Gabriel's Obsession

Unveiling Desires and Dark Intentions

Amelia's POV

Mark and I settled into our seats in the hall, effortlessly slipping into our usual light banter as the principal took the stage to begin his address. The room buzzed with excitement and whispered speculations about the guest of honor, rumored to be a billionaire and the CEO of Hamilton Enterprise. While some of my peers seemed drawn to the allure of his reputed wealth and striking looks, I found myself more intrigued by the thought of his character than his status.

As he stepped onto the stage, my heart skipped a beat. This was the same man I had accidentally bumped into earlier. His presence was undeniably captivating, yet there was a certain intensity about him that whispered warnings of caution beneath his handsome exterior.

Our eyes met for a fleeting moment during his speech, his smile briefly directed at me, which sent a flush of embarrassment warming my cheeks. I quickly looked away, feeling oddly unsettled. His words were concise and he exited the stage as briskly as he had entered, leaving a trail of murmurs in his wake.

After the speech, I rejoined Sabrina, Schem, and Mark outside. Our laughter filled the air, creating a bubble of joy around us. Amid our cheerful exchanges, I couldn't shake off the feeling of being watched, but I chose to focus on my friends instead.

"Amelia, Mark, I'm really sorry, but Sabrina and I can't join you for lunch," Schem announced suddenly. "Our uncle just flew in from Australia, and we've got to go welcome him." Her tone was apologetic, her face mirroring her disappointment.

"We'll make plans soon," she promised, her embrace warm as they said their goodbyes.

Left with just Mark, I teased, "Looks like you're stuck with me for lunch then."

He laughed, draping an arm around my shoulders. "Lead the way, cutie pie. I'm starving." We shared a smile as we headed to a nearby restaurant, our conversation light and easy.

The afternoon was filled with the simple pleasures of dining out and strolling through the park, reviving the carefree moments of our childhood. As the day drew to a close and Mark walked me home, I realized that amidst the laughter, I had been silently gathering the courage to share a deeper truth with him. A secret that could perhaps change everything between us.

Summoning my courage, I softly called his name. "Mark..." The air filled with a palpable uncertainty, but his smile, warm and familiar, eased my nerves.

"Yes, cutie pie?" he answered, the affection in his nickname sending a comforting warmth through me.

Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself for the confession. "There's something I need to tell you. I'm... well, I'm a bit nervous about it," I admitted, my fingers nervously intertwining.

His expression softened, his eyes encouraging. "You know you can tell me anything, right? I'm here for you," he reassured me.

Encouraged by his support, I finally voiced the words that had been weighing on my heart. "Mark... I have a crush on you." The confession felt like a release of a long-held breath, the silence that followed thick with my vulnerability.

To my surprise and relief, Mark's response held a confession of his own. "Actually, cutie pie, I've felt the same way since we were ten," he revealed, his voice sincere and gentle.

His words stunned me, a mixture of joy and disbelief swirling within me. As he scratched his head, looking somewhat embarrassed, I grappled with a sudden fear. What if this changed everything between us?

Breaking through the haze of my thoughts, Mark's voice came again, now tinged with a hopeful courage. "So, Amelia, I was wondering... would you be my girlfriend? Can we give this a try?" he asked, his eyes searching mine for an answer.