Gabriel's Obsession

Dress Fitting and Sensations

Amelia's POV

Gabriel had suggested that I go shopping with Angelica, mainly to pick out my wedding dress and other essentials. While the idea excited me, a lingering sense of unease refused to fade.

Eighteen.

I was eighteen, and in less than a week, I would be married.

Gabriel loved me—of that, I had no doubt. But the pace at which everything was unfolding felt overwhelming, as if I were being swept into a current too strong to fight.

"Hey, down-to-earth sister-in-law. What's got you so deep in thought?" Angelica's teasing voice pulled me from my reverie.

I glanced up at her, debating whether to share what was truly on my mind.

"There's something I wanted to ask you," I admitted, my voice careful, uncertain.

She perked up, intrigued. "Spill it. I'm all ears."

I hesitated for a beat before finally confessing, "I feel... conflicted. I mean, getting married in a week—it just feels so fast. I still feel so young."

Angelica studied me for a moment before asking, "Did you talk to Gabby about this?"

I blinked. "Who?"

"Gabby," she repeated with a smirk. Seeing my confusion, she giggled. "Oh, you didn't know? That's my nickname for Gabriel. I think it suits him—makes him sound a little less scary, don't you think?"

A laugh slipped past my lips before I could stop it. "Gabby? Really?"

"Yup. It's my job as his sister to annoy him," she said proudly, taking a sip of her coffee.

Her easy affection for Gabriel reminded me so much of Jon—of the playful bond I had shared with my brother. The memory sent a sharp pang through me. I missed him.

Would I ever get the chance to see him again?

"So, have you actually talked to Gabriel about how you feel?" Angelica prompted, pulling me back into the present.

I let out a slow breath, staring down into my coffee cup. "No... and I guess I'm scared to. What if it disappoints him? What if he thinks I don't value his love?"

Angelica clicked her tongue in disapproval. "Don't let those thoughts eat at you, cutie. You're being way too hard on yourself."

She leaned back in her chair, stirring the remnants of her drink. "Look, I don't know why Gabby is in such a rush to marry you, but knowing my brother, there's got to be a good reason. And it's not because he doubts your love."

A playful glint appeared in her eyes as she leaned forward, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "Maybe he's just afraid someone else will snatch away his gorgeous princess before he can lock her down."

She wiggled her eyebrows at me dramatically, and despite everything, I burst into laughter.

For the first time that morning, my worries felt just a little lighter.

"I do believe he's quite possessive when it comes to me," I mused, a small chuckle escaping my lips. "I doubt anyone would dare to try stealing me from him."

Angelica smirked, stirring the last remnants of her coffee.

"He even instructed Sebastian to keep an eye on us, tracking our every move. So, I suppose we're under protection," I added teasingly, casting a sidelong glance toward our driver.

Sebastian, however, seemed blissfully unaware of our conversation, far too engrossed in what appeared to be a flirtatious exchange with an attractive waiter across the café.