Chapter 334
Gabriel put the pen on the desk as he tilted his head, glancing at Amelie, who was in a deep slumber. He looked at the note, which he had just written, and smiled. He had begun writing such notes for Noa since last week and was putting them in a jar, secretly from Amelie.
The thought in his mind was: When Noa would learn to read and write, then he will read these notes too. It would make him feel how special he was to Lucien from the beginning.
Putting the note inside the jar after making a star of it, he closed its lid. Without making a noise, he went to the cupboard and put the jar inside the secret locker, away from the eyes of Amelie since it was a surprise for her too.
As he quietly shut the cupboard, he turned around and returned to the desk. Switching off the table lamp, he finally slid into the blanket, snuggling Amelie close.
’I have to buy clothes and other essentials for Noa. I will list them out tomorrow. And I’ve to make sure Amelie gets as little stress as she can. I’ve to take care his words trailed off as he drifted to sleep.
In the morning, Gabriel stirred awake when he realized his arm had gone numb beneath Amelie’s head. Carefully, so as not to disturb her, he slid it free.
’What time is it?’ he wondered, his eyes drifting toward the wall clock. It was still early. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he sat up, pressed a soft kiss to Amelie’s forehead, then to her rounded bump, before quietly making his way to the washroom.
After freshening up, he headed downstairs. To his surprise, the faint glow of the living room lamp revealed his mother already awake, sitting stiffly on the couch with her phone pressed to her ear.
The instant she noticed him, she hurriedly ended the call. But Gabriel had sharp eyes and noticed that too.
His steps grew heavier as he walked toward her, stopping right in front of where she sat.
“Why were you asking about witches’ dens? Are you out of your mind?” He didn’t wish to lose his temper, but his mother’s actions couldn’t help him.
“Do you want me to sit then and do nothing? We have to find Ophelia,” Mabel stated.
“You can’t do that.” Gabriel’s voice sharpened, his brows furrowing. In the next instant, he dropped to his knees before her, the desperation in his eyes startling even Mabel.
“How do you wish to hear me plead? Like this?” His voice cracked as he pressed his palms against the floor. “I beg you, don’t. Don’t create more trouble in my life, in my mate’s life. We are happy without your interference. Please… don’t make my hatred for you grow with every single time we meet. Please p>
Mabel’s chest tightened. She swallowed hard and lowered her gaze, unable to look at the anguish on her son’s face.
“I won’t do it,” she whispered.
“You have to promise me,” Gabriel demanded.
“I promise you,” Mabel said at last, forcing herself to meet his eyes. “I won’t make any attempt to find Ophelia p>
Gabriel’s stare lingered. “How can I believe you p>
“That is for you to decide,” Mabel replied softly. “If you want to trust your mother or not p>
His jaw clenched. “You’ve betrayed my trust too many times. But this once, I’ll believe you. Don’t break my heart again.” Slowly, he rose back to his feet.
Just then, footsteps approached. Raidan entered the room, his eyes widening as he caught sight of Gabriel rising from his knees. Confusion darkened his face.
“Are you alright? Why were you kneeling?” Raidan’s gaze flicked sharply between his wife and his son.
Gabriel offered his father a brief bow in greeting before answering nothing.
“I was using the resources to find Ophelia,” Mabel admitted quickly. “But…I’ve promised Gabriel I won’t do it again p>
Raidan’s shoulders slumped with a sigh as he watched his son walk silently out of the room.
Turning to his wife, Raidan shook his head. “Mabel, don’t sour things further between you and Gabriel,” he said gently, lowering himself onto the seat beside her. “He needs our support now more than ever. Why not try to mend what’s broken? Start showing him your love slowly and patiently. That is the only way either of you will heal p>
Mabel’s eyes glistened, but she shook her head with a bitter smile. “It’s too late, Raidan. I’ve already destroyed everything. I don’t expect Gabriel to give me love… or even respect. I’m the one who turned our bond into this emptiness p>
“You’re wrong, Your Majesty,” Carlos’ voice rang from behind before he walked to their front. “Pardon me for intruding on your conversation. Good morning,” he said, giving them a radiant smile as he bowed in humbleness.
Mabel straightened slightly, but Carlos continued.
“Don’t search for the witch. Ophelia thrives on twisting your mind. She’ll use your doubts and regrets against you.” He paused, softening his voice. “Amelie is only two months away from giving birth. She needs you. Your warmth, your attention, your care. Why not give her that? The kingdom will survive without your constant presence in the palace p>
His gaze deepened. “But Gabriel…he will not. You’ve always left him to carry burdens alone, Your Majesty, while you turned away. Yet, despite everything, he still looks to you, still approaches you when he’s cornered. That means he still considers you his mother, even if anger clouds it. If you truly want to mend things, then stop being a queen for a while. Be a mother. Stay here, close to them. That is the only way Gabriel will begin to acknowledge you again p>
Raidan couldn’t agree more to Carlos’ wise words.
“Yes, dear. You should live here with them. Be a mother to Gabriel. For us, our children no matter turn old, they are still kids. Love can soften and change everyone,” Raidan advised this time.