Broken Hearts

'Gabby can I see you for a moment?' Gabrielle Lot looked up from typing the mails on her laptop before sending them out to clients. This was her work, her life and her illustrations were her soul. If the illustration was flawed she had to start all over.

She wanted less than perfection when it comes to whatever she was doing. "I'll be right there", she said to Laila her partner and also the Co. CEO to their company. Company was too big of a word if people asked because they were only four working at there presently. But to Gabby, if you wanted something you had to manifest it and work towards it, nothing was going to be handed over to you on a platter of gold if you don't work for it. "Give me a minute to finish up, I need to get this mails delivered before the end of the day". Laila was her roommate back in college and since then they've developed a deep bond.

Laila and Gabby had a thing for fashion and Gabby was good with the illustrations. So it was not a surprise when they decided to team up to start their own company. And though their company GALA enjoyed popularity and success, amongst fashion brands, they couldn't afford to slack. It will ruin all their hard work and they didn't want that. She had given up everything to start this company, she had no intention of ruining her hard work.

All Gabby wanted now was to expand her business to employ more workers because things were becoming too much for the employees present to handle alone. As she sent the last mail she thought of everything that happened, the hurdles she had to go through, it seemed only fair she became successful she had no time to Reminisce on past mistakes if anything she had to forget them. Smothering a sigh, She made sure all the mails were sent. satisfied she briskly shut down her laptop. Rotating her chair Gabby turned towards Laila, smiling as she caught Laila looking at Tom's photo on her phone, Tom is Laila's boyfriend, they had been together for a long time now. Gabby always wanted what they had but after a heartbreak, she completely gave up on love or so she thought. Laila looked up to catch Gabby staring at her phone. "Why are you smiling?" Laila asked "I couldn't help but notice your beautiful lock screen" Laila laughed. Gabby always teased her on how she bagged a handsome boyfriend not like Laila wasn't beautiful, they were both beautiful and they were a match made in heaven. " on a serious note, I got a mail from Lee's Conglomerates" "Ignore it". "Why? If I may ask LEE is one big brand and working with their fashion line would help with boosting our business more" "You know why, and you know I don't want to talk about it" "Whatever your reasons are Gabby, please put this company first" "Fine" Gabby said crossing her arms. Laila snickered, then grinned.

As she had won in the argument. Gabby needed Laila to get off her back and she was right, this would be a great boost for the company. "I have another good news" Laila said. "Spill already" "I just got a mail from Forbes, they wanted to feature us on Forbes 30 under 30" Astonishment vibrated through Gabby "Tell me you are joking, the fucking Forbes. This is really good Laila" Forbes was a magazine famous for features of articles on finance, industry, investing and marketing topics.

For Gabby and Laila this was like their first Oscar or Grammy, it would not only help their career but also help in publicizing their company. "I know right, imagine the surprise on my face when I saw it" Laila said and several moments later they sat face to face grinning at each other like two giddy fools. "It's our time Laila" she whispered "Damn right it is" Gabby whispered back. An article about them would really help GALA a lot.

Their company would be tagged one of the most successful business ever known and so far they were on the right track. "I need to go for lunch, since Andrew wasn't available to go get lunch for me" Andrew is Gabby personal assistant, who took the day of for a health check up. So she had to do everything herself today, which included getting her lunch herself. "Alright" Laila muttered. Sliding into her blazer, Gabby headed out to the restaurant that was close to her office building. "Oh Andrew look what you made me do" she grumbled. She knew she was insensitive towards Andrew, but he always came through for Gabby, he did all his work as a PA. Andrew was a cancer survivor so he usually did a six month interval check up to make sure his cancer didn't resurface. It still made her angry though, she had to get lunch herself because she hated having to talk to strangers.

As she exited her office building, Gabby couldn't help surveying her surroundings for anyone she might know. It was a habit of hers that started after she was chased away from home by her parent, for not following their dream of becoming a doctor. She wanted something different for herself but their selfishness didn't make them see past that. it was always about them and how she brought disgrace to them. She didn't hate them but she didn't want to see them either. She didn't want to get involved with anything that had to do with her past, including her parents. She walked into the restaurant towards the far corner that housed one of the best tables because of its generous view. Which meant one thing VIP.

The fuck Gabby stood transfixed in her tracks. Startled stares swept over her like ants marching over a picnic blanket. But she couldn't move. She couldn't stop herself from gazing at a major version of her past life, the one who got away. Her heart beat, pumping pain and rage at the same time. She couldn't do this again, four years had passed and this man, the man she gave her heart to still had the same effect on her.

For many men they had two women who they loved most, their mother and the mother of their children or wife. That was not the case for Tan Lee the heir to one of America's holding multinational and conglomerate.

