Capítulo 22: He isn't the one

"Misunderstood? What do you mean when you say Stefan misinterpreted what you said, Eveline Miller? Do you really know the culprit or was it just your assumption?" Gabriel inquired, forcing Eveline's thoughts to stop.

Eveline swallowed, taking in Gabriel's enraged expression, and quickly shook her head.

"Undoubtedly, I am aware of the individual and I will ensure that he faces consequences for damaging my reputation in such a manner," Eveline stated, casting a wary glance at Gabriel.

She could never have told him that she had any doubts about Tiffany because she had misread the whole thing.

Gabriel narrowed his eyes and thought Eveline was acting a little strangely, but he brushed the thought aside and remarked, "You can not do that."

"And why can not I do that?" Eveline asked, raising her eyebrows at his commanding words.

Eveline was pretty sure Gabriel had realized by now that Alex was the one who had uploaded those photos; after all, if his account was not private, how could he not?

But why would not he let her confront Alex when the time had come for her to do so?

Gabriel found Eveline to be so intimidating that he almost looked away, followed by clearing his throat.

Fortunately, not many students saw them, and even if they had, he did not mind because they were now a quiet, somewhat well-liked couple.

'Couple? Gabriel what are you saying'

"Gabriel Winston, just because we were friends as kids does not mean I have given you the authority to make decisions for me. Furthermore, why are you to stop me?" Eveline asked, drawing Gabriel's gaze back to her.

"I told you that my crush on you vanished and that I no longer fancy you. Therefore, please do not stop me because I have not given you the authority to," she said, bringing a scowl to Gabriel's face.

"And with regards to Alex, I will undoubtedly confront him and inquire as to why he feels the need to disparage me in this manner, especially in front of you," Eveline said with the utmost detest that made Gabriel clench his jaw.

"Do you find me disgusting?" he asked dangerously taking a step closer to her.

Eveline gasped when she saw that Gabriel's composure was finally breaking, but she was determined to make him experience the hurt of rejection.

With her eyes fixed on his severe expression, she stated, "Yes, I do find you disgusting."

Eveline's words were like a needle pricking Gabriel, causing blood to race through his veins. Never did he think one day he would come to hear such hateful words from Eveline, but somewhat he felt like his heart just broke.

"All right, then, if you think I am repulsive, then fine." Gabriel turned his enraged gaze away from her and said, "But you will not go and expose Alex because he is not the one who took those pictures."

He did not want to continue witnessing Eveline's apathetic gaze toward him. He wasn't used to it, and no matter how much he tried to act unbothered, he still found it upsetting.

Eveline remained motionless while attempting to comprehend the words Gabriel had just spoken.

"Alex isn't the one who took the pictures?" she asked and Gabriel hummed without looking at her.

"Then who is it and why was he the one who posted it in the first place?" Eveline snapped, finding it all confusing to comprehend.

Gabriel sighed as he sensed the conflicting emotions in her tone and looked in her way.

"That is something we need to find out," he said, his eyes softening at her torment.

While Eveline had anticipated confronting Alex, does that mean her suspicions were justified if he was not the one responsible? So how can I make sure of it if Alex didn't-?

When Eveline suddenly realized something, she gaped and enquired, "Where is Alex? Is he still inside the campus?"

'Gabriel's confrontation with Alex suggests that the boy is still on campus. Then shouldn't I go and ask him who clicked those pictures'

Eveline considered turning around and walking away, but Gabriel intervened.

"Where are you going?" As if reading her mind, Gabriel suddenly mentioned their coaching and keeping Eveline from leaving. "We still need to head to the library."

Eveline then remembered their agreement and gave up on the notion of pursuing Alex.

With a sardonic glance in Gabriel's direction, Eveline stepped past him and began walking toward the library.

Gabriel soon trailed behind her, ignoring the looks she received from the students as they entered the building together.

****

Eveline and Gabriel sat down at one of the furthest seats in the library and got right into the lesson.

"Did you learn the topic we discussed yesterday by heart?" With a curious glance at Eveline, Gabriel questioned.

Eveline chewed her lower lips as she tried to ignore his curious eyes. Due to the pain she went through yesterday, Eveline was not able to grasp anything he taught her.

Indeed, she recalled having committed to memory a few of the subjects he discussed, but she lost focus when her past came to mind.

Eveline was so overcome by those painful memories that she tried to run away and disregarded everything he said.

Eveline took a moment to accept that she had indeed forgotten everything by shaking her head slowly.

Gabriel's eyes softened at her cute reaction as the corner of his lips curled into a faint smile.

"Okay, we will revise it again and this time don't get distracted," Gabriel said, leaving Eveline surprised by his thoughtfulness.

Had he been the Gabriel she knew, he would have chastised her for her clumsiness. But the one sitting before her forgave her just like that.

'Don't overthink Eveline.' Her subconscious reminded her, 'He just forgave you because of the pain you went through,' and she nodded, losing the shocked expression on her face and focusing back on her studies.

Eveline told herself that she needed to finish this session quickly so she could look for Alex, but little did she know that the one she desperately wanted to meet was stalking her along with Tiffany inside the library.