Chapter 88
The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. Amelie stirred awake, a sense of calm settling over her, until she noticed someone’s presence beside her. Her eyes widened slightly when she saw Gabriel lying on the same bed.
“When did he come here?” she whispered to herself, heart fluttering in surprise.
Her hand moved on its own, fingers brushing his forehead before sliding into his hair with a delicate touch. The strands felt soft beneath her fingertips.
“Did you find it hard to sleep without me, Gabriel?” she wondered silently, her lips curling into a faint smile.
His musky scent surrounded her, making her feel inexplicably safe and warm. She closed her eyes again, just for a moment, letting herself enjoy the peace.
Amelie quietly moved out of the bed and went to the washroom.
When she returned, wrapped in a robe with her hair bundled in a towel, her gaze immediately found him. Gabriel was now awake, sitting while his head resting against the headboard. His eyes were on his phone as he typed something quickly.
“Good morning,” Amelie greeted softly.
Gabriel looked up, and the second their eyes met, the heaviness in his expression melted away.
“When did you come into my room?” she asked, walking over to the cupboard and opening it. “Did you have trouble sleeping p>
Gabriel silently rose from the bed and moved to stand behind her. He reached into the closet, pulling out a top and holding it out to her. “Wear this one,” he said. “You’ve been hiding behind turtlenecks lately. Try something different p>
Amelie turned slightly and smiled, taking the top from his hand. She picked out a pair of trousers to go with it and gently shut the cupboard. “You should head back to your room,” she said gently.
But instead of responding, Gabriel leaned forward and sealed her lips with a tender kiss.
“There are only four days left until our wedding,” he murmured against her lips. “I saw the venue. You picked the same one I had chosen p>
“I liked it,” Amelie replied softly. “That’s why I went with it p>
“Okay,” Gabriel said, his voice low and steady. “Do you want to leave for the honeymoon right after the wedding, or would you prefer to wait a bit p>
He looked at her, gauging her reaction as he continued, “Honestly, I think we should go somewhere far from here. Just for a while. Somewhere peaceful, away from all this noise p>
He stepped a little closer. “I already have a few places in mind, but if there’s somewhere you’ve always wanted to go, just tell me. We’ll go wherever you want, Amelie p>
“Umm… I’ve not thought anything related to our honeymoon,” Amelie truthfully told him.
“Then, you can choose a place and tell me,” Gabriel said.
“You can choose a place of your choice. I’ll be happy as long as you are happy,” Amelie stated. “But before that I want to know what about your princely duties p>
“I’ve my exceptional beta and gamma in the service. They will manage everything behind my back,” Gabriel assured her. He took a few steps back before turning away. “I’ll see you in the dining hall p>
Once Gabriel left, Amelie closed the door behind him and leaned against it. A thought struck her. “Wait… How did he get in last night? I remember locking the door.” She furrowed her brows in confusion. “I’ll ask him about it later,” she decided.
After changing into her clothes, Amelie brushed her hair and applied a little makeup. She clipped her hair up neatly, casting a final glance in the mirror before heading downstairs.
As she stepped into the dining room, her eyes scanned the table. All the siblings were already seated, unusually quiet for a morning gathering.
“Amelie, it’s good you came,” Katelyn said with a smirk. “It’s been eerily calm without you around p>
Amelie gave a faint smile and took her seat beside Gabriel.
“Start serving,” Gabriel instructed the maid while sensing her gaze was fixed on Casaio.
As the food was placed before her, Amelie couldn’t help but glance toward Casaio. She quickly lowered her eyes and focused on her plate.
’Should I tell Gabriel about last night? Prince Casaio seemed… broken and hurt for some reason. But would it be right? What if he gets angry?’ she thought and quietly sipped her soup.
Just then, Katelyn’s voice cut through her inner debate. “Amelie, you got my brother’s mark!” she said. “Seems like Gabriel’s more possessive than we all thought p>
“There’s more to the story,” Amelie said, her voice light with joy. “Gabriel and I are mates. We caught each other’s scent and I wanted his mark on me p>
“For a rejected omega, wasn’t it a little too soon to accept another mark?” Dominick spoke with a raised brow.
Gabriel’s glare darkened, his eyes narrowing at his brother in warning. But before he could say anything, Amelie answered calmly.
“You’re right, Prince Dominick. It was too soon,” she admitted. “But I decided not to bind myself to a man who never loved me equally. I realized that moving on, for your own peace, isn’t a crime. I know it must be surprising for all of you,” she glanced around the table, “but I couldn’t stop my heart from growing fond of Gabriel. The bond felt real. It is like a blessing for me p>
Her words made Casaio fell into a deep state of contemplation.
’I loved Zilia more than anyone could ever know,’ he thought bitterly. ’But now… I’m the only one left with all this pain. Why p>
His fingers curled against the table. ’I didn’t deserve this. I can’t let myself suffer for a long time p>
“Amelie, you are absolutely right,” Katelyn supported her. “You ex was a bastard. You did right by moving on. And honestly, you look so good with my brother. A perfect couple, I should say p>
Amelie smiled and glanced at Gabriel with and affectionate smile. From under the table, she moved her hand to his hand on the thigh and caressed it. “I feel myself lucky to meet Gabriel. He is the one, who gave me unexplainable strength all this time,” she confessed.