Husband With Benefits-Chapter 549: A Revelation

He wanted to lie. But as he looked at her hopeful and trustworthy expression, Gabe explained himself," My wife."

Autumn frowned. What did he mean by his wife? The one wh ohad passed away? Has she also suffered something similar?

"No." He seemed to read her mind and cut off her thought process," She grew up pampered and protected. But...she was not right in the head. I tried to protect her and be with her but it was a difficult task, with what she was suffering. So, to understand her better and provide better care, I studied psychology and body language. You are uncomfortable around men but you were trembling when that man approcached you in the cafe. That was the first clue. But later, your reaction to your little sister hugging me, was enough to to tell me the truth."

Autumn nodded. Was it so easy to see? Then why did no one else see it all these years?

Gabe sighed," Sometimes people are blind or they choose to remain blind. We can’t change that. Now, we will not touch the subject that has hurt you and instead you can tell me how having a temporary husband can help you.."

"He sued me on criminal charges."

As Autumn explained the entire detail of what had happened, Gabe could only frown. There were multiple pronlems in this matter and her chances of winning were slim. Even with a husband, there was low chance that the court would give her the custody instead of a biological father... unless...

He sighed when Autumn finished explaining,"So, my mother’s friend advised that I should get a new lawyer. I need to go to town again soon and..."

"There is no need for that. I have a degree in law and I can handle this just as well. I need to question your lawyer about it. Arrange a meeting for this afternoon. And we need to have a discussion about our arrangement as well."

"What kind of a discussion?", Autumn asked, stunned by this man’s ability. He’d almost taken over her entire schedule without any trouble whatsoever. He was almsot used to it.

"Autumn, if we are to prove that you and I are husband and wife, then we need to move in together. More than that, we need to have a familiarity with each other that only lovers have. This is important. Because, the only way you even have a fighting chance of winning the case is if you promise the court that you can provide the child with a full family instead of letting her be raised by a single parent with a hazardous job."

"I know. I... that is why I.... But do we need to live together?"

"Yes. Because if he is able to prove that we married just to help you win her custody, it can be considered trying to defraud the court with ill intent. So, before the court date is upon us, we have to become one happy family. I’ve been looking for a house here in B-town. Once I find it, I’ll arrange...."

"You can simply move in with us." Autumn muttered hurriedly. " We have an extra room and it would be more believable."

Gabe nodded. He’d been thinking that but..." Are you sure you would be comfortable? I don’t need you panicking every minute I am there that I might hurt you or the kid."

"I... I’ll try not to worry. I’ve been so used to... But its okay... I know you are not interested in... women.."

Gabe sighed. That is what he was worried about. The only reason she was getting comfortable around him was because she firmly believed that he was not interested in the fairer se*... Even if she’d believed that he was interested in Jacks, what made her think that he couldn’t be interested in her? What kind of innocent foolishness was this?

"For the last time, Autumn, yuo are wrong. I am a straight man..."

But she nodded like she didn’t believe him. Fine. So be it. If that is what gave her peace, he would let her live with it.

***

"Arabelle! Do you think I am a planet and you are a satellite? Why are you orbiting around me?"

"Because I want to help you. Mister Gabriel is moving into our home and he is going to live with us. That means, he will have a better chance of protecting you! I like Mister Gabriel. I am happy that he is coming here."

Autumn shook her head. Her little sister was totally smitten with Gabriel Frost. Since the moment, she had been told that Gabe was coming to live with them, she could not stop babbling happily making Autumn feel that she would definitely go deaf soon.

"Why do you like him so much?" Autumn asked in amusement.

"Because he gave me his pancakes. And he didn’t scold me for approaching him. He’s a nice person. He even discovered Aunt N asleep one morning and didn’t tell her anything. I like Mister Gabriel."

"Pancakes and no scolding? You placed your trust in him just becuase of that?"

"Of course? Who shares pancakes these days? No one."

Just then, the sound of someone’s voice stopped Arabelle and she peered outside, before giving up her satellite duties in favour of rocket duties as she launched herself at the man, who had just entered the gate.

She watched as he laughed and caught the little girl hurtling towards him, before he scooped her into his arms and pretended to throw her into the air. It had been so long since she had seen the little girl so happy.

"Mister Gabriel, you’re here! Did you bring any pancakes? I want pancakes! And I have a new drawing to show you. I made it for you..."

She turned around and wiped her tears carefully when she realized that the man was observing her. She couldn’t meet his eyes. She didn’t know...

Arabelle, the little girl noticed the man staring at her sister and put a hand to his cheek, tilting his face to meet hers. "Look at me, Mister Gabriel," she said earnestly, her eyes wide and earnest. "Don’t make my big sister sad, okay? You promised to help us, so you have to make her happy!"

"I know, Miss Arabelle. I wouldn’t dare to..."