Gabriel's Obsession

Vows and Visions

Amelia spent the ensuing hour in a whirlwind of activity, fervently endeavoring to concoct an assortment of snacks for the impending high tea. Fully aware of the significance this occasion held for Gabriel and his associates, she was unwaveringly committed to ensuring their expectations were met.

Despite her resolute determination, her culinary inexperience proved to be a formidable hurdle. Struggling to adhere to the provided instructions, the absence of cooking finesse made every task a formidable challenge.

Upon the guests' arrival, Amelia greeted them warmly, extending her offerings of the diligently prepared treats. It was, however, not long before her disconcerting realization that something had gone awry. The sandwiches were distressingly soggy, the cookies irreparably burnt, and the tea, rather than being a delightful refreshment, had acquired an unpleasant bitterness. An unsettling pang of despair settled within Amelia as she observed the guests attempting, albeit unsuccessfully, to mask their disappointment.

Shortly thereafter, Gabriel made his entrance, instantly incensed by the scene that met his eyes. As Amelia stood before Gabriel's associates, their penetrating gazes seemed to sear into her very being. The high tea, meant to be an elegant affair, had unraveled into an unexpected catastrophe. The fine china that was to grace the event was substituted with cheap disposable cups, and the edibles were nothing short of inedible. It was at this point that the gravity of her misjudgment dawned upon her.

A confluence of anger and mortification contorted Gabriel's countenance as he surveyed the mismatched array of cups and saucers on the table. Through clenched teeth, he addressed Amelia, his voice barely containing his frustration. "Amelia, pray tell, what is this?" he inquired.

Flushed with humiliation, Amelia was quick to grasp the extent of her lapse. "I'm really sorry, Gabriel," she faltered. "I was oblivious to the concept of a high tea."

Gabriel heaved an exasperated sigh before turning to his associates. "Please accept my sincerest apologies for this unfortunate turn of events," he remarked, his voice tinged with vexation. "Evidently, we must now consider the necessity of training our spouses in such matters." His tone dripped with sarcasm.

Amelia could feel the suffusion of warmth on her cheeks as the colleagues exchanged awkward glances. It was a moment of vulnerability that compelled her to desire nothing more than to disappear from view.

The meeting unfolded, and Amelia strove to maintain her composure, attempting to focus despite her lack of comprehension regarding the discussion's subject matter. However, she was acutely aware of Gabriel's unwavering scrutiny, his gaze scrutinizing her every gesture. She found herself enmeshed in a tangled web of anxiety, acutely apprehensive about the impending repercussions.

When the meeting at last drew to a close, they accompanied the associates to the exit. Gabriel extended his gratitude for their presence while offering yet another apology for the culinary mishap, intensifying Amelia's sense of humiliation.

As the guests departed, a sharp sting resonated across Amelia's cheek. Gabriel had struck her.

"Learn to perform your duties proficiently," he growled before abruptly departing the room.

Left in a state of shock, Amelia stood immobilized, tears tracing their paths down her cheeks. The sense of shame she experienced was unprecedented. Acknowledging her error was one thing, but to be subjected to such treatment was a wholly different matter.

••••••~•

In the solitude of the bathroom, Amelia's reflection stared back at her, eyes reflecting a tumultuous blend of disappointment and anguish. The weight of her heart seemed nearly insurmountable, a result of the disheartenment she carried within. It was inconceivable to fathom that Gabriel, the same individual who had once been a beacon of love and affection, could resort to such harshness over a seemingly trivial lapse. The reassurance of his promises to never resort to violence had crumbled with alarming ease. The once cherished wedding band adorning her finger now seemed more akin to an oppressive shackle.