Gabriel's Obsession

Whispers Among Thorns

Amelia's POV

The golden hues of morning seeped through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room as I stirred from slumber. My body stretched lazily beneath the sheets, a soft yawn escaping my lips as I attempted to shake off the remnants of sleep. Blinking against the gentle light, I slowly sat up, my gaze sweeping across the familiar space—until it landed on an unexpected sight.

A tray sat neatly on the bedside table, carefully arranged with a steaming cup of coffee, crisp toast, and a bowl of ripe strawberries drizzled in velvety chocolate. The rich aroma of roasted beans and melted chocolate curled into the air, teasing my senses and sending a ripple of warmth through me.

I blinked in disbelief. Had someone truly prepared this for me?

A sudden rush of gratitude swelled in my chest as realization dawned. Gabriel. He must have woken early to arrange this thoughtful surprise. The idea of him making the effort, of him considering such a gesture after everything, sent an unfamiliar yet welcome flutter through my heart.

"You're awake," his voice broke through my thoughts, and I turned to see him standing near the door. His expression was unreadable, his arms crossed in a way that suggested he was unsure of my reaction. "Seems I failed at surprising you properly."

A small smile played on my lips as I met his gaze. "No, Gabriel, this is wonderful," I reassured him, sincerity laced in my voice.

He studied me for a moment, as if searching for any trace of insincerity, before finally exhaling and stepping closer. Without a word, he picked up the tray and carried it to the small coffee table beside the bed, setting it down with deliberate care.

A simple act, yet it carried a weight I hadn't anticipated. Perhaps, despite his flaws, there was still a part of him trying.

"A rose as exquisite as your beauty, my love," Gabriel murmured, extending the delicate bloom toward me with a tenderness that made my heart flutter. The sentiment behind the gesture was undeniable, a rare softness in him that I had come to treasure.

But the moment the flower neared my face, disaster struck. A sharp tickle surged up my nose, and before I could react, a rapid series of sneezes erupted from me.

Startled, Gabriel pulled back, his expression shifting from adoration to pure panic as he quickly discarded the rose. "Baby, are you okay? What's wrong?" His voice brimmed with concern as he watched me, my sneezing fit showing no signs of relenting.

Through my struggle, I managed to gasp out, "I'm allergic to roses." The revelation only seemed to deepen his distress. He bolted toward the dresser, snatching up a box of tissues, and rushed back to me as though his life depended on it.

"I'm so sorry, baby. I had no idea," he groaned, practically shoving the tissues into my hands. Frustration crept into his voice, directed entirely at himself. "I just wanted to do something nice, and now—ugh. How could I be so stupid?"

Dabbing at my nose, I let out a soft chuckle, despite the lingering itch. "It's alright, Gabriel. Really, I'm fine now," I reassured him, my voice still slightly congested. The sneezing had finally subsided, and my breathing steadied.

But as I looked up at him, I noticed the way his shoulders had slumped, the disappointment etched in his furrowed brows.

"What's wrong?" I asked, tilting my head in confusion.

He let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry, baby girl. I wanted today to be special—to make you feel like a princess after everything that happened yesterday. And yet, I still managed to mess it up." His voice was laced with self-reproach, a stark contrast to the arrogance he often carried.