of her hands with Gabby's own while Bella gave Gabby a light squeeze on her shoulder.

"You like him very much and from all that I've heard and seen, I have no doubt he feels the same. If your heart tells you YES then I think you should give meeting him a try." Bella said.

"I agree with Isabelle. Your happiness matters the most and if everything about Sam makes you happy, then you shouldn't be afraid to take a step forward and see what the future holds for you two. You wouldn't know if you do not try, you know!"

Gabriella nodded.

"Or you're worried he might cheat on you with someone his age?" Sera voiced out.

"I swear I'll cut off his balls if he breaks your heart. I wish Bella and I could see him to give him a Warning."

Gabriella smiled sadly, "I don't know how Sam did it but I've come to trust him. My heart tells me he wouldn't cheat on me or intentionally hurt me and I hope he lives by that."

Bella smiled proudly, "I'm happy to see you so in love. I'm proud of the woman you're becoming."

Sera giggled, "Same here"

"Okay, it's time to open the final gift bag, " Sera announced, picking up the bag and handing it over to Gabby.

Gabriella brought out a medium-size rectangular box from the gift bag. She opened the cover and was greeted with a small card which was neatly placed on top of a folded dress and beside the beautiful dress was a matching pair of heels, purse and jewellery.

Gabby picked the card and read out the words in it.

I would like to take you out tonight to celebrate your birthday. Please make me the happiest man on earth by saying YES to my invitation. I'll be waiting for your reply.

"Hell YES! you're so going." Sera voiced out.

"But I have plans with you guys. We are going out to celebrate, remember?" Gabby said.

"Our plan can wait, We'll go celebrate with you tomorrow. Today is your day and you deserve to spend it with Sam." Bella reasoned.

Gabriella's heartbeat quickened. Seeing Sam today was not on her to-do list. She was not prepared. Most of all, she couldn't believe her best friends were encouraging/forcing her to go.

"We don't have to cancel our plans, Sam would understand if I tell him I have plans with you guys, " Gabby said.

Sera and Bella took a glance at each other.

"NOPE!!!!" They said in unison.

Gabriella looked at them in defeat.

"Stop chickening out Gab!" Sera encouraged.

"I know you're nervous but hey? What's the worst that could happen?" Bella intervened.

"Right! He can't kidnap you and I'm sure he wouldn't dare to rape you. Well, that's if you don't want him to make love to you. But I think he will be great in bed." Sera teased.

Gabby let out a quiet groan as she tried to hide her blush.

Bella made Gabriella look into her eyes and spoke. "You really have to go, nothing bad will happen."

"He must have made preparations while Sera and I haven't so it's only fair that you accept his invitation."

"Also, we will be waiting for all the juicy details." Bella completed with a grin.

..................

Samuel Carter was seated on his chair, behind his huge mahogany desk going through some papers when a knock on his office door distracted him.

"Come in." He answered, not taking his eyes off the documents he was reviewing.

"Just when I thought my buddy was finally taking a break from work-related matters." Sam's best friend, Evan Wesley said as he strode in casually.

Sam smiled as he rose to his feet "It's working hours Evan. Don't make it seem like I'm committing a crime."

"Besides, I have to work extra hard to meet up with my daughter's outrageous spending. That girl will be the end of me." Samuel joked even though he could very much afford his daughter's expenses.

Evan let out a chuckle as he approached his best friend and pulled him into a brotherly hug.

"So what did our princess spend so much money on this time?" Evan asked as they both took their seats opposite each other.

"Like every other week, she received her allowance on Monday. And late last night, I got a debit alert of $3900 on one of the cards that I gave her to keep for an emergency."

Evan let out a light laugh upon hearing what his Goddaughter did. "And what did she say she used the money for?"

"Don't know. She hasn't replied my text and neither did she pick when I called her this morning."

"She probably used it for shopping, " Evan predicted.

Sam chuckled, "I won't be surprised. She's always taking advantage of the fact that she has me wrapped around her fingers. She makes me mad and happy at the same time."

"Glad you were able to stop by today. I can finally hand over these papers to you." Sam reached for a brown envelope in his top drawer and handed it to Evan.

"Great business idea, I never knew you could be a genius." Sam teased.

"For peace sake, I'll take that as a compliment, " Evan concluded.

Just like Samuel Carter, Evan was also well to do. He was in charge of his family's beverage company and at the same time involved in several investments, making him just as rich as Sam.

"So??????" Evan asked for Sam's response. He came up with a business idea that could fetch them a lot and he wanted his best friend, Sam to be his partner in the new project. So the envelope handed back contained everything Sam needed to know about the business, including his share as a partner.

