Gabriel's Obsession

Family Dynamics

Amelia's POV

I awoke to the steady rise and fall of Gabriel's chest beneath my cheek, his warmth cocooning me in the quiet glow of morning. His arm lay draped over my waist, holding me close, the tangle of our limbs a silent testament to the intimacy we had shared.

Memories of the night before flickered through my mind, bringing an involuntary smile to my lips. A proposal, a night of passion, a promise of forever.

Everything had happened so fast.

Too fast.

Yet, as I lay beside him, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath my palm, I found myself hoping—praying—that he would stay the version of himself I had grown fond of. That this warmth, this tenderness, wouldn't vanish like a fleeting illusion.

"I can feel your eyes on me, angel," Gabriel murmured, his voice rough with sleep, laced with that natural arrogance I was beginning to find... endearing.

"I wasn't staring," I denied quickly, though the heat creeping up my cheeks betrayed me.

His lips curled into a knowing smirk as he opened his eyes, sea-blue depths locking onto mine. Without hesitation, he leaned in, pressing a slow, lingering kiss to my burning cheek.

"I love how easily you blush," he teased, his voice thick with amusement. "Your cheeks turn as red as tomatoes."

Before I could protest, he captured my lips in a kiss—soft, unhurried, affectionate. A kiss that made me forget, just for a second, about everything beyond this moment.

"Do you not have work today?" I asked, my voice still laced with drowsiness.

"No," he said simply. "I've taken the day off. Besides, I have an important announcement to make—the news that I'm engaged to the most breathtaking woman on this planet."

I smiled shyly at his words, warmth blooming in my chest. But before I could respond, another thought surfaced, pushing the warmth aside.

"Gabriel, I hope you haven't forgotten your promise to let me visit Mark today."

The shift in him was immediate.

His jaw tightened, his relaxed expression darkening ever so slightly.

"Angel," he exhaled, his voice measured, "I was thinking... perhaps we should announce our engagement first. Then we can visit Mark together and invite him to the wedding at the same time."

There was something detached in his tone, something too calculated.

I hesitated. "But that might come as a shock to him. Wouldn't it be better if I spoke to him first and explained everything?"

"No, it wouldn't be."

His response was firm, final.

"Trust me."

And just like that, the conversation was over. He slipped out of bed, disappearing into the bathroom, leaving me alone with the thoughts now swirling uncontrollably in my mind.

A dull ache settled in my chest.

I missed my mother.

Despite everything, despite the betrayal that still stung, she had raised me. And Jon... my protective older brother, who had always been there, shielding me from the world.

Seeing Mark wasn't just about closure—it was about reconnecting with the pieces of my life that still felt real. That still felt mine.

But with Gabriel's presence looming over every decision I made...