Connected by Heart

"Look at me, Gabriela. Why have you been avoiding me?" Terrence asked her with his eyes showing so many emotions that Gabby couldn't even take in at once.

Even though Terrence was the one hosting the office party, he had found a way to ditch the party as he told his best friend, Ian, to help take over. Ian, knowing the reason why gladly decided to cover up for him and all.

The truth is that Terrence had a thing for Gabriela since the first day he saw her and that was the day she set her foot in his company which was two months ago and since then, he couldn't stop thinking about her. Her face was all he could see in his dreams for the past eight weeks.

There was also something bothering Terrence, and it was the fact that he thinks what he feels for Gabriela is one-sided and that she doesn't feel the same way about him. Thinking of that alone, really hurts Terrence in ways that it's even hard to explain.

And to make matters worse, Gabriela had always avoided him at all cost which annoyed Terrence the more. Because whenever he finds the courage to approach her, she screws it up with every excuse on earth she could manage to come up with. She always gave him a straight face that says 'If it is not business then I think there's nothing left to talk about.' The only time Terrence could remember of them being together in the same room was always when there was a board meeting for them to attend. Her presence is often required as Gabriela happens to be the head of human resource.

So, it has always been Terrence and his feelings. Even Ian often pities him as he knew his best friend had already fallen in love with Gabriela. She was all he would talk about whenever they are together and Ian found that so adorable as he knew Terrence had been trapped real big. Finally, his best friend feels something for a woman.

Trust me, Terrence has done all he could to forget about Gabriela. But the more he did that, the more he found himself falling harder for the 26-year-old beauty. Terrence couldn't take it anymore tonight so he did what he had to do.

Terrence's company was celebrating its 4th anniversary tonight. Just within its fourth year of establishment, the success of the company was second to none. It was something Terrence could be proud of. Achieving this, before the age of 30.

The party was to be hosted at the top floor of TENNON'S INC and indeed the planners had done a great job in making the party a success. Terrence kept it at the back of his mind to greatly thank the human resource team. Halfway into the party, Being the CEO of TENNON'S INC, Terrence gave his speech after which he was congratulated by every successful people in that room and that came to a halt when he set his eyes on someone, Gabriela.

Beautiful would be an understatement to describe how she looked. Her cocktail dress fit her so perfectly well that it didn't fail to reveal all the curves in her body that even Terrence hadn't known existed until now. She had minimal makeup on her face with an adorable glow and the way she parked her hair was just so perfect. Terrence did not also fail to notice how other men kept on staring at her. What provoked him more was the way she was laughing freely at a particular man. He wished that man was him. He wants to be the one who will always put a smile on her face instead of some kind of stranger.

And with that, Terrence approached Ian and told him to take over the party as he handed him his glass of unfinished wine. Before Ian could even ask him what the matter was, Terrence had already left his sight with Ian's eyes trailing after him. Terrence walked towards Gabriela where she was laughing her ass out with the stranger. When he approached them he took Gabriela's right hand possessively as he dragged her away from the party into his office, not giving a damn if anyone saw them or not.

"Answer me Gabby? Why do you keep avoiding me?" Terrence asked her again as he raised her chin with his right hand, making her look him in the eye.

"Th..his is not proper Mr Tennon. Please let me go." Gabriela managed to say, trying to ignore the spark his touch was making her feel.

"Its Terrence to you Gabby, cut out those formalities, " Terrence said slightly vexed as he cornered her the more behind his office desk. making no room for her to escape.

"But you are my Boss!" Gabby defended immediately.

"So that's the reason why you decided to keep your distance away from me?" Terrence stated and Gabby couldn't say anything as she just looked away from him.

"Who is he?" Tennon asked, referring to the guy Gabby was talking with at the party.

"Is that important?" Gabby replied almost immediately.

"I need to know Gabby. Just please tell me the truth. Is he your boyfriend?" Tennon asked whiles dreading her reply at the same time.

"That's Aaron. My cousin." Gabby mumbled and Terrence let out a sigh of relief as he rested his forehead against Gabby's and wrapped his arms possessively around her waist pulling her closer to him. Gabby felt something she never felt before. she felt safe in his arms. And before she could even comprehend what she was doing, she wrapped her arms around him also which made Terrence smile like crazy. Both of them stood like that for a while before Terrence broke the hug and looked into Gabby's beautiful eyes.

"I was jealous. Seeing you talking with him and making you smile like that. I was really mad. Mad at myself for not being the one to put that smile on your face. I'm so sorry for dragging you away like that. Please forgive me." Terrence said with pleading eyes.

