Gabriel's Obsession

A Fragile Forgiveness

And yet...

The secrets, the silence, the lies.

They had kept their struggles from me. Why? If they had truly loved me, why hadn't they trusted me enough to tell me the truth? I would have worked part-time jobs, I would have sacrificed my dreams, I would have done something to help. But instead, they had chosen greed.

They had chosen Gabriel.

A sharp mix of anger, sadness, and disbelief swirled inside me, each emotion fighting for dominance.

The parents I had once trusted had led me straight into this nightmare.

And now, I was utterly alone.

Now, the only person I can trust is the monster himself.

What a cruel, twisted fate.

I forced my aching body to move, stepping carefully out of the shower, every motion a reminder of the previous night's torment. The soreness lingered, a silent echo of all I had endured.

My fingers trembled as I selected a floral midi dress—something soft, something that felt like me, even if nothing about this situation belonged to me anymore. Wrapping my damp curls in a towel, I stepped back into the bedroom.

Gabriel was gone.

A slow breath slipped past my lips, tension momentarily easing. I took my time, blow-drying my curls, letting them fall naturally rather than straightening them as I often did. A hint of cherry chapstick added a touch of color to my lips—a small act of defiance, a reminder that I still had choices, however insignificant.

That's when I noticed the untouched breakfast on the table.

I hesitated only briefly before sitting down. I need to eat. I need strength. Every bite felt mechanical, necessary rather than enjoyed. But I kept going. Surviving meant taking care of myself, no matter how shattered I felt inside.

I had just finished when the sound of someone clearing their throat sent a bolt of fear through me.

My body went rigid.

Slowly, I turned—Gabriel stood there, watching me.

"Umm... I wanted to apologize."

I blinked. The words sounded foreign coming from him.

"I know I've caused you pain—tremendous pain." He sighed, stepping closer, his expression unreadable. "It's just... I'm a possessive person. I can't bear the thought of you being with another man. I know it sounds irrational, but I want to be honest about my feelings for you."

He moved to sit beside me.

For the first time, he looked... conflicted.

"Actually, Amelia..."

I stiffened. He had never called me by my name before. It was always angel, always some term of ownership.

Curiosity warred with caution, but I remained silent.

"The first time I saw you—at that farewell party—I was captivated." His voice softened, almost wistful. "Not just by your beauty. It was your innocence that drew me in. You're different from other women... special. The moment I laid eyes on you, I knew I wanted you in my life."

He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "I had my people gather information about you. That's when I discovered your father's financial ruin."

My stomach clenched.

"So, I approached him. Offered him a substantial amount in exchange for you." His voice darkened. "And he accepted. Without hesitation."