Cracks in the Ice

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As Zahra settled the puppies into their new beds and began unpacking their toys and treats, the housekeepers and guards who had been observing from a distance exchanged looks of quiet astonishment.

The housekeeper, Mrs. Cloe, had been tidying up the kitchen when she first saw Gabriel’s private car pull into the driveway. She'd noticed the excitement in Zahra’s eyes as she stepped out, cradling two puppies in her arms. It was a rare sight for her to see her so genuinely happy, especially with Gabriel so close behind her, taking a backseat to the whole scene.

Mrs. Cloe couldn’t help but smile softly as she watched Gabriel gently help Zahra with the bags of supplies. “Did you ever think we’d see the day?” she murmured to the butler, who had been quietly observing the exchange from the doorway.

The butler, Mr. Kane, gave a small, knowing shrug. “I never thought Gabriel would allow any kind of attachment here, let alone to two puppies,” he said in a low voice. “But it seems like she’s already working her way into his world.”

As the housekeepers began to move about, preparing to help Zahra settle the puppies into their new home, the guards who were stationed outside caught glimpses of the scene. They had always been used to seeing their boss with an intimidating and cold presence, never showing any sign of vulnerability. Yet, now, the way he had interacted with Zahra the gentleness in his eyes when he’d looked at her, the way he had allowed her to pull him along with her was completely new.

One of the guards, a tall man named Richard, shook his head in disbelief as he exchanged glances with his colleague. "Did you see that? He actually smiled. Gabriel Thorn. Smiled. And he... helped her carry those bags inside," Richard said, still trying to wrap his head around the situation.

“I noticed,” his colleague, Mark, replied with a soft chuckle. “That’s not the boss we know. Seems like she’s really got him wrapped around her finger, huh?”

“I never thought I’d live to see the day that a woman could break through his walls like this,” Richard said thoughtfully. “We’ve all seen the cold, ruthless side of him, but with her... it’s different. It’s almost like... she’s a part of his world now.”

The two exchanged silent glances, and Richard couldn’t help but feel a bit more respect for Zahra. She had, in such a short amount of time, managed to change something in Gabriel that no one thought possible.

As they continued to observe from a distance, Mrs. Cloe joined them, her eyes still soft with surprise. “There’s something about her, isn’t there?” she said quietly, watching as Zahra kneeled down to play with the puppies, her face glowing with joy. “The way she looks at him, the way she’s been with those two puppies... it’s like she’s bringing out something in him none of us could ever reach.”

“I never imagined Gabriel would be so different because of someone else,” Mark muttered under his breath. “It’s strange to see him like this... softer.”

“Yes, but don’t get used to it,” Richard warned, his tone suddenly serious. “We all know how dangerous the world they live in is. A shift in Gabriel’s focus could be deadly for both of them. He may be soft with her now, but he’s not someone you want to mess with. The moment anyone crosses him, it won’t just be puppies that are at risk.”

The group fell silent for a moment, reflecting on the weight of Richard’s words. Though they could see a gentler side of Gabriel, they all knew that under the surface, the ruthless man they worked for still existed, and his protection of Zahra came with its own dangerous set of consequences.

Still, as they watched Gabriel settle on the couch next to Zahra, who was now laughing softly as the puppies played at her feet, they couldn’t deny the strange sense of peace in the room. It was a rare moment one that none of them could have predicted, but one they wouldn’t soon forget.

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