Chapter 71
“You know!?” Amelie exclaimed in shock. “How? You weren’t even present in the annual gala p>
“Of course, but any news related to the princes spread like a wildfire. The news was published today in the morning newspaper,” Denzel said as he lifted the glass of water to his mouth.
“That’s why everyone was looking at me with such gazes,” Amelie murmured. She looked around the cafeteria and saw many eyes were on her as if they were gossiping about her affair with Gabriel.
“You should stay relaxed,” Denzel opined, “and eat your food.” He pointed at the plate, which wasn’t even half-emptied.
Amelie resumed eating while a lot of things kept going in her mind. As they finished eating, Amelie went back to her cabinet while Denzel went outside for a meeting.
“I wonder if the news may break about pregnancy,” she murmured. ’It is not like I’m afraid of standing up for it, but it will be a real mess. I ran away from my pack a week ago and suddenly I accepted Gabriel’s proposal. Didn’t it all happen too fast? Does feelings shift so quickly?’ she thought, her hands rested over the desk.
“What are you lost?” Gabriel whispered in her ear, who stood right behind her, making it tough for her to move.
She tilted her head over her shoulder and found his softened gaze over her. It appeared as if he was silently admiring her.
“Nowhere,” Amelie replied.
“Let’s go,” Gabriel said.
“Huh? Where?” Amelie confusedly looked at him.
“Did you forget? Katelyn and you are supposed to go to shopping together. She called you but you didn’t pick it up. So, she called Karmen to inform me. I’m giving you a half-day off,” Gabriel stated with a smile. “Forget the work and grab your things,” he asserted and took a step back.
Amelie simply stared at him, not blinking and moving from her place. ’Will everything go well? Will I bring all the joy to him? So far he is the one, who has given me everything. What I have given him is just… A mate bond p>
“You are again lost,” Gabriel tilted his head as he lowered it a little. “Allow me to mark you and I’ll read your thoughts much more easily,” he said.
“I’ve never been pampered the way you do,” Amelie admitted. “We made a deal in the beginning, and I didn’t even hold up my end. Sometimes, it feels like I’m just taking advantage of you p>
Gabriel’s gaze softened further. “I don’t need your body, Amelie. I need your heart and your companionship. That deal? I was the one who nullified it. You’re not taking advantage of me. Your presence alone is enough to make me feel… everything p>
As he spoke, he closed the distance between them, gently brushing his thumb along her cheek and locking their eyes.
“Come, I’ll drop you to the mall, where Kate will be waiting for you,” he whispered.
Amelie hummed and turned to the desk. She put the items in her small handbag and turned to him.
“I can work overtime tomorrow,” Amelie said.
Gabriel mused, but didn’t say anything. He simply led her way out to the elevator. After dropping her off at the mall, Gabriel headed to the mansion as his annoying brother once again showed up.
Applying the brakes right in front of the mansion’s entrance, Gabriel strode inside and watched Casaio seated on the couch, talking to Albus as if this place belonged to him. What pissed him off was his second brother had shown up too.
“Welcome home, Gabriel!” Casaio said with a smile, waving at him. “Don’t get angry. We are here to give you an important item by our mother. She couldn’t come because of certain work,” he said.
Gabriel looked at the table and saw an imperial token along with a box.
“That’s for Amelie. The family jewel that should pass to the daughter-in-law according to Sinclair family tradition. Since you two are getting married next week, Mom thought it would be appropriate to send it earlier,” Casaio explained.
“It must be Dad who have sent it in name of mom,” Gabriel chuckled. “Why are you here?” He skeptically looked at Dominick.
“I insisted him to accompany me. I wanted it to be a wonderful siblings reunion. Kate is already here, so us two brothers shall also be with you until the marriage day comes,” Casaio pronounced.
“I don’t need any of you here,” Gabriel replied.
“We were young in the past, Gabriel. Why are you keeping the grudges when it was you who planned to harm both of us?” Dominick finally spoke, reminding him of the past, where he had once woven a trap for them.
“Let’s not recall the past,” Casaio pronounced. “We are here for a happy occasion,” he stated.
“Don’t think about staying in the mansion,” Gabriel said.
“But Albus has already readied our rooms. Let us get close to our soon-to-be sister-in-law. She’s more friendly than you,” Casaio said with a smirk.
Gabriel clenched his fists, but he didn’t wish to lose his temper. “Fine, stay here,” he said and glanced at Albus, who had lowered his head. He stepped forward to head to his room.
“Mom wants to speak to you. Call her once. Don’t ignore it,” Casaio asserted with a commanding tone.
“I won’t call our mother,” Gabriel said and went upstairs to his room.
“It’s going to be a difficult stay,” Dominick muttered.
“Of course! But it’s a good time to know about his mate. Our brother may become a fool in love,” Casaio stated.
Albus coughed slightly. “Pardon me for intruding in your conversation. However, Miss Amelie is a gentle woman with a warm heart. She isn’t selfish and isn’t trying to take any advantage of the prince. And they both carry strong feelings toward each other p>
“Innocent, sweet things always attract us, Albus,” Casaio remarked. “What may appear all nice, may turn out to be fatal later,” he affirmed.
Albus furrowed his brows together and turned quiet.