Chapter 7 Reynald's thin lips pressed into a line - then suddenly , he froze . Gabriella lay among the white lilies , her face pale as paper , like she were about to fade into the cold , desolate white around her . Only the lingering bloodstains on her wrists and ankles stood out - sharp , jarring . And when did she get this thin ? It felt like a thorn had stabbed through his chest . His heart clenched hard . Without thinking , he called her name . " Gabriella ... " When she opened her eyes , his voice turned harsh . " What the hell are you trying to do ? " " Didn't you say this was your gift to me ? " Reynald paused , then laughed . " I told you , I'd display your private photos at my funeral . I always keep my word . Gabriella , we've known each other for ten years . You should know playing the victim doesn't work on me . " I do . " He stepped back . " Everyone , light candles for Mrs. Dalloz . Let's wish her a smooth trip to the afterlife . " Gabriella finally smiled . " Light more . Use it all . " Reynald's friends stepped forward one by one , with candles in hand . " Gabriella , I hope you get reborn into a good family . " Chapter 7 " Be a better person in your next life . Don't be the daughter of a murderer . " " Rest easy , Gabriella . " Gabriella remained silent the whole time . Her face didn't even twitch . Only when the last candle was lit did she stand up . Reynald stared at her , his chest tight . " Don't you have anything to say , Gabriella ? " Gabriella thought for a moment . " Thank you . " If she had really died , no one would've gone this far for her . Honestly , it was nice . Reynald's eyes darkened . " You're welcome . Now it's time for a birthday wish . " " My wish is ... " She met his gaze . " Reynald , may you live a long , long life . " It was meant to be cruel . A curse wrapped in pretty words . But in her eyes , he saw only sincerity . Without thinking , he grabbed her arm . " What the hell is wrong with you ? " The next second , searing pain exploded in his chest . Reynald's face turned pale . He clutched his heart and collapsed . Gabriella rushed to him , fingers pressed to his neck . Her breath caught . His heart had stopped . Panic broke out . Gabriella gave him emergency CPR , barking orders for a car and a hospital . Chapter 7 When his heartbeat finally returned , her hands were trembling . She helped him into the car , never once letting go of his hand . Reynald had to live . He had to . At the hospital , Gwen took over . The Dalloz and Hensley families arrived in chaos . Moments later , Gwen stepped out . " The situation doesn't look good ... " Her voice was strained . She didn't dare meet Gabriella's eyes . Only duty kept her speaking . " If he doesn't get a heart transplant today , you all should be prepared . " The hallway was filled with sobs . Gabriella's nose stung . Of course . Her luck was always bad . Even her last birthday wouldn't end well . " The patient's awake , " a nurse said . " If you have anything to say , now's the time . " Gabriella followed the others into the room . Reynald's eyes found her immediately dark , clouded , unreadable . She walked to his bedside . " It's my birthday, " she said softly . " Can you at least say it ? Just once . ' Happy birthday " . " He froze . Then all those messy emotions vanished from his face - replaced by pure malice . Chapter 7 " Gabriella , why don't you just go die ? " Freelance photographer Violet Beck is forced into an engagement with CEO Roy Payne. He is everything her wild heart rebels against: proper, predictable, and painfully kind. But love has a way of devel...