CATRIONA
The desperation and urgency Gabriel displayed tugged at my heart making it harder to resist the urge to explain everything to him.
But the old man’s words echoed in my mind, reminding me of the potential consequences.
I cared deeply for Gabriel and wanted nothing more than to see him happy and safe. Yet, the old man’s warning had left a lingering fear within me. What if revealing the truth would only bring him harm? What if it shattered the life he had built for himself?
I wrestled with these conflicting emotions, torn between my desire to protect Gabriel and my duty to respect the old man’s advice. It was a battle between a heart and mind, a constant struggle that consumed my thoughts day and night.
I could feel the tremble in his voice as he spoke, seeking answers. I banged on the wooden door, screaming for help. I heard Gabriel let out a frustrated sigh, but I didn’t care as long as I could escape.
I was being too loud, yet none of those two-headed people showed up. It only made me more anxious. The worst part was feeling Gabriel’s hands grip me and spin me around until I was face to face with him. As if that wasn’t enough, he forced me to look into his eyes, his expression dead serious.
I immediately closed my eyes but the damage was already done. There was silence in the room that made my stomach twist in knots as fear enveloped me, penetrating deep into my soul. I could feel the weight of anxiety settling in my chest, making it harder to breathe. My mind raced with thoughts of what must have happened. The darkness of uncertainty loomed over me, threatening to consume me whole.
I was hoping to hear him limp down but instead felt him breathing so fine on my face.
I tried to shake off the fear, reminding myself that I had faced challenges before and come out stronger. Wasn’t he supposed to die right away he laid eyes on me? Or, is he supposed to die after a few seconds? Was he given time to say his last words? With the possibility, I urged to open my eyes but like an endless abyss, I couldn’t help but wonder if I was ready to take it in.
I finally opened my eyes and looked at him in awe, scanning him from top to bottom. “You’re alive! You’re not dead! How is it possible?”
Gabriel furrowed his brows as he loosened his grip on me.
“What are you talking about? Was I supposed to die?” He completely released my hands and took a step back, but his eyes never left mine. “Were you ignoring me because you wanted me dead? Is that what you want?” “No, no, no,” I interjected, cutting him short. “Don’t get me wrong. I would never want that.
He raised an eyebrow, still urging me to explain.
Listen, the thing is, I brought my hands to touch him, but the fear inside me was overwhelming. I was afraid that my touch might be the cause of his death. This fear hit me like thunder, and in that instant, I quickly dropped my hands, hoping that Gabriel hadn’t noticed my sudden reaction. However, the pain he expressed was evident. I walked towards the bed and gestured him to sit. I thought he would object me but he silently ambled over and sat but gave me space.
“Gabriel the this is-”
“Pumpkin, do you realize how much you’re tormenting me right now?” Each passing minute is driving me crazier. “Do you understand how tiring your actions are?” And do you know what hurts me the most? I shook my head, although I knew exactly what he was referring to. I stayed silent, waiting for him to finish his sentence, but instead, he just stared at me for a long time.
I did what I did for your safety. I started… It all began when I overheard your stepmother- I hesitated unsure if I should proceed with this conversation. But then if I don’t, I’ll only end up hurting his feelings more, which also hurts me. I thought to myself and decided to continue.
I overheard your stepmother and stepbrother discussing poisoning you, with the intention of killing you… I narrated everything to him, but I didn’t realize I was trembling . It wasn’t because I didn’t want to but because I was terrified for him. He reached out to hold my hand again, causing me to jump back.
‘What are you talking about?” he asked, giggling lightly.
“What I told you is true. There’s nothing funny
about it to make you giggle,” I replied.
It’s not funny but everything you said isn’t real. No such thing happened. I didn’t get time to tell you this– every corner of my house has a camera in it. When you suddenly left without a word to me. I was distraught. So, I decided to check the camera footage. That’s when I saw you lingering outside my stepmother’s room. Minutes later, you collapsed, and I was surprised to see you wake up so soon. I looked into their room to find out what caused your collapse but the conversation they had that time doesn’t match with what you told me.
