Chapter 16–Welcome Home
(Gabriella)
I slipped my hands behind my back before peering around the corner. We were just outside the huge apartment complex Jamie lived in.
He said he would meet us downstairs and I couldn’t wait to see him again. Considering I didn’t have much..it didn’t take me long to pack.
My dad was standing beside me as he looked down at his watch and sighed. We had only been outside for two minutes I don’t know why he is being so grumpy..
“Bunny..are you sure about this? It isn’t too late to back out.” He asked on the way over as I nodded my head and told my dad I was more than sure for the tenth time.
A part of me thinks maybe my dad didn’t want me to go because then he would have to return
to the house and deal with Cecelia..
I just can’t believe I will finally be out of that house..I have dreamed of this for so long.
“Gabriella!” Jamie called out my name excitedly before running out of the doors.
“You guys could’ve waited in the building, I already told them you were coming.” He said before
reaching out and going to grab the suitcase from my dad.
“I wasn’t sure if you did or not.” My dad grumbled..letting Jamie take the bag from him.
“Well, let’s go in, it’s getting cold out.” Jamie stated as I watched his arm extend as he reached
his hand out for me.
I felt my stomach flutter like crazy before placing my hand in his and began walking beside
him as he guided me toward the doors.
“Mr. Perry, this is my Fiancee Gabriella.” Jamie suddenly introduced me to the man standing
at the door. He had on a green hat and matching jacket.
“Miss Kensington, it’s so lovely to meet you. Welcome to River Heights, if you ever need
anything at all don’t hesitate to ask.” The man said, making me smile shyly as I nodded my head in response before entering the luxurious building.
I have overheard Celeclie talking about River Heights. Apparently, it was one of the most
famous and sought after apartment buildings in New York City. It was even home to a lot of
celebrities..
Walking through the extravagant lobby, I couldn’t help but admire the cream and white colored
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Chapter 16–Welcome Home
marbled floors and huge flower arrangements on every surface.
“Come this way, they just have to take your picture for security reasons okay?” Jamie explained while tugging me along as my dad followed behind us quietly.
After going to the front desk, they took my picture and handed me a key card with my name on it. They said after Jamie and I get married, they will issue me a new one with my last name changed to Sinclair.
Hearing that made my cheeks turn pink as I tried so hard not to explode with excitement.
“Okay, right this way.” Jamie said softly before squeezing my hand and tugging me towards
the elevator.
My dad trudged along, acting like I was being shipped to a different continent or something as
we all stepped into the large space. Even the elevator was luxurious with mirrored walls and
bright lighting.
“What are the security measures in this place? When was the last break in?” My dad asked
quickly making me shoot him a glare.
“I assure you Mr. Kensington that River Heights is well protected and they take the safety of
their tenants very seriously.” Jamie reassured my dad making him nod once.
I reached out, my hand grabbing my dad as I squeezed softly..trying to tell him that everything
would be okay.
My dad has always worried about our safety..even though the people who put me in danger were technically my own family..but he didn’t know that.
While he was gone, Daddy made sure to keep our home well protected and had all the latest
security features.
I watched as Jamie swiped his card and the elevator began to move, making my stomach flip
as the anticipation was killing me.
Suddenly the elevator stopped, making me almost walk forward as Jamie reached his hand
out and pressed it across my stomach gently.
“Not this one.” He said before pulling me closer to his side.
I watched as the doors opened and a gorgeous woman in a red silk dress now appeared
before us.
She had curly black hair and beautiful tan skin. Her eyes were the lightest shade of green and she had gorgeous curves. She looked to be in her twenties from what I could tell.
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Chapter 16–Welcome Home
The woman stepped on before smiling over at us.
“Good evening Mr. Sinclair and Mr. Sinclair’s friend.” She said curiously before smiling at me
warmly.
Wow was she gorgeous..
“Monica, this is my Fiancee Gabriella Kensington.” Jamie stated cooly, his hand wrapping around my waist and settling on my hip as I felt like my body was now on fire..
“Fiancee…so the rumors are true. You must be quite the girl to catch Mr. Sinclair’s attention.” She added smoothly, her eyes looking me up and down before switching to my dad.
