Chapter 8 It was hard to tell how much time had gone by when the loud wail of police sirens cut through the air . Gabrielle was saved . She got some basic treatment for her wounds at the hospital but decided against staying overnight and headed back alone to the empty castle . པར །། This was where Leonardo had once drawn up all the plans and supervised the building , just to make her smile . But Alaina had only been around for a couple of months , and already there were signs of her everywhere in the castle . The walk - in closet and music room that used to be Gabrielle's were now overflowing with stuff . Even those wooden carvings she made for Leonardo were just tossed haphazardly on the floor . Back then , he had clearly said with red - rimmed eyes that he would treasure it for a lifetime . Gabrielle looked up at the dark sky outside and let out a bitter laugh . An entire day and night had gone by . Leonardo was still with Alaina , She smiled without much feeling , wiped the blood from her mouth , and dropped three things into the mailbox in front of the castle . Chapter 8 289 Vouchers The first one was the test report on the scented powder from the bouquet Alaina had given her yesterday . If he just took a look at it , he'd see that the chaos caused by those tigers and black wolves wasn't an accident . It was all part of someone's plan . That bouquet was packed with enough crazy - inducing spices to drive anyone mad . The second one was her medical check - up report from the hospital showing she'd lost their baby . It happened when he chose to save Alaina instead of her . When he stood there helpless as she got pulled under icy seawater . When he let her take 99 lashes just to protect Alaina . This was the second time he'd indirectly taken their child away for Alaina's sake . The third item was the broken diamond ring . This was the same diamond ring that Leonardo used to propose to her. He had personally gone all the way to Africa to pick out and polished . He polished it 13 million times , which took him about 6 months . Back then , their pure and unwavering love made quite a splash in Boston . He was the one who treated her like she was everything to him . He was the one who promised eternal love at their wedding , swearing he'd love Gabrielle forever . But he also delayed her eye treatment for ages just so he could take care Chapter of Alaina . 288 Vouchers He put her in a really risky situation all for Alaina's so - called " apology " animal show . ア And he stood by while she went through 10 drownings and 99 whip Ìashes . In the end , what used to be such a fiery love had turned into nothing more than some charred coal after all those rainy seasons in Boston . Over the last five years , no matter how mad they were , Gabrielle never took it off . " Now , Leonardo , it's time to give it back to you , " she said in her heart . The sound of a helicopter roared from above as it came down . Gabrielle squinted and looked up , spotting a familiar face peeking out at her . " Aren't you leaving , Alice ? " She paused for a second but then suddenly smiled and asked , " Got a lighter , Nicholas ?" Nicholas Harlan whistled and tossed down a box of matches . " This is all I've got . " Gabrielle nodded . " That'll do . " Ignoring the pain in her body , she slowly made her way toward the castle . Their love had started here but quickly faded away with all the lies and betrayals . Chapter 8 289 ) ( Vouchers She struck one of the matches in her hand , lit it up , and threw it inside . With a loud " boom , " flames shot up and swallowed the whole castle in an instant . What used to be their warm little " home " now looked like some scary C hellhole that devoured people alive . " Goodbye , " Gabrielle whispered before turning around without looking back . She walked away and hopped on the helicopter . The helicopter's engine roared to life . The hem of her clothes flapped and whipped around in the dark as it zoomed across the ocean . At the same time , Leonardo , having found out that Gabrielle was safe , was racing back in his car , driving like a man on fire . On the ground and up in the air - two totally different paths that were never meant to cross . W In "A Lady Hard to Please" by CrushReels, a single mother makes a poignant return to the city she fled seven years ago. Her mission: to secure treatment for her son's leukemia, setting the stage for an emotional journey of love and resilience amidst past heartbreak. As her ex-lover reenters her life upon hearing of her return, old wounds resurface, sparking a complex web of emotions and decisions that delve deep into themes of forgiveness, second chances, and the enduring power of love. This modern romance novel stands out for its raw portrayal of familial bonds tested by adversity, offering readers a compelling exploration of human strength and vulnerability. With a captivating blend of heart-wrenching moments and tender revelations, "A Lady Hard to Please" promises a captivating read that lingers in the heart long after the final page. Available to read online at CrushReel for those seeking a tale that transcends boundaries and speaks to the resilience of the human spirit.