"I forgive you, " Gabby whispered.

"Thank you!" Terrence replied as he gave her a quick kiss on her cheek which made gabby's cheek turn red as she tried to look everywhere else but him. Which made Terrence Chuckle.

"Don't be shy around me Gabby. I love it when you blush. You look so adorable." Terrence said with a smile as Gabby playfully hit him on his chest.

"You are just saying that to make me feel special, " Gabby mumbled with a pout.

"I mean it Gabby. And as cliche as this might sound I like you, Gabriela. very much. Since the first day I set my eyes on you, you are all I could think of. It kills me every time you ignored me. I mean it. What I feel for you is something have never felt for anyone else. It is something I would love to explore with you. would you give us a chance? please?" Terrence admitted and asked hopefully as he looked into her eyes.

" I don't know about that Terrence, " Gabby replied as she looked away from him.

Terrence smiled at that. She called him by his first name. He's finally succeeding in breaking those walls she built around herself. Besides that, with her reply, he saw a very different Gabriela, The shy one who looked scared of being engaged with him. He admired her strength as he saw that she's a type of person who may be weak on the inside but appears to be strong on the outside.

He took Gabby's face in his hands and spoke to her sincerely. " Do you feel anything for me Gabby. I want to know. Do you like me.?" Terrence asked.

It took a while for Gabby to answer and she did so by nodding her head in a positive way which put a happy smile on Terrence's face.

"I do feel something for you Terrence but I don't think there will ever be a future for us which is why I have always avoided you, " Gabriela admitted.

"And why is that?" Terrence asked with a frown on his face as he folded his arms.

"My past relationships ended so bad Terrence and I don't ever what to get hurt like that again." She said.

"That's the last thing I will ever think of doing to you Gabby. I would never hurt you." Terrence said and Gabby looked away.

"Besides you are my Boss and this just doesn't seem right." She defended.

The truth is that Gabby also feels the same way about Terrence. But her past relationships put her off when it comes to Men as she never wants to get hurt again.

"I still don't believe that's a good reason for us to give up each other. Because I happen to be your Boss." Terrence said.

Gabriela took Terrence face into her hands and said. "Trust me, Terence, I like you a lot and it also took me a lot to avoid you and you have no idea how many times I've wished to be in your arms with you holding me close and never wanting to let me go. And this [ Gabby said referring to the position they both were] is like a dream come true. You are the kind of man I've always wanted. Intelligent, smart, hardworking, handsome and very respectful. Terrence, you have no idea how much I adore you. Not only do I look unto you as someone I would want to be with, but someone I would want to be like someday. You inspire me to be a better person Terrence. But as for what you are asking. I will think about it. I'm not promising you a positive answer but I'll think about it. For now, let's just remain as friends." Gabby said which put a bigger smile on Terrence's face.

"I'm so happy you opened up to me Gabby. But that doesn't mean I won't stop trying until you accept to give us a chance." He said.

"That sounds pretty much like you, " Gabby said which earned a chuckle from both of them.

"You want to go somewhere private?" Terrence asked and Gabby nodded with a smile.

With that, Terrence sneaked out of his office building with Gabby by his side. as they drove off to a bar. They had a couple of drinks and talked about random stuff which caused both of them laughing like crazy. After they were done at the bar, They both went to Terrence house.

"Wow. I love it in here already. You have great taste." Gabby said referring to the how big, nice and homey his house looked like.

"I'm glad you love it in here, " Terrence replied grinning at her. Before he could even comprehend what he was doing, He approached her looking straight into her eyes. "I want you, Gabriela." He said with a very husky voice which caused a shiver to run down her spine. "I want you so bad, " he whispered. After which he began kissing her neck which erupted a moan from Gabby.

"Then take me, " Gabby whispered as Terrence attacked her lips.

"I promise you. you won't regret this." Terrence said in between kisses as he lifted her in a bridal style and carried her into his room.

He made love to her passionately. He pleasured her to the heights she never thought she could reach as she couldn't get enough of him and neither could he get enough of her.

The next morning, Gabriela woke up with someone showering kisses on her face. She opened her eyes to find herself staring into the eyes of the most handsome man in the world.

"Good morning Sweetheart, " Terrence said as he gave her a quick kiss on her lips.

"Good morning, " Gabby replied shyly as she hid her face in his chest. Snuggling closer to him. That gesture alone made Terrence smile the more.

"Its Saturday. Work free day. Let's just cuddle." Gabby mumbled.

"Your wish is my command, my Queen." He replied as they cuddled and slept for about another two hours before both of them decided to stand up from the bed. They both freshened up and made breakfast together.

