Gabriela Moreno is the daughter of Helen Moreno, a housekeeper who worked for Forrester Creations co-founder Stephanie Forrester. After Gaby lost her mother in a car accident, she refused financial assistance from Stephanie, who had been driving the car; however, Gaby accepted a job as a personal assistant at the fashion house instead and came to live at the Forrester mansion. Gaby wanted to be a designer and bonded with young Thomas Forrester, who had also lost a mother. Gaby ran afoul of Thomas' girlfriend, Caitlin Ramírez, when Caitlin caught Gaby giving Thomas a kiss on the cheek.

While applying for college, Gaby discovered that she and Helen had been in the United States illegally. Gaby found salvation in Thomas, who whisked her off to Las Vegas to marry her and keep her in the country, but Gaby faced opposition from Thomas' parents, Ridge Forrester and Taylor Hayes. Gaby became a prize in a fashion competition between Ridge and Thomas, who had begun designing for rival fashion house Spectra Fashions: if Thomas won, Ridge would accept the marriage, but if Ridge won, Gaby would be deported. Gaby was served annulment papers after Ridge won the competition, but she discovered she could continue living in the U.S. legally after all. Gabriela said goodbye to Thomas and went off to college; she has not been seen or mentioned since.