Chapter 204
Amelie blew gently over her soapy hands, watching the tiny bubbles float into the air. One drifted close, and she popped it with her fingertip, a small smile playing on her lips.
Gabriel watched her in silence, his heart fluttering at the simple joy on her face. Even with everything threatening to pull them apart, these moments still found their way to them.
“Ame,” he whispered her name like a prayer.
She turned at once and met his gleaming eyes. “Hmm p>
Before she could speak further, his lips captured hers in a soft kiss. His one hand slipped into her hair, caressing her scalp as he drew her closer. When they finally pulled apart with a faint pop, Gabriel didn’t let go, instead, he gently lifted her into his arms.
The soapy water slid down their bodies as he carried her into the shower room with care.
Amelie’s cheeks flushed deep red, her thoughts swirling as she realized what was about to happen. She shyly turned her back to him and reached for the tap, turning on the water. As the warm spray hit her skin, her chest rose and fell with anticipation.
She gasped quietly when she felt him press against her from behind.
Gabriel leaned in and found her earlobe, biting it tenderly and drawing a soft moan from her lips. His hands slowly traveled the curves of her body as his mouth left warm kisses along her neck.
Her eyes shut tightly as she craned her neck more towards him.
“Ame, your body still trembles at my touch,” Gabriel whispered against her ear, his nose trailing along the curve of her neckline. One hand cupped her breast, his thumb brushing gently over its sensitive peak, while the other fondled the other tenderly.
His teeth grazed her shoulder, nipping softly, earning a breathless moan from her.
“Don’t tease me… Just… Ahh p>
Her words were lost in a gasp as her hands pressed to the wall, her toes curling from the sudden, overwhelming wave of sensation when he moved behind her, holding her close as if he couldn’t bear even a hair width distance between them.
Gabriel closed the water tap as he thrust inside her in a gentle rythym.
“I love you,” she whispered when his hand wrapped around her throat as he tilted it and kissed her. The water droplets clinging to his hair dropped over her forehead. She reached the peak of her climax and so did he. They both came at the same time.
Finally, he pulled out, resting his forehead against the back of her shoulder as they caught their breath in the warmth of the shower.
“I love you too, Ame,” Gabriel said, making her turn to him and hugging her.
Casaio blankly stared at the night sky as he brought the cigaratte close to his mouth, taking out a puff. He rubbed the top of his eyebrow when he heard the faint footsteps. He lowered the cigarette butt and put it in the ashtray.
Turning his head, he saw his mother and rose to his feet.
“Mom, why are you here at this hour?” asked Casaio, checking the time on his watch. It was close to eleven.
“You should answer me the same,” Mabel stated and sat down on the chair next to him. She looked at the burning cigarette in the ashtray and sighed.
“Are you planning to destroy yourself like this?” Mabel asked with both disappointment and concern. “Lester told me you even skipped supper p>
Casaio sighed and sat down again, his gaze fixed on the balcony’s floor. “I didn’t have an appetite, Mom. Also, Dad may get panicked if he doesn’t see you in the room p>
“That’s no excuse,” she replied firmly. “And don’t try to change the subject by worrying about your father. He knows I’m here p>
She reached over and took his hand, gently placing it in her lap.
“You’re very special to me, Casaio,” she said, her voice turning softer now. “You’re my firstborn. The bond I have with you… it’s different. I may come across as harsh, maybe even cold, but I carry every one of your wounds in my heart p>
Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears as they locked with his. Casaio’s fingers curled inward. All this time, he thought she would never understand him — but he was wrong.
“Please, don’t punish yourself like this,” Mabel whispered. “I know you need time to heal. But don’t let your grief consume you. You can mourn, but not at the cost of your body and soul p>
“Yes, Mom,” Casaio murmured. “You don’t have to worry about me. I just need a little time — I’ll be fine. You worry too much for me p>
“How can I not worry?” Mabel shook her head, her tone laced with frustration and concern. “I met Zilia’s brother earlier today. You decided to keep him here? Are you certain it’s wise to let a traitor’s sibling stay under our roof p>
“He’s just a kid, Mom,” Casaio replied calmly. “Don’t view him as a threat. And for your peace of mind, the servant I placed in his service is actually a trained spy. Every move he makes will be watched p>
Mabel didn’t seem entirely convinced, but she didn’t argue further.
Casaio leaned back, a hint of fatigue in his voice. “Anyway… I’m tired. You should get some rest too. It’s late p>
Mabel looked at him for a long moment before nodding. “Hmm p>
She gave his hand a gentle pat before rising to her feet. Casaio stood as well, silently watching his mother disappear down the corridor. Once he shut the door behind her, he exhaled deeply and made his way to the bed, collapsing onto it without bothering to change.
But sleep refused to come.
His eyes darted on the ceiling.
“I can’t live like this,” he whispered into the silence of his room. “But how am I supposed to live like nothing ever happened? How do people survive heartbreak… and keep breathing like it’s just another day p>