They were halfway through their meal when they heard someone open the door and a tiny voice followed.

"Daddy!!!" The tiny voice said and Gabriela looked towards the door as she saw a little girl running towards Terrence alongside with a very beautiful female adult who was looking at Gabby with the same shocked face Gabby was looking at her with.

"hmmm, p..lea..se exc..use me." Gabby managed to say as she quickly stood up from the dining table and ran off to Terrence's room which unshed tears.

Immediately she shut the door behind her, she fell on the floor and let the tears fall. "How could I be so stupid? How could I let history repeat itself? How could I let myself be used by another man?" She cried.

After what seems like hours, Gabby managed to grab herself from the floor, proceeded to the bathroom to splash water on her face after which she changed her clothe from Terrence shirt which she was putting on to the dress she wore the previous night.

After being ready. Gabby decided she isn't ready to face Terrence and his daughter and most importantly the Beautiful lady whom she assumes is Terrence Wife. Thinking of another way of escape, She finally found another exit beside the guest room. She quickly got out of Terrence's house, called a Taxi and headed home.

"I missed you so much, Daddy, " Sophie said as Terrence picked her up and kissed her forehead.

"I miss you too Princess, " Terrence replied with a smile. "Did you have fun with Peyton and Finley?" He asked and Sophie nodded with a smile after which Terrence kissed her cheeks which erupted a giggle from Sophie.

Sophia Adoria Tennon is Terrence's four-year-old adorable daughter. Her birth changed his life in so many ways and since then, she has been his reason for living and most importantly, his motivation towards success.

"Peyton and Finley miss you too daddy. They kept on asking me when you will come to visit them." Sophie said in her cute baby voice.

Peyton and Finley were Sophie's cousin. Terrence Elder sister's twins.

"I miss them too. What do you say if we both give them a surprise visit next week?" Terrence asked Sophie and her eyes lit up immediately.

"Yessssss! Its gonna be fun. You, me, Peyton, Finley, Aunt Debbie and Uncle Daniel. We'll have so much fun." Sophie replied excited and Terrence smiled at that. There was nothing more fulfilling than seeing your child so happy.

"Alright then, will you go play in your room for a while so I can talk to your aunt Debbie?" Terrence asked and Sophie nodded after which he put her down on the floor and as she ran to her room.

"She's the one right?" Debbie asked referring to Gabby who left them a while ago as she took a seat on the single couch in the living room.

"Debbie, you should have called me before coming. You scared her off, can't you see that?" Terrence grumbled.

"Its not my fault either. If you had answered your calls, this wouldn't have happened." Debbie defended as she stood up to get a glass of water from the kitchen.

"You...called me?" Terrence asked as he followed her to the kitchen.

"About nine times, " Debbie replied.

"Wow. I didn't notice my phone was ringing." Terrence replied and Debbie smirked at him.

"Hold on a sec, let me go check on her, " Terrence said as he fled to his bedroom. "Gabby!" He shouted her name as he entered his room. He also checked his bathroom but it was empty. He checked his walk-in closet also, to see if she was hiding there, but he saw no one. And he eventually got the message when he saw his shirt which he had given her to wear by the end side of his bed.

Disappointment filled his heart immediately. No doubt she had left by using the other exit. Just when he taught everything was going to be okay. No doubt he's back to square one with Gabby.

Terrence went back to the living room to where Debbie was and by the look on his face, Debbie was able to predict what happened as she stood up and sat beside her brother giving him a sisterly assurance as she kept on rubbing his shoulders.

"It will be fine hon, " Debbie assured.

"I'm sure she misinterpreted the whole thing, " Terrence replied with a sad face.

"You didn't tell her about Sophie?" Debbie asked and Terrence nodded.

"Debbie, we only made up yesterday. I wanted to tell Gabby about Sophie when we were at the bar yesterday but I thought it was too early for that. I didn't want to scare her away." Terrence said hoping Debbie would find sense in his reason.

"I perfectly understand you, Terry. But you know we ladies, we don't like being lied too and we just react before we even think of what we have done. Had I known you were with her, I wouldn't have brought Sophie now. But you know how Sophie is when she hasn't seen you for so long. She kept on disturbing me that she wanna see her daddy." Debbie said and Terrence nodded.

He had taken Sophie for a sleepover at his Sisters place yesterday. Debbie and her husband were also at the party yesterday but they left all the kids at home since they had a live-in nanny.

"Don't worry too much. Explain to her and I'm sure she'll understand." Debbie assured.

"I hope so, " Terrence replied.

"She pretty. she seems nice also. I like her already." Debbie said and Terrence smiled.