“And you must be her brother?” She asked, and I swear I have never seen my dad’s face grow
redder.
“No, her father.” He explained before clearing her throat awkwardly.
“Ah, I see. Well, welcome to River Heights, I’m sure I will be seeing you around.” She added
before giving my dad a weird look and then she was gone.
“That’s Monica Tilman, she lives on the floor below us.” Jamie explained as soon as she
walked off and for a moment I felt weird..like..almost jealous..what was their relationship
before? They seemed to know each other..but maybe it’s because they are neighbors.
I realized Jamie was staring at me as I quickly looked down at the floor before he leaned in
closer to me.
“Don’t worry..Monica and I are only acquaintances..besides..I believe your dad is more her
type…she tends to go for older men.” He explained, making my eyes widen as I glanced toward
my very red–faced dad.
So she was more into Daddy?
“Okay, we are here.” Jamie whispered while placing his hand on my lower back and guiding
me forward.
We came to two large double doors as Jamie took out his key card and swiped it.
That’s when the doors opened wide and my jaw dropped.
This place was huge! I didn’t expect it to be like this..
Walking into the apartment there was a large sitting area with brown leather couches and a
metal coffee between them.
Everything was pretty masculine and definitely decorated by a guy but I liked it..I liked that there was no red, white, and black for once..and the place actually felt warm and inviting.
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“This is the living room..and over here, this is the kitchen.” Jamie began to explain as his eyes bore into me intently.
I walked through the rooms slowly, absorbing my new surroundings as I looked at everything I
could.
At one point we were in another sitting room and that’s when I saw a picture frame on the fireplace mantle.
Stepping closer, I noticed a woman with brown hair and beautiful brown eyes, they were
almost the exact same color as Jamie’s.
“That’s my mom.” He whispered, making me glance towards him with a smile.
“You will meet her soon, after you get all settled in.” He rushed out and I nodded before moving
onto the next picture.
In this picture was Jamie and two other guys and then a girl. The girl had gorgeous long light
brown hair and she had her arms wrapped around Jamie’s waist.
They were all smiling brightly as they looked at the camera. They seemed to be wearing the
same type of clothes..like a school uniform or something.
“Oh, this is my best friend Rylan with his brother and sister. This one is Nolan and this is
Rylan’s twin, Jolie.” He explained as I nodded once again..Jolie..they seem close.
Then a thought crossed my mind…maybe they will be my friends too. Maybe this is my
chance to really live and experience life for the first time ever.
“Gabriella, are you ready to see your room?” Jamie asked softly before reaching down and
grabbing my hand once again.
I nodded yes and looked towards my dad as I saw a soft smile on his face before he followed behind us as Jamie headed for a hallway that was across from the kitchen.
We approached a white door and the moment Jamie opened it, all the air inside of me came
rushing out.
Soft pink covered the walls as my eyes were instantly drawn to the large bed with a canopy
over it. All of the furniture was white with rose gold accents and there was even a pink sofa
with a plush white rug beneath.
It looked like something a princess would live in.
“What do you think?” Jamie suddenly blurted, making me turn towards him as tears began to
fall down my cheeks.
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“Y..You don’t like it? Is it too much pink?” He rushed out as I shook my head no before quickly lifting my hand.
“I love it.” I signed, seeing my dad walk towards me before pulling me into a hug.
“She loves it Jamie.” He said for me as I hugged my dad tightly.
“This is the type of room you always deserved..” Daddy whispered, making me cry harder.
I think he is finally realizing just what type of place I had been living in.
My room never had any color in it..and this..this truly was a dream come true.
“Jamie, thank you for doing all of this for her.” My dad suddenly stated before pulling away and going to shake Jamie’s hand.
“I promise this is just the beginning..I plan to take care of Gabriella for the rest of our lives no matter what.” He declared, making my eyes widen as I peered into Jamie’s warm brown orbs, seeing he truly meant that as I couldn’t hold back my feelings any longer.
Without even thinking, I rushed forward and wrapped my arms around Jamie’s waist, my face burying against his chest as he seemed to freeze beneath me..and then..then he did the most amazing thing. He hugged me back..all of this was incredible and now I’m left wondering..how did I get so lucky?
