HOMEWRECKER {18+}

24

O L I V I A

The morning of the masquerade ball arrived under a blanket of thick fog that veiled the city, fogging the usual view from my bedroom window of bustling streets and busy traffic.

Leaning against the bed frame, I cradled a warm mug of tea in my hands, feeling its gentle heat against my palms.

My lower body was snuggled under the bed covers, and despite the early hour, sleep had not come to me.

The excitement for the ball had kept me awake throughout the night, so I had not slept a wink.

"I'm coming in," Gabriel's voice warned from the other side of the door, considerate not to intrude on my solitude or catch me off guard.

He entered, yawning and still in his pajamas-a black shirt and gray sweatpants-evidence that he had also only recently woken up.

I searched for any sign of self harm, in case he had harmed himself, but he had not.

"Do you always look this lovely in the morning?" He yawned again, clearly still sleepy, while I hadn't managed a wink of sleep due to my excitement about the upcoming ball.

"What do you mean? I always look good and peaceful," I said playfully.

"My apologies, Your Majesty," Gabriel played along, stepping back out of the bedroom, closing the door behind him, and knocking lightly.

Knock.

"My Queen, may I enter to tell you how stunning you look each day?" His voice, pitched high, echoed through the door.

Suppressing a laugh to avoid spilling tea everywhere, I pressed my lips together.

Clearly, this was his playful revenge for the story I had shared in the middle of the night.

"You may enter, servant," I replied with mock seriousness.

Gabriel swung the door open dramatically, bowing his head. "You look absolutely exquisite!"

"Like food?" I joked, holding the mug tightly to prevent any mishaps.

"Like a feast after years of starvation, my beautiful queen!" His exaggerated tone almost made me choke on my tea.

Waving my hand to halt his antics, I chuckled nervously, realizing this was indeed his playful revenge.

"Thank you for brightening my morning, Your Majesty," he bowed again dramatically, giving me a mischievous wink before leaving the room and closing the door behind him.

Knock.

"This is Gabriel Everett, your one true love, who finds you beautiful only when at peace!" His voice called teasingly from behind the door.

"Gabe! You'll make me spill my tea!" I laughed, throwing a pillow at the door in jest.

Gabriel peeked his head back in through the door. "Can I come in now?" he whispered with a pout.

"If you promise not to make me spill my tea," I teased back, enjoying his playful mood.

"I can never promise that," he winked, stepping into the room.

Taking a seat at the end of the bed, Gabriel grinned, catching the pillow I tossed at him. "Don't hurt my feelings-"

I threw another pillow at him, and he laughed at my flushed face until he finally settled down.

"The ball will be quite the spectacle," he said, clearing his throat and meeting my gaze.

"Especially in the dress you chose for me." I told him, noticing how he didn't flinch or look away, his smile genuine.