"I'm not hungry mom. I just wanna be alone." Gabby said as she buried her face inside her pillow and cried harder.

That's all she had done all day since she came back from Terrence's place. she locked herself in her room, ignored her parents calling. Naomi Browne, Gabby's mother had to go get the spare key to her daughter's room to come get her out for dinner.

Naomi sighed and sat close to her daughter on her bed. "You know you can talk to me, Ella. What's the matter?" Naomi asked her daughter and Gabby explained everything to her mother after which she burst into another round of tears.

Naomi sighed as she engulfed her daughter into a hug. She has never been a mother who has always judged her daughter for every single thing. Instead, she happens to be a pillar for Gabby and her best friend also. Gabby tells her everything. Naomi also knows about her daughter's crush for her Boss. Hence the whole situation isn't new to her.

"I think you should listen to him, Ella. You shouldn't come into conclusion. I'm sure he had a very good reason for not telling you he had a daughter. And for the lady. She could be his cousin, aunt or just a close friend." Naomi reasoned with her daughter. She's the only one who calls Gabriela "Ella."

Gabby looked at her mother with her red puffy eyes and said " He should have told me. I deserve to know. And as for the lady. I think she's his wife or mistress or baby mama. She's even very pretty than I am. I got so, so jealous. I don't longer want to have anything to do with Terrence. I just want to forget him. Help me forget him, mom." Gabby said as she cried harder into her mother's chest.

Naomi sighed again at her daughter's stubbornness. She was sure as hell that Gabby wasn't going to give Terrence any room for explanation. She's just so stubborn. just like her dad.

Naomi was able to play her trick on Gabriela again. She forced her out of bed and made her have her dinner after which she escorted her daughter back to her room, assuring her that everything will be alright.

"Goodnight Angel. Daddy loves you!" Terrence said as he kissed Sophie's forehead.

"I love you too Daddy, " Sophie replied and as Terrence was about to turn off the light in his room, she stopped him with his voice.[ Yes! Sophia decided to sleep in her dad's room today.]

"Daddy!" Sophia called.

"Yes dear, " Terrence replied.

"Who was that pretty lady seating with you when I and aunt Debbie came in, " Sophie asked with her cute baby voice.

"She's my friend. Her name his Gabriela but I call her Gabby." Terrence replied.

" She has a pretty name and she's very pretty too, " Sophie said.

"Yes, she is, " Terrence replied with a sad smile on his face as he played with Sophie's hair.

"But she looked sad when she saw us come in. she looked as if she was about to cry." Sophie said with a sad voice and Terrence suddenly felt guilty. The thought of Gabby crying killed him already.

"Does she not like me and aunt Debbie? Did we make her cry?" Sophie asked with a teary voice.

"No Sophie. Don't think that way okay. I'm sure Gabby likes you and Debbie. You don't have to worry about that alright." Terrence said and Sophie nodded.

"Daddy?" Sophie called again. Indicating that she wants something or wants to ask another question.

"Yes sweetheart, " Terrence said after which he internally grumbled. Whenever Sophie sleeps with him, she tends to make conversations until he bribes or forces her to fall asleep.

"I want a baby sister, " Sophie said out of the blue which caused Terrence to turn his full attention to her.

"A baby sister?" Terrence rephrased, clearly surprised by what she was asking.

"Yes, Daddy. I want someone to play with. I do get bored and you are always busy with work." Sophie said.

"But you have Peyton and Finley to play with, " Terrence said.

"Yes. but I want a baby sister too. Just like how Olivia has two baby sisters that she plays with." Sophie said referring to her best friend in school. Olivia.

"Go to bed Sophie. Daddy will think about it." Terrence said.

"Okay, Daddy. Love you." Sophie mumbled as she snuggled closer to Terrence.

"Love you too sweetie, " Terrence replied.

An hour after Sophia had fallen asleep, Terrence couldn't still sleep as he kept on thinking of today's incident coupled with what Sophia said before she fell asleep. Her request for a baby sister took him by surprise. He had always given Sophia everything she has always requested. But with this baby sister, he has no idea how to go about it.

His mind has also been with Gabby. She refused to pick his calls and have not replied to any of his messages. No words could describe how frustrated Terrence Tennon is right now.

Sunday went pretty fast with Terrence spending the day with his daughter, Sophie. After which he took her to the park to play with other kids. But his mind was still divided as he kept on thinking about Gabriela. She still hadn't replied any of his calls or messages and that made him more worried. He even thought of going to her house to go check up on her but later thought that was not a good idea. Therefore, he decided to talk to her when he gets to work on Monday.

