Tamara's hands trembled as she stared at the photos, unable to believe what she was seeing. There, in the images, was Gabriel—sleeping and holding hands with Anna. Some of the pictures showed them together, almost naked on the bed, with Anna smiling intimately as she kissed him. Others captured Gabriel's arm wrapped around her waist, while she was on top of him, both of them looking flushed and heated. "What…?" Tamara whispered, her voice barely audible. "This… Camella can't see these. It will cause a disaster for her and Gabriel."Tamara quickly gathered the photos, her heart racing. She picked up the box, ready to dispose of them, when she heard distinct footsteps approaching. Camella's voice echoed through the hall. "Tamara, did you get something from me?"Tamara froze, her breath hitching. She exhaled deeply, trying to compose herself. Forcing a smile, she turned, but in her haste, the box slipped from her hands and fell to the floor. Camella’s eyes darted to the box. "What's t
Gabriel stood there, staring at the closed door, his hands clenched into fists. He wanted to talk to her, to explain everything, but she had shut him out. Suddenly, his phone rang, snapping him out of his thoughts. He fumbled for it, glancing at the caller ID. It was Anna.“Hello, Gabriel,” Anna’s voice cooed through the speaker, casual and almost cheerful.“You… Anna,” he replied, barely containing his anger.She laughed softly. “I love it when you recognize my voice every time… It’s almost as if you’re expecting my call.”“What do you want?” he snapped, his patience wearing thin.“Oh, nothing much. Just calling to check on Camella,” she said with a smirk. “I heard she got my little package. How’s she doing?”Gabriel’s grip tightened on the phone. “How could you do that?” he hissed.“What? I just thought she deserved to know the truth of that night. That you slept with me,” she said, her tone mockingly sweet.“No!” Gabriel shouted, his voice echoing in the room. “I didn’t do that, an
“It’s a fake, right?” Gabriel said, trying to convince himself as much as anyone else. Anna chuckled, tilting her head as if amused.The paper slipped from Camella's grasp, fluttering to the floor. Gabriel quickly picked it up, scanning the result. Tamara stepped up beside him, her eyes narrowing as she read the words that confirmed Anna's pregnancy.“This is impossible,” Gabriel muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.“It’s very possible, Gabriel,” Anna said, her voice firm. “I’m one week pregnant. After that night we spent together, I started feeling off a few days later. I finally went for a checkup yesterday, and it confirmed everything.”The room was still, as if time had frozen. Marie was the first to break the silence, a broad smile spreading across her face. “This is wonderful news! Congratulations, Anna!” She stepped forward, hugging Anna tightly, ignoring the tension from everyone else. “Welcome to the family.”Oliver frowned, clearly disapproving. “Marie, don’t be so ha
Anna ignored Gabriel’s presence entirely as she entered the house, her heels clicking confidently on the polished floor. Marie's face lit up when she saw her, and she immediately began to fuss over her. "Anna, darling, you look so tired. Come, sit," Marie said, guiding her gently to the couch. "You should stay the night, you know. There's no need to go back."Anna smiled, though there was a hint of hesitation. "Thank you, Aunt Marie, but I'll move in tomorrow. I have a few things to settle first," she replied, casting a quick, almost uncertain glance at Gabriel, who stood a few feet away, silent and watching. His calm demeanor was unsettling to her, a bit too calm for her liking.As she prepared to leave, she walked up to him, trying to maintain a soft and understanding expression. "Gabriel," she said quietly, "I know things are complicated, but please… accept what’s happening. Even if you don’t love me now, I’ll still hold on to you. I’m not giving up." She stepped forward, arms sli
Everyone turned to see Gabriel standing at the door, his expression stern. Anna’s confidence faltered for a moment. "I’ve got the truth now, Anna," Gabriel said, his eyes darkening.Anna chuckled, feigning calm. "What truth? There was no lie.""Really? Are you sure?" Gabriel's tone was challenging, his gaze steady.Anna glanced nervously at Marie before rolling her eyes. "Yes, I’m sure. Unless you’ve fabricated something to avoid your responsibilities to me." She raised her chin defiantly, a hint of a smirk forming. "I’d be disappointed if you tried, Gabriel."Marie scoffed, crossing her arms as she shifted her gaze to Gabriel. "Don’t even think about it, Gabriel. You’ve done enough. Anna is carrying this family’s heir, and I won’t have her stressed over your antics." She tilted her head slightly, eyes narrowing. "Treat her right, or there will be consequences."To their surprise, Gabriel chuckled, his tone mocking. "Heir? My foot." He shook his head, smirking as he took a step close
Tamara froze, her heart skipping a beat as she noticed a faint, glowing mark on the back of Gabriel’s neck. Her breath hitched as she recognized the dark crescent symbol shimmering there, a hue that seemed to flicker discreetly. Her eyes widened, and she instinctively covered her mouth, a wave of dread washing over her. "No," she whispered to herself, her pulse quickening. "It can't be..." The peaceful moment in the kitchen was now overshadowed by the unsettling realization that there was still more to the story, and whatever was coming, it was darker than any of them could have imagined.Gabriel noticed Tamara standing by the doorway, her eyes distant. "Tamara, is everything okay?" he asked, his tone gentle but curious. She quickly shook her head. "Nothing, I'm fine," she said, forcing a small smile. Camella glanced at her, sensing something was off. "Are you sure? Do you need anything?""No, really. I'm okay," Tamara replied, her voice barely steady. She turned and walked away,
The ambulance sped through the city, sirens blaring. Inside, Gabriel lay unconscious, his face pale and bruised. Nora sat beside him, her hands trembling, her heart pounding wildly. She couldn’t believe it. Just a few minutes ago, she had been angry at him, pushing his buttons, and now here he was, barely clinging to life after risking everything to save her. Guilt gnawed at her, thoughts swirling in her head. "Why did he do it? Why would he put himself in danger like that? Was he really willing to die to protect me?" Nora’s eyes filled with tears. She wished she could take back all the hurtful things she had said to him. "If he doesn’t make it…" she couldn’t finish the thought, but the fear was there, sitting like a weight on her chest.When they arrived at the hospital, paramedics rushed Gabriel through the hallway. A doctor quickly approached, checking his pulse, listening to his breathing, and assessing his injuries. He looked grave. "Take him to the ICU, immediately," he instru
The doctor led them to an open space with a few rows of chairs placed under a shaded area. The breeze was light, rustling through the leaves, creating a peaceful ambience that sharply contrasted with their minds' tension. Wait here until the nurses finish dressing his bruises," he said, nodding at them before walking away. They sat down, but their expressions were anything but relaxed.Tamara kept glancing at the ward, eyes darting toward the door. When she saw one of the nurses exit, followed by the other, she took her chance. Quietly, she slipped away from the group and went to Gabriel's room. When she entered, she found Gabriel staring down at himself, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Gabriel," she said softly.He looked up, relief and bewilderment washing over his face. "Tamara, what happened to me?""You… had an accident. Forgotten?""I know that. But… I should be feeling sore, right? I mean, it was a pretty bad crash. Yet, I don’t feel any internal pain, no dizziness. It’s lik