"Sure bro, count me in, " Sam responded.

"Perfecto! Welcome onboard partner." Evan stretched out his hand to Sam for a shake and Sam accepted it.

"We should go out tonight to celebrate." He suggested.

"I won't be available tonight!" Sam replied immediately.

"Am I missing something? Evan quirked a brow at his best friend.

"Today is Gabby's birthday and she has agreed to have dinner with me tonight."

"Wow! No wonder you couldn't stop smiling since I got here."

"Do you think she would be any different, meeting her in person?" Evan asked.

Sam smiled. "I don't even know what to think. All I know is that I'm excited and nervous about tonight. We've talked on the phone, texted and even face timed and now I'll get to see her."

Evan did not fail to notice the twinkle in his best friend's eyes as he spoke about Gabby. He had no doubt Sam likes her a lot and he hopes Gabriella feels the same way about Samuel.

Evan was not bothered about their age difference as far as both Sam and Gabby were happy and as far as it was what they both wanted.

"I've not met Gabby but I think I like her for you. Getting to know her has sort of changed you. I like the new you as compared to the workaholic/boring you."

"I'm glad you're giving the opposite sex a chance again. You deserve to be happy, bro."

"Thanks!" Thanks for forcing me to join that dating site. Turns out it worked in my favour."

Evan smiled proudly, "You're welcome."

"You plan on telling my goddaughter about Gabby?" Evan asked.

"Definitely, but not yet. I'll have to really prepare for that. You know how much of a handful my daughter can be?"

Evan nodded in agreement

"She can be a handful when she wants to but I'm sure she will understand when it comes to your happiness."

"I hope so!" Sam mumbled.

"Anyways, you and Gabby should have fun tonight, take very good care of her and Hey, be careful, I'm not ready to be a godfather again. Not this soon."

Samuel blushed and shook his head in disbelief.

..........

Gabriella did not know how her best friends did it but they succeeded in convincing her to send Sam a text, accepting his invitation for tonight.

The trio spent the whole day in Gabby's cosy apartment, celebrating her birthday with food and drinks, making conversations and gushing over all the expensive items Sam bought for Gabby, especially the dress she was to wear tonight to the dinner date.

When it was two hours to Gabby's dinner date, Sera shooed her into the bathroom to freshen up. And when she was done taking a shower, her besties assisted her in dressing up and they also helped her look good.

Sera did Gabby's hair and helped her put on her jewellery while Bella did Gabby's makeup.

"Babe, how did you get so fucking lucky? Your outfit costs half the price of my car!" Sera pouted.

"Stop exaggerating Sera, It's just an outfit, " Gabby said shyly. Truly, she felt like a princess and all thanks to Sam. She wasn't used to something this expensive.

"All you're putting on is not JUST an outfit. The necklace alone costs more than you can imagine but fuck the price. You look very gorgeous and that's what matters." Bella assured.

"I agree. Sammy Jammy has a great taste and he's willing to spend his money on you to treat you like the Queen you truly are."

"I hope his intentions are pure. I'll make sure I find him and cut off his balls if he's doing all of these to only get into your pants."

"But you trust him right?" Sera asked, looking into Gabriella's eyes for the truth.

"I do." She answered sincerely and confidently.

"Good!" Sera voiced out.

"So babe, just be yourself and have so much fun. And just in case, Sera and I beautifully packaged a condom for you. It's in your purse." Bella whispered the last part.

Gabriella's eyes almost popped out of its socket.

"Come on, don't give us that look, we were just looking out for you in case anything happens." Sera defended.

Gabriella wanted to facepalm badly but she didn't because she could ruin her makeup.

"Girls!, nothing like that is going to happen!"

"You can't say, "

"Anything is possible." Bella and Sera said respectively.

Gabby let out a frustrated sigh. "This is the first time Sam and I are meeting and I'm going with a condom in my purse. What do you girls want him to think of me?"

"I'm sure he won't have any reason to open your purse unless you tell him to, " Bella said.

Gabby shook her head in disbelief. "You guys are so impossible."

"I'll pretend I didn't hear that and I'll be waiting for you to thank me later, " Sera said while Gabby rolled her eyes.

Isabelle did the finishing touches of Gabby's hair as she spoke. "I'm a little disappointed you refused his offer to come to pick you up. I would have loved to see him and let him understand he will have Sera and me to deal with if he hurts you in any way."

"Don't worry boo, we will meet him eventually, " Sera assured. "Let's just give the both of them the space they need so they can figure out they are truly head over heels for themselves."

As a blush crept to Gabriella's cheek, she managed to look everywhere except into her best friends' eyes.