"Make sure you be a good girl in school today okay, " Terrence told Sophie as they both walked towards her preschool.

"I will Daddy. Just like always." Sophie replied with a smile as she turned towards her father which made Terrence crouch before her and kissed her forehead.

"I love you, Daddy, " Sophie said as she kissed his cheeks in return before she ran off to her class.

Terrence just smiled and stood up as he headed towards his car. His four-year-old daughter was pretty smart for her age. Well, thanks to all the Disney Movies she watches and all that they teach her in school.

Sophie has a nanny who resumes work by 7 in the morning and closes by 7 in the evening with the weekend being an exception also. But Terrence usually brings Sophie to school except when he has to be at work very early then Michelle, Sophie's nanny would take her to school. And of course, she goes to pick Sophie up from school like always.

Terrence sighed as he entered his car. He had a feeling today is going to be one hell of a long day. He shook his head to that anyways, buckled up his seat belt and drove out of Sophie's school compound as he headed to his office.

"Good Afternoon Mr Tennon." Katherine, Gabby's secretary greeted him.

"Same to you Katherine. Is Gabriela in?" He asked.

"Yes, She is." She replied and Terrence nodded as he walked towards Gabby's Office.

The truth is that he could have sent for Gabby but deep down he knows she won't respond to his call if he did. He couldn't wait for his meeting to be over after which he talked to Ian his best friend and Ian encouraged him to go talk to her. He hopes everything goes well as he knew Gabby was a very stubborn somebody.

"Come in." Gabby's voice said from inside after Terrence knocked.

Terrence entered and saw Gabby so engrossed with what she was doing as she was typing away on her laptop.

But suddenly, Gabby looked up to attend to the person who just entered her office. When she saw that it was Terrence, She felt really uncomfortable, she was nervous as she knew Terrence had come over to talk about the issue she had been avoiding and she silently prays she does not overreact as she had made up her mind that she doesn't want to have anything to do with Terrence anymore neither does she wants to hear an explanation. The thing is that Once Gabriela Browne, makes up her mind to do something, it takes a whole lot for you to change her mind.

"Good day Mr Tennon, " Gabby said professionally as she gave him a professional look. Terrence just shook his head in disapproval. Now they are back to formality. He sighed as he unbuttons his suit and took a seat opposite Gabby.

"I believe I owe you an explanation Gabby, " Terrence said softly.

"No, you don't Mr Tennon." Gabby countered.

"I believe I do and I would like it if you just let me explain without any interruptions, " Terrence said with his Bossy voice which speaks finality. Gabby didn't say anything further as she just kept on staring at him with no emotion. So he continued.

"Sorry for not letting you know that I have a daughter. Trust me, I had wanted to tell you when we were at the bar the other night but I wasn't sure because I didn't want to scare you off. She's Sophia and she's 4. She's my life and I love her so much." He said.

"And the lady you saw along with Sophia, That is my Elder sister. Debbie. Because of the office party and the probability that i will be home late, I didn't want Sophie to be alone so I had dropped her at my Sister's place earlier on for a sleepover. So Debbie just brought her back because Sophie kept on disturbing her that she wants to see me. If you had cooled down and been patient you would have noticed the similarities between Debbie and me. Perhaps I could have introduced you to the both of them and maybe you guys would have gotten along pretty well." Terrence said.

"I had no idea what was going on in your head when you saw Sophie and Debbie in my house that morning. But I just believe i owe you an explanation about what happened. Good day Gabby." Terrence said as he walked out of her office without looking back.

"I feel like a horrible person. I'm disappointed in myself for thinking very low of him." Gabby said as she helped her mom in the kitchen. Trying to get dinner ready.

"I told you Gabby. You jump into conclusions very quickly." Naomi said.

"I know mom, " Gabby admitted.

"I just feel horrible. I mean I refused to pick up his calls neither did I even reply any of his messages and even the way I talked to him earlier today was pretty strict. I just feel like have lost him and I think he's not interested in me anymore."Gabby said sadly as she whispered the last part.

Naomi walked towards her daughter and took her hand in hers. "It will be fine Ella. Now that you have realised your mistakes and you feel sorry about it, talk to Terrence and I believe he will hear you out if he truly loves you." Naomi said.

"I'll try, " Gabby mumbled.

"Gabriella, " Naomi said with her high pitch voice giving Gabby an ugly glare as she knows her daughter's reply isn't guaranteed.

"I'll mom. Don't worry." Gabby assured.

"I hope you do Gabby. Let's quickly finish this up before your dad comes back." Naomi said as they went back to what they were both doing in the Kitchen.