Chapter 32
“It’s done p>
Amelie turned off the dryer and placed it back in its original spot before stepping away.
Gabriel ran a hand through his hair, smoothing it into place before picking up a comb to adjust it to his usual style. “Thank you,” he said casually.
Amelie tilted her head slightly, watching him with a curious expression. ’Why did he ask me to do that?’ she wondered. Still, she masked her thoughts with a polite smile. “You’re welcome p>
She shifted her stance and clasped her hands in front of her. “You’ll have a busy day at the office. Your schedule includes three back-to-back meetings, starting from ten in the morning and running until two in the afternoon,” she informed him.
Gabriel turned to face her. “In that case, let’s have breakfast before heading to work,” he suggested.
Amelie nodded in agreement and left for the dining room ahead of him. Gabriel, on the other hand, took his time arriving. As he entered, Albus stepped forward, whispering something discreetly in his ear.
Gabriel sighed in mild irritation before speaking. “You should just block Casaio’s number p>
Albus straightened and shook his head. “I’m afraid I can’t do that, Sir. You know this well p>
Gabriel smirked slightly. “Then enjoy being pestered by his constant nagging,” he remarked dryly. “Now, enough talk. I’d like to eat in peace p>
His gaze shifted to Amelie, who was patiently waiting for him to start before she touched her food. Once he picked up his utensils and took the first bite, she followed suit.
A comfortable silence stretched between them until Amelie finally spoke, setting her sandwich back on her plate. “Eldest siblings worry about their younger ones. I’m sure your brother is no different p>
Gabriel scoffed lightly. “That’s an idealistic way of thinking,” he countered. “Casaio isn’t concerned about me. He enjoys meddling for his own benefit. When people grow up, even siblings become selfish and go their separate ways. You’ve seen that firsthand, haven’t you p>
The words struck Amelie deep. Her fingers instinctively tightened around her napkin as her shoulders stiffened. ’He’s right,’ she admitted internally. But still, hearing it so bluntly unsettled her.
Without another word, she quietly finished the last few bites of her meal, then placed her utensils down. “Excuse me,” she murmured before rising from her chair and leaving the dining room.
Gabriel watched her retreating figure, his fork pausing mid-air. His brows furrowed slightly. “Did I upset her?” he mumbled to himself before taking another bite of scrambled eggs.
Butler Albus stepped forward. “Sir, Miss Amelie is still coping with betrayal. She confided in me that her sister cheated on her with her former mate. I believe Prince Gabriel should tread more carefully on such matters p>
Gabriel remained silent, absorbing the information.
Amelie stared at her phone screen, her gaze lingering on an old picture of her family stored in the gallery. She had logged into her account the night before to retrieve access. It was from a time before she had awakened her wolf.
Back then, her parents had still been kind to her. Back then, her younger sister, Flora, had been the best sister she could ever ask for.
Amelie wasn’t longing for them. But she found herself questioning the very essence of family love—was it ever real, or had it always been conditional?
Just then, A voice interrupted her thoughts.
“I’m sorry,” Gabriel’s voice drew her attention. She quickly turned off her phone and lifted her head, finding him standing straight before her.
Seated on the cool marble steps of the porch, Amelie took a moment before rising to her feet, brushing off her pants. “Why are you apologizing p>
Gabriel frowned slightly. “Didn’t I upset you earlier? For me, family love, sibling love, it doesn’t exist. And considering your sister betrayed you, I assumed you wouldn’t miss her anymore p>
“I don’t,” Amelie replied without hesitation. A small smile tugged at her lips. “But I didn’t expect Prince Gabriel to apologize over something so trivial,” she mused, a hint of amusement in her tone.
As Amelie took a step down, her step faltered and she feared to fall off the stairs. However, Gabriel had his arm wrapped around her belly at the right time, preventing her from the fall.
“Be careful. You are pregnant,” Gabriel whispered with a worry as she tilted her head to look at him.
Amelie tilted her head, meeting his gaze. “Thank you,” she said softly, expecting him to let go.
But he didn’t. Instead, he kept a gentle hold on her hand, steadying her as they descended the steps together.
When they reached the car, Gabriel opened the door and gestured for her to get in.
Without protest, Amelie climbed into the back seat, settling herself. Gabriel followed, entering from the other side.
Karmen, who was already seated at the front, turned to greet Gabriel. “Good morning, Your Highness p>
Gabriel chuckled at the way his beta greeted him while taking the tablet from Amelie and skimming through it.
Gabriel arched an eyebrow. “What’s with your tone today p>
“Nothing,” Karmen replied with a small smile. His gaze then flickered to Amelie through the rear-view mirror. “You looked upset earlier,” he remarked. He had seen her and Gabriel on the stairs.
The car had already pulled out of the mansion’s gates.
“Were you missing your family?” Karmen probed.
Amelie’s response was swift. “No p>
Karmen hummed thoughtfully. “Hmm. Alex has managed to stop the rumors about you in the Red River Pack as per Prince Gabriel’s order. I have to wonder, though, why didn’t you consider aborting the pup, given that it carries someone else’s imprint p>
Gabriel’s fingers stilled on the tablet. His gaze darkened as he lifted his eyes.
“Karmen! Watch your mouth. How dare you say that to Amelie?” His voice raised as the color of his turning into a deeper shade of violet.
“Forgive me, Prince Gabriel. I was merely preparing Amelie for the questions that your family might ask in the upcoming gala from her,” Karmen pronounced.