Chapter 379
Amelie struggled to fasten the hooks of her dress behind her neck and sighed in frustration when it slipped from her fingers again. She glanced toward the door, silently hoping Gabriel would return soon.
As if on cue, the doors opened and Gabriel stepped inside.
“Please,” she murmured, “help me with the hook p>
Without a word, Gabriel crossed the room and stood behind her. He gently swept her hair over one shoulder, his fingers brushing against her skin, before fastening the hooks at the nape of her neck. When their eyes met in the mirror, his arms slipped naturally around her waist, pulling her into the warmth of his embrace.
“The gown isn’t too heavy, is it?” he asked softly, his chin almost grazing her temple.
Amelie shook her head, a small smile curving her lips. “No. Surprisingly, it feels lighter than most gowns I’ve worn in the past p>
Gabriel pressed a lingering kiss to her bare shoulder, his hands instinctively coming to rest on the gentle curve of her rounded belly.
“That’s because I asked the designer to keep everything in mind,” he murmured, tilting his head so he could admire her side profile in the mirror. “Every detail was chosen for your comfort p>
She smiled warmly and turned to face him, her fingers carefully adjusting the brooch on his blazer. In a soft whisper, Amelie said, “You look too handsome tonight. It suddenly reminds me of our wedding p>
Gabriel’s lips curved into a teasing smirk. “Shall we marry once more p>
Amelie let out a soft laugh, shaking her head, but her amusement stilled when she felt his hand gently covering hers.
“If you feel tired at any point, tell me,” Gabriel said in a tender tone. “We’ll return to the room. Your comfort matters the most p>
“I know,” Amelie replied, her smile lingering. “But I plan to enjoy the whole night until it’s over.” A playful gleam entered her eyes. “By the way, have you prepared your speech p>
Gabriel exhaled a small chuckle. “I’ll say whatever comes to my mind in that moment p>
“You should’ve practiced at least once,” she teased, tilting her head at him.
“I believe in immediate actions,” he affirmed with quiet confidence. Then, his gaze lowered, pausing at her neckline. A faint frown tugged at his brow. “Your neck looks empty p>
“I was going to wear the necklace your mother sent,” Amelie said.
Gabriel’s eyes promptly shifted to the vanity table. “I’ll help you with it.” He carefully picked up the necklace and draped it around her neck.
Amelie turned toward the mirror, her fingertips brushing lightly over the diamonds. “Beautiful,” she murmured, her eyes shimmering with admiration.
“Well, you’re beautiful,” Gabriel whispered. He leaned closer, pressing a tender kiss just below her ear, then pulled back with a hushed breath. “I’d better stop here,” he muttered to himself, forcing a step away.
Amelie turned toward him, her smile gentle as she held out her hand. “Let’s go p>
Hand in hand, they made their way toward the grand hall of the palace, where the wedding celebration was already underway. Guests had begun filling the room, and almost everyone who passed them stopped to greet the couple, offering warm wishes for Amelie’s safe delivery.
“Why is everyone suddenly so kind to me?” Amelie whispered, still in awe.
“Because in their eyes, you’re a warrior,” Gabriel replied softly. “Despite the danger from your ex-mate, you fought to protect your unborn pup. They admire you for that p>
“Are you sure? Because I think they’re doing it more out of respect,” she said thoughtfully.
“You two certainly took your time arriving,” came Mabel’s voice before Gabriel could speak. She reached for Amelie’s arm with motherly affection. “You look beautiful. But don’t tire yourself out, alright p>
“Yes, Mother,” Amelie answered sweetly.
“Gabriel, go check on your brothers,” Mabel instructed, her gaze sweeping the hall. “I’m sure Nick is still getting ready, but where has Casaio disappeared to p>
“Go check on your brother,” Amelie urged Gabriel gently.
“He’ll be here soon,” Gabriel replied with calm certainty.
“No, you should go check on him,” Mabel insisted. “We’re here for Amelie. Don’t worry about her p>
Just then, Katelyn swept into the hall, twirling in her gown. “Amelie, oh my god, you look gorgeous! But what about me?” she asked, striking a playful pose.
“Exceptionally elegant,” Amelie complimented with a smile.
Gabriel gave a knowing glance, realizing Katelyn, with her lively energy, would keep Amelie company alongside Mabel, and slipped away quietly to find his brothers.
“Did you design it yourself?” Amelie asked, her eyes drawn to the delicate lace butterflies stitched across Katelyn’s dress.
“Yes, I did,” Katelyn answered proudly, smoothing her gown as she sat beside Amelie.
Mabel excused herself just then, gliding across the hall to join her husband in conversation.
Left alone together, Katelyn leaned a little closer, her cheerful demeanor softening. “Amelie, you know… I made a mistake p>
“What do you mean?” Amelie asked, confusion flickering in her eyes.
“You were right Katelyn lowered her gaze, her voice trembling. “I—I misunderstood Sage. I thought the woman I met was his real mother, but she’s not… she’s his stepmother. And now I realize I did something awful. I threw away his mother’s amulet, the one that actually belonged to his real mother. I can’t believe I did that. I need to make it right tonight p>
Amelie’s brows knitted. “Why would you throw the amulet away? That’s… disrespectful, Katelyn p>
“I didn’t know!” Katelyn burst out, regret clear in her tone. “His stepmother was the one who pressed it into my hands. She wanted Sage to give me the gift she’d chosen, but she must have known how I would react. When he told me I could throw it away if I didn’t need it, I did. Gods, Amelie, my head hasn’t stopped spinning since Father told me the truth about Sage’s mother p>
Amelie reached for her hand, squeezing it reassuringly. “Calm down. If you speak to him honestly, Sage will forgive you. He’s not the kind of man to hold onto bitterness if your apology is genuine p>