At least not now he could boast of that four years ago but everything ended when his parents could not keep their business to their self. "Honor thy mother and father" was one commandment he wished he could get rid off from the holy books because his parents didn't care to reference the "don't provoke your children to anger" when doing their meddling. Tan Lee smothered a sigh. It was another day in New York; another day to make money for the Lee's. For years he answered to no one but himself that did not last long. He had to take responsibilities or "take charge of the family business" like his father would say. "Tan, you should start meeting potential ladies, your mother and I are no longer getting younger."

Tan's father was on the phone lecturing him as always on how he needed to quit his playboy lifestyle settle down and give him grandchildren, one would think, his parent would give up now, since they haven't gotten any response from him, but leave it to Yo-Han Lee and Dami Lee to be pushy as always. "You can put an end your play boy charade now, you have had all these years to play around, it is time to settle down and start a family." He clenched his jaw trapping the bitter stream of words that burned his throat. "Put an end your play boy charade." It was as if it was easy to find someone to love in the mall or at the grocery store.

His father didn't care about him or what he had achieved for the company all he cared was expanding his lineage with another lineage of blue bloods. As expected he should be used to the disregard he got from his parents.

But that didn't matter, he had promised himself never to love again and that means not getting married because to him, marriage shouldn't be a business deal of joining to wealthy families together but marriage should be about love and that was what his parent didn't understand. "I do everything I can for this family. I also understand my duties and responsibilities, but I wouldn't go and marry myself off to prove to this family that I am worthy of the name Lee. Never" "Don't be stupid Tan. Your attitude is becoming- "Dad", he interrupted voice cold. "You called to whine about how I need to get married, blah-blah-blah, this isn't the time for conversation; we should have it some other time, I have business to attend to" "Tan this isn't the end of our conversation, we would continue some other time" "Bye Dad" Tan ended the call. His parent attitude was becoming overbearing and irritating.

It was as if he was a merchandise to be sold off. They had done enough in the matter of controlling his life but there should be a red light to their actions. He needed to break free. He should break free. Tan placed his phone on the office desk as he stood up to survey the new office.

He was waiting for Leo his best friend and an employee of Lee's they had an important meeting today. Renovations was still going in the office, it was formerly his Dad's office and he wanted tweak it a little. The design was less his father with the dark theme and more of him, it now boasted with brighter colors. Yes, the awards and artworks still adorned the wall but now it felt more like his office. Height wasn't really something he cared about he'd be fine if he stayed in a basement but being newly elected CEO the office probably came with the job description. One good thing though was the view he got from the 24th floor. The hustle of New York City below sure distracted him from his father's very unwelcomed call earlier. Sliding his hands into the front pockets of his suit pants, Tan kept his gaze focused on the street of New York and how everyone needed to work for their shit. "Nice office man, Tan Lee, CEO Lee's Co, adds a nice ring to it" Tan sighed as Leo strode into the office, smiling as he watched Leo surveyed the work place. It had been a month since he last saw him. Leo was going to make fun of him about getting his father's office, Leo knew of his certain disdain for the office; because he felt he was to his father and his prying eyes. It really irked Tan that of all place to be his new office it had to be his Dad's office. He was CEO but he still couldn't control where he worked from. "I knew you were going to get this office" Leo shrugged claiming the chair opposite Tan's. Tan growled and Leo laughed, holding up his hands, palm out. "Okay, okay. I'm done teasing you. Let's get on with the business of today." Tan laughed. He knew Leo wasn't done teasing him. Leo if given the opportunity would do this for the whole day. But before anything he puts business first.

That's what his father loved about Leo; He was good at business which meant more money in the bag. Leo was the only person Tan had seen his family accept that was something his family rarely did. "Take this, Tan." Leo leaned forward to hand over a file to Tan. "LEE is planning to expand its business to fashion and what better place to do it than New York, a hub for fashion." "There is a new company which we can collaborate with, they deal with stuffs like this and they can help to push the brand" he continued "What's the name of the company?" Tan asked with keen interest. "GALA, it's a new company but they have really made a name for themselves, we should be having a meeting with them soon, my secretary would communicate the time later on today." To others this deal would feel like an ordinary contrast but this was his first act as CEO, it shouldn't go wrong he couldn't afford it to go wrong.

He had done other deals, but at that time he wasn't doing it in his capacity as a CEO. He had something to proof that he wasn't just the play boy son of Yo-Han Lee. He was finally going to leave his father's shadow and prove to everyone he was deserving of the title of the CEO, but more to himself because of the sacrifices he made to get to the position he was, and nothing was going to screw it for him. Nothing. "We should continue this conversation over lunch Leo, I am famished and I could use a booster" Tan said It was at that moment, seated at the eatery did Tan realize he had made the wrong call. "I should have stayed in my office" he said to himself. Nothing prepared him from seeing Gabriele Lot, the love of his life again.

'I must be imagining things' Tan darted at the love of his life, the only woman he had ever loved and will ever love. Gabrielle Lot.

God knows he tried to get rid of any memory of her in his life, he used anything possible; his time, his work and other women but he couldn't she wasn't easy to get rid off. Gabrielle was his ex girlfriend. The woman he pushed away without thinking of a way to save the relationship.

