Chapter 322
Amelie lowered the phone slowly as the call ended. The click of the door caught her attention, and she turned just as Gabriel stepped in, toweling his damp hair.
“Who were you talking to?” he asked, draping the towel over a chair.
“Kate,” Amelie answered.
Gabriel moved to the cupboard, pulling out a loose white shirt and slipping it on. “How is she?” he asked, fastening the buttons. His gaze flicked toward Amelie, noticing the worry etched on her face. “What did she say? You look troubled p>
Amelie hesitated before admitting, “She told me… she likes Karmen. I suggested she make an effort if she truly wants him to notice her p>
Closing the cupboard door with a firm push, Gabriel turned fully to face her. “Amelie, don’t give her ideas. If anything goes wrong, she’ll put the blame on you p>
“She was talking about using her authority to force Karmen,” Amelie countered, her brows knitting. “So I told her love can’t be forced. That’s when I suggested she try making genuine efforts instead. I only wanted her to understand the difference p>
“Kate has lost her senses. Karmen can’t even stand the sight of her,” Gabriel said with a trace of disdain in his voice.
“I know Amelie’s gaze softened with worry. “I just hope Kate doesn’t end up doing something she’ll regret p>
“Forget her,” Gabriel muttered, shaking his head. “Kate’s naïve and spoiled since birth, with everything handed to her on a silver platter. I can’t even imagine how she manages to keep working in a company.” He pushed back his chair and extended a hand toward Amelie. “Come. Let’s have dinner p>
She let him help her to her feet, though her eyes still carried unease. “Maybe… maybe you should talk to your sister. At least once p>
“I have no interest,” Gabriel replied coldly, his tone cutting off any argument. “I already have enough on my plate. And Amelie—” his sharp gaze met hers “—this isn’t the time to think of others. You need to focus on yourself p>
Her lips pressed into a small, obedient nod, and she walked with him toward the dining hall.
As Gabriel had expected, the King and Queen were absent from the table.
“I’ve already sent their meals to their chamber,” Albus informed as he stepped forward.
Gabriel gave a curt nod. “And Carlos’ grandmother p>
“The tray has been delivered to Lady Ravenna’s room as well,” Albus answered smoothly.
Just then, Carlos entered the dining room and took his seat. “Gabriel, how do you feel now? Has your anger gone?” he inquired.
“Not fully yet. Let’s just focus on having dinner,” Gabriel opined, gesturing the maids to begin serving the meals to them.
After dinner, everyone exchanged goodnights and retired to their chambers.
Gabriel entered the room to find Amelie seated before the mirror, slowly running a brush through her hair. A faint smile touched his lips as he walked over and gently took the brush from her hand.
“I can manage on my own,” Amelie murmured, a soft protest in her tone.
“I know,” Gabriel said. He began brushing her hair with careful strokes, his eyes fixed on the silky strands slipping through his fingers. “But every now and then… let your husband pamper you p>
Amelie’s lips curved into the faintest smile, her reflection in the mirror catching his softened expression.
“Everyone was so quiet at the dinner table,” Amelie remarked, breaking the silence.
“Yes,” Gabriel agreed with a faint exhale of relief. “They’ll all be leaving tomorrow. After that, the house will finally be quieter.” He set the brush down gently on the dressing table. “It’s done p>
Amelie gave him a small smile of thanks as she rose from her chair. But as she walked toward the bed, her hand instinctively pressed against her lower back.
Gabriel’s eyes sharpened immediately. “Is your back aching?” he asked, concern lacing his voice.
“A little,” she admitted softly, shaking her head. “But it’s nothing worth worrying about p>
“You’re pushing yourself too hard,” Gabriel said.
Guiding her gently, Gabriel helped Amelie sit on the soft mattress before lowering himself beside her. His hand moved to her lower back, fingers pressing with slow, careful strokes over the spot where she had felt discomfort earlier.
“Carrying a pup isn’t easy,” he murmured, his voice threaded with both worry and reverence. “I wish there was more I could do for you. But seeing you like this, enduring everything with such grace… it makes me realize something, Amelie p>
She turned her head slightly, her eyes meeting his in the dim glow of the room.
“Mothers,” Gabriel continued, his tone warm with admiration, “are the strongest beings on this earth p>
“Yes, they are,” Amelie agreed softly. Her lips curved into a small smile as she leaned closer to him. “And with the support of their partner, the journey of pregnancy becomes so much smoother. You’ve made these months not just easy, Gabriel… but truly enjoyable p>
“You never tire of praising me, do you?” Gabriel teased, his voice low with amusement. “Careful, Amelie, who knows, I might get spoiled by all this pampering p>
Before she could respond, he ducked his head toward her neck, pressing a playful kiss against the delicate skin there. A laugh escaped her lips, cut off by a sharp intake of breath when his hand slid instinctively to rest over the round curve of her belly.
Amelie’s eyes fluttered shut, her bottom lip caught between her teeth as warmth spread through her heart. Gabriel looked at the mark, stopping for a moment to admire it.
“Gabriel, what happened p>
“Nothing. I was just checking my mark on you,” Gabriel answered.
Amelie recalled something and pulled down his shirt. “My mark on you wasn’t visible the time I gave it. I wonder if it’s there,” she murmured with desperation.
“It hasn’t appeared yet,” Gabriel replied. “But soo, it will.” That was to keep Amelie’s heart. In reality, even he didn’t know when that would happen. “Moreover, mark or not, I’m exclusively yours. Keep that in mind.” His lips pressed firmly on her lips, thus silencing all doubts in her mind.