Gabriel's Obsession

Shattered Illusions

Amelia's POV

I found myself reclined in the sterile confines of the hospital room, my gaze riveted upon the serene forms of my twin daughters. Their tiny, rhythmic breaths rose and fell in perfect synchrony, a symphony of innocence that tugged at the deepest corners of my heart. Holding them in my arms, I was entranced by the delicate curls of their fingers and the softness of their dream-filled slumber. They were perfection incarnate.

It has been 5 days and I have learned to manage the persistent ache in my lower abdomen – a small tribute to the miracle of motherhood. The art of soothing, diaper-changing, and even breastfeeding had become a part of my daily routine, thanks to the patient guidance of the nurses. It was a heady blend of enchantment, exhaustion, and sheer overwhelm, but I wouldn't exchange it for anything in the world. The physician informed me that I needed to remain hospitalized for a few days because my lower abdominal region had not yet completely recovered. They explained that I had to undergo a cesarean section due to my arrival in a critical state.

Gently placing my daughters into their cots, my eyes lingered on their angelic faces. Their sheer adorableness washed over me like a warm, comforting wave. They bore the unmistakable features of Gabriel, a testament to the love we shared. The notion of witnessing their growth and flourishing filled me with wonder.

But even amid the joy that motherhood had ushered into my life, my thoughts inevitably drifted to my own family – to my beloved mother and brother. How would they react when they learned of the birth of my daughters? My mother had always longed for grandchildren; her joy would be boundless. As for my brother, the one closest to my heart, he would make an extraordinary uncle. I yearned to share this monumental moment with them, to introduce them to my beautiful girls.

Meeting my family soon and enveloping them in my daughters' love became my paramount desire. Yet, the key to my liberty rested in Gabriel's hands; I needed his consent. My heart ached at the thought of the happiness and acceptance they would bring into my daughters' lives.

Summoning a nurse, I inquired whether they had contacted Gabriel to collect me from the hospital. Her response sent a chill racing down my spine – calls to him had gone unanswered. Panic coursed through me, an insidious fear that Gabriel had abandoned me and our daughters simply because they were not boys.

Hours dragged on, each minute stretching like an eternity. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting the hospital room into shadow. My anxious heart grew heavier with uncertainty. What was keeping Gabriel away from us? Was he truly so disappointed that he couldn't bear to meet his daughters?

It was around 7 p.m. when a nurse entered my room, her voice a soothing reassurance. "Your ride is here, Mrs. Hamilton. We're ready to discharge you."

Relief surged within me, though a flood of questions inundated my mind. Would Gabriel be there to pick us up? I needed to see him, to understand what was unfolding between us.

With the nurse's assistance, I carefully gathered my twin girls in my arms. They were a source of warmth and solace, my steadfast anchor in a sea of uncertainty. I was determined to safeguard and cherish them, regardless of the challenges that lay ahead.

As I stepped into the hospital lobby, Sebastian, the family's faithful driver, awaited by the entrance. He greeted me with a warm smile and offered to assist with my belongings. Yet, my thoughts wandered to the conspicuous absence of one person – Angelica, Gabriel's sister.

I hadn't crossed paths with her since our wedding reception nearly a year ago. There had been no explanations, no communication. It was as though she had vanished from our lives. I had been curious, even concerned, about her absence, but I had learned that delving too deeply into the family's mysteries could be perilous.