Gabriel's Obsession

Shadows of Fear and Hope

A sharp knock on the dressing room door jolted Amelia and Gabriel out of their intoxicating reverie.

Her cheeks burned crimson.

Gabriel, in contrast, merely chuckled, clearly amused by her flustered state.

"Are you alright in there, miss? Do you need any assistance?" the salesgirl called from outside.

Amelia stiffened. Oh no.

No one had seen Gabriel slip into the dressing room. And now, if she wasn't careful, they would both be stepping out into a sea of curious—and undoubtedly amused—onlookers. Worse still, she knew Angelica would not let this moment pass without merciless teasing.

"I... um... no, it's fine. I'm almost done," she stammered, her voice betraying her embarrassment.

Gabriel's smirk only deepened, his eyes dancing with mischief as he watched her squirm.

She turned to him, her doe-like eyes pleading. "Listen, I'll step out first and create a diversion. That way, no one will notice when you come out."

Still, he said nothing—just continued to look at her, as if savoring every moment of her discomfort.

"Gabriel!" she whispered urgently, nudging him.

That finally snapped him out of his thoughts. With an insufferable smirk, he murmured, "Whatever my angel wants."

Her heart did a traitorous little flip at the way he said my angel, but she ignored it, hurriedly slipping out of the dressing room and shutting the door behind her.

"Oh my goodness!" Angelica practically squealed the moment Amelia emerged. "You're an absolute stunner. Would you mind if I take a bite?"

Amelia's already warm cheeks deepened to an alarming shade of red.

"Angelica!" she protested, though she couldn't help but laugh.

"Let me remind you," a deep voice interrupted from behind, "that 'snack' belongs to me, little sister."

Amelia froze.

Wait—what?

Her head whipped around just as Gabriel casually strolled out of the dressing room, looking completely unbothered, as if he hadn't just snuck in there with her a few moments ago.

She blinked. How?

He caught her puzzled expression immediately and, as if reading her mind, winked.

Amelia huffed, torn between amusement and utter mortification.

Angelica, of course, was having the time of her life. "I swear, my brother has never been this possessive before. It's almost cute."

Gabriel slipped an arm around Amelia's waist, drawing her close with an air of quiet satisfaction. "I've always been possessive," he admitted, voice low, "but when it comes to someone as precious as her... let's just say, it's beyond my control."

Amelia's breath caught.

The way he said it—like she was something rare, something treasured—sent an involuntary shiver down her spine.

She lowered her gaze, a shy smile tugging at her lips.

And from the way Gabriel's grip subtly tightened around her waist, she had a feeling he liked seeing her blush.

As if on cue, the salesgirl—whose name Amelia hadn't even learned yet—approached, her warm smile unwavering.

Amelia turned toward the mirror, taking in her reflection.