He often thought of the damage he had caused but that was like crying over spilled milk. He abandoned her within a backward glance. He hated himself for what he did to her. He hated he had to see those beautiful eyes of hers again. She hasn't changed except for the rage and boiling hatred she was looking at him with which was replaced by the look of love. She still maintained her tall gorgeous frame Her curves Which he could trace with his fingers. She was still the Gabrielle, everly Beautiful with her cheek bones and her elegantly sloped nose. He clenched his fists in a manner only him knew you what was going on.

He watched as her lips parted on the sight of him, those lips which her had hovered and plummeted over many times. He hated the effect she still had on him, the instant their eyes clashed. What the hell was Gabrielle doing in New York. Not belittling her, he knew this restaurant was for the big leagues in New York. What was his business though, he had no right to to her life. He left her like a discarded thrash.

As if they'd never curled their sweat dampened bodies around each other, lost in their little bubble where the outside world couldn't pierce through. He did what had to be done, even though he hated himself. He'd earned a degree in the field of breaking hearts. He could blame his family for their breakup all he wants but it didn't change the fact he hurt her badly. After what he did to Gabrielle courtesy of his parent he never intended to see her.

But there she was, standing two feet apart from me. He remembered the promises he made to her, he swore to protect her when the world wasn't in her Favour and he failed to do that. He didn't deserve to se get again, not now not ever. If he knew he would see Gabrielle at this restaurant then he would have stayed put in his office.

He could only blame one person for this mishap, his secretary. "Hi" Gabrielle greeted, her gaze fixed on Leo Tan's friend who had come to eat in the restaurant with him, they had a lunch date. Out of habit, Leo stood up from his seat, with Tan following suit. That soft low voice grazed over skin. Even before they began dating, his voices reminded her of tangled sheets, throats chafed from pleasure soaked screams. "It's been a long time Leo, I haven't seen your face in like forever...you look good though" Tan hated the fact that she spoke to Leo first. Just when Tan believed she was going to ignore his existence, she peered at him and deeper her chin. "Hello Tan. It's good to see you again" if anything he could tell she was lying. "You both come here often? Gabby asked as they lowered back into their chairs, saving Tan from replying to her fake smile.

Leo glances back and forth between Gabby and Tan, all he could see was a flood of mixed emotions on their faces. A mixture of love and hatred. "Yes" Tan responded relaxing his nerves. "I came to do business in this part of the city and we decided to meet up for lunch" "Right, LEE has a business branch here" she said while nodding her head. Why did she say that she didn't want their conversation to go any further. "What a small world Gabby" Leo stated. I never thought I would see Gabrielle Lot again" "Neither did I ever think of seeing Lei or Tan again" she said letting a small smile escape from her mouth. "I should get going" Gabby smoked warmly and made a turn to leave. "You don't have to leave because of us, we were just about to leave. It was nice seeing you Gabby".

The two friends stood up to leave, Gabby watch them walk to the entrance of the door, just when she thought she wouldn't see his face again, Tan looked back. Tan had to fight the urge to touch her again, but he lost that opportunity a long time ago and he would be lying to himself if he didn't want that opportunity again. "Are you still thinking about Gabby? "Yes" she hasn't changed at all, she still looked like Gabby, the only difference was that she wasn't his Gabby anymore. "I don't agree with you, I think she changed, she looked sought of rich and accomplished" Leo argued. Even though Tan didn't admit to that, he knew Leo was telling the truth. She looked better off without him. "I 'd suggest you forget you ever saw her, to avoid hitting destruction mode" Leo knew the mess his friend became when they broke up. Although he didn't know the reason they broke up, he knew he didn't want to see his friend get hurt again. "Thank you, but I'll be fine" Tan replied assuringly. "You should have seen your face when you saw her, you looked so pale, like you have been drained of all your blood" Leo chuckled. Trying to bring his friend back to reality, he wanted to think about Gabby and the good memories they shared.

He could still detect her scent even if they weren't close enough. He thought about Gabby and how he wanted to give the answers to all the questions she asked or find out whether low gasp if he fisted the thick strands of her silk textured hair and tugged, if her eyes would darken with desire.

Man, the things they'd done to each other in their college dorm, unbidden lust burning through him, hot memories of their skin sliding against each other. "Tan, what are you thinking about" Leo brought him back to reality. "I'm just going to say this, then leave you alone" Leo murmured. "From a friend to another, whatever is eating you up deal with it before it swallows you- "As for what we discussed earlier, GALA would be great to push forward the design of LEE Fashion line, I've already sent a mail to the company and an appointment had been scheduled for tomorrow" "You should make sure not to keep them waiting" Leo continued. Tan went along with the subject change, nodding and replying when Appropriate but his mind was still on Gabrielle.

His mind drifted to the day he broke things off. When he broke her heart. Thinking about it, if it had to do with anything to protect Gabby, he would do it over and over again without hesitation.