Are saying that to make me feel better. I asked. I wish I could, but it’s the truth. He grumbled. If what they said was all true wouldn’t i have been dead by now from our previous encounter. He added.
As I considered his point, I wondered why that old man would deceive me. What motives could he possibly have?
I turned my gaze to Gabriel, this time extending my trembling hands to touch his stubbled cheeks.
“So, you’re not going to die,” I whispered, tears streaming down my face. “I can still love you without restraint.” I saw life turning into his cute face before placing his hands on top of mine, evoking a rush of emotions through my body.
As our hands intertwined, a surge of warmth coursed through my veins, soothing the fear and uncertainty that had consumed me moments ago, Gabriel’s touch was like a lifeline, grounding me in reality and reminding me that he was still here, alive and breathing.
His eyes, once filled with pain and resignation, now sparkled with a glimmer of hope. It was as if my words had breathed life back into him, igniting a fire within his soul.
“No, pumpkin,” he whispered, his voice barely audible amidst the chaos of emotions. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m here with you, every step of the way.
A wave of relief washed over me, mingling with the tears that streamed down my face. The weight of the uncertainty that had plagued me for so long was finally lifted, replaced by a renewed sense of purpose and determination. This moment, this connection we shared, was a reminder that love had the power to conquer even the darkest of times.
I didn’t wait for his heads-up before I crushed my lips against his in a deep kiss. He quickly
reciprocated, opening his mouth for our tongues to meet. As our lips locked, a surge of electricity coursed through my body. Our kiss deepened, a dance of passion and desire. Time seemed to stand still as our tongues intertwined, exploring each other with a hunger that had been building for far too long.
At this moment, Jayden’s name echoed through my head, making me want to pull back. For the first time in a millionth time I hated the sound of his name. What kind of man walks away with another woman in front of all those people? Nevertheless I deserve this moment. And now that I know he’s not in danger I will do whatever I want to with him.
Gabriel’s hands found their way to the small of my back, pulling me closer, intensifying the connection between us. The world around us faded into the background, leaving only the pulsating energy of our shared moment. Every touch, every caress, sent shivers down my spine, igniting a fire within me that burned with an intensity I had never experienced before.
Lost in the intoxicating bliss of the kiss, I could feel his heartbeat matching the rhythm of mine. It was as if our souls had found solace refuge in each other, seeking refuge in passion that consumed us. The weight of my worries and inhibitions lifted, replaced by a sense of freedom and contentment that only this moment could offer.
As our lips finally parted, we both gasped for air, our eyes locked in a haze of desire and affection.
If it means being trapped in this world, I wouldn’t mind as long as you’re by my side and in my arms. I would be the happiest man alive. Catriona, I love you.
I smiled and opened my mouth to reciprocate his love, but to my horror, my tongue felt heavy. I looked up at Gabriel, who beamed at me with obvious affection. l tried to push past the strange sensation, hoping it was just a momentary lapse. But as I tried to form the words, my tongue only grew heavier, as if an invisible weight had settled upon it. Panic began to rise within me, my mind racing to find an explanation for this sudden inability to speak. Gabriel’s expression shifted from joy to concern, his brows furrowing in confusion.
He leaned closer, his warm hand reaching out to touch my arm gently. “Are you alright, pumpkin?” he asked, his voice laced with worry.
I desperately wanted to respond, to reassure him that everything was fine, that it was just a temporary glitch. But my tongue remained stubbornly still, refusing to obey my commands. Frustration welled up inside me, mixing with my growing fear.
The universe couldn’t let me savour the moment because suddenly, a surge of scorching energy rushed through my body, knocking Gabriel off the bed and onto the ground.
I watched in absolute terror as his eyes closed and his body went numb.