Olivia’s POV
The drive to Gabriel’s ho was tense. My fingers tapped restlessly on my lap as doubt crept into my mind. Was I really doing the right thing? A part of wanted to tell the driver to stop so I could jump out and run. But I shook the thought away. Gabriel seed like a kind man. And besides, I wouldn’t be staying long—just a week at most.
I glanced down at the bracelet around my wrist and swallowed hard. It had been thoughtful of them to give it to . And sohow, it made wonder if I’d ever see them again. How strange life was. Those n were my entire world growing up. I couldn’t imagine life without them. And yet here I was... leaving them behind.
The loud sound of the gate opening pulled from my thoughts. I looked ahead as the car drove into the compound. I had been here once before, so the place wasn’t new, but what surprised was the scene waiting for .
Alpha Gabriel was standing by the entrance, smiling proudly like he had been waiting for all day. Beside him stood several house staff in neat uniforms, lined up as if they were welcoming soone important.
My stomach flipped.
The car ca to a stop, and one of the guards opened the door for . I stepped out slowly, steadying my breath. The mont my feet touched the ground, Gabriel’s eyes t mine. He flashed a wide, genuine smile that crinkled the corners of his eyes. I couldn’t help but smile back.
He walked toward and pulled into a warm hug. His embrace was kind and reassuring... but it didn’t make feel the way the triplets’ arms did. It wasn’t the sa kind of comfort or protection—but it was still nice.
"You’re finally here," Gabriel said, sounding truly happy.
I returned the hug, and when we pulled apart, he kissed my forehead gently. "You being here is a dream co true," he said sincerely.
For a brief second, the tension in my chest loosened. Maybe... just maybe, this won’t be so bad after all.
But just as I started to feel a little more at ease, I noticed movent by the entrance of the mansion. Soone was being wheeled out through the doorway.
My eyes locked on the figure.
A young lady.
She looked so familiar, yet I couldn’t place her at first. She had a striking resemblance to Gabriel—sa sharp cheekbones, sa deep eyes. Her hair was wavy black, cascading neatly over her shoulders. She was dressed simply but elegantly, sitting in a wheelchair being pushed by a maid.
I stared, confused. Where have I seen her before?
Then it clicked.
The portrait.
When I first visited this house, there had been a large family portrait in the hallway. In it, Gabriel had stood with a girl beside him—on her feet. She looked younger in the picture, but there was no doubt... it was her.
But why was she in a wheelchair now?
Gabriel’s expression shifted slightly as he followed my gaze. His smile beca awkward, and he cleared his throat.
"That’s Abigail," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "My twin sister."
Abigail’s eyes locked onto mine the mont he said her na. Her expression hardened imdiately. Her gaze was cold... sharp... hateful.
I swallowed hard.
Without a word, she turned to Gabriel, still glaring at .
"Brother," she said, her voice sharp, "can we have a word?"
Without waiting for his answer, she gestured to the maid, who nodded and wheeled her away down the hallway.
Sothing told that whatever peace I thought I’d find here... might not co so easily. Because it seed his sister didn’t like my visit.
Gabriel watched his sister disappear down the hallway, his lips pressed into a tight line. When I turned to face him, he managed a small smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. His mood had clearly shifted.
"It seems your sister isn’t pleased with being here," I said quietly.
He looked at and quickly shook his head. "No, no... it’s not like that," he said, though I could hear the uncertainty in his tone. "Abigail... she’s just been that way since the accident. She’s not really herself anymore. She’s a bit... guarded now. Hostile to almost everyone. Please don’t take it personally."
I gave a small nod, though sothing about her reaction didn’t feel like general coldness. It felt targeted—like she didn’t just dislike people, she disliked .
Gabriel clapped his hands gently, calling for the maids. Two young won dressed in clean uniforms ca forward and bowed slightly.
"These are Dalia and Miren," Gabriel introduced. "They’ll be your personal maids during your stay. They’ll take you to your room and help you settle in. I’ll co find you shortly, alright?"
I nodded, offering him a small smile as the maids gestured for to follow.
The hallway was quiet as we walked, the soft sound of our footsteps echoing through the large house. The place hadn’t changed much since I last visited—still grand, still a little too big to feel truly warm. But the room they led to was beautiful.
It had a cozy charm. A large canopy bed stood in the center, neatly made with soft cream and gold bedding. There was a couch by the window, a shelf filled with books, and a vanity already prepared with fresh flowers. Everything looked so well put together, like soone had taken their ti to make feel welco.
"Wow... this is beautiful," I whispered, running my hand along the polished dresser.
"Thank you, my lady," one of the maids said with a polite smile. "I’m Dalia, and this is Miren. We’ll be attending to you during your stay here. If you need anything—anything at all—just call."
I turned to face them properly. "Thank you. I’m Olivia."
They both bowed slightly. "It’s a pleasure, Lady Olivia."
There was a short silence before I spoke again, my curiosity getting the better of .
"Do you think... Lady Abigail would co around? I’d really like to get to know her. Maybe even be her friend if she lets ."
Dalia and Miren exchanged a glance before Miren spoke, a confused look on her face.
"Lady Abigail’s attitude today was very surprising," she said softly. "Lady Abigail is usually very warm and friendly. She treats the staff kindly, never raises her voice, and she always smiles when guests arrive."
Dalia nodded. "Yes, honestly... we thought she would be happy to see you. She’s never reacted that way before. Not even to strangers."
Their words made pause.
Gabriel had said she was hostile to everyone since her accident... but now the maids were telling the opposite. That she was kind. Friendly.
Except... to .
I sat down on the edge of the bed, trying to piece it together.
"Maybe... maybe she just had a bad day," I murmured to myself. But deep down, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Abigail’s hatred wasn’t random.
It felt personal.
But why?
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