"I’m not afraid of anything," Katelyn said. "But it’s ant to stay a secret. The one I liked... never felt the sa about . If people found out, it would only stir up his more anger toward ."
Her eyes softened as she spoke, the shadow of a mory flickering across her face.
’Who is this guy?’ Sage wondered, his jaw tightening. ’Kate turned down because of him. I need to know who he is.’
A soft knock broke their eyelock. Katelyn quickly moved to the door, letting the room-service attendant wheel in a trolley. At her direction, he set the breakfast neatly out on the balcony before leaving.
"Thank you," she said politely, closing the door behind him.
When she turned back, Sage was still lounging on the couch, watching her in silence.
"Co on," Katelyn urged with a small smile. "Before the food gets cold."
Sage rose, but instead of heading to the balcony, he crossed the room toward her. His gaze lingered on her face.
"Do you like swimming?" he asked suddenly.
Katelyn blinked at him, startled. "Yes... why?"
"We’ll swim later, before heading out to lunch at our client’s house," Sage replied.
"No, thank you. It’ll only tire out. And besides, I didn’t bring a swimsuit," Katelyn said firmly as she made her way to the balcony.
He followed her, and soon they stepped into the wide open terrace. The view stretched endlessly before them—rolling hills, graceful structures tucked between them, the kind of scenery that made the place feel perfect for a quiet escape.
Katelyn settled into her chair and picked up her fork. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Sage scrolling through his phone, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
She sliced her pancake in half and took a slow bite, irritation simring.
"Why don’t you focus on the food?" Her thin patience snapped finally. "If you’d rather stay on your phone, then leave."
Sage set his phone down on the table and, without a word, began eating.
Katelyn finished her al in silence, then lifted her glass of juice. She took a few slow sips before setting it back down.
"I’ll be leaving for the capital tomorrow," she said at last. "My second brother’s wedding is in two days."
"Alright," Sage replied easily. "I’ll see you at the wedding then."
Her brows lifted slightly. "You got the invitation?"
"Of course," he said, resting his fork on the empty plate. "Dad ntioned it last night." Then, with an intrigue, he asked, "Why do I feel like you hate the idea of being anywhere near you? Am I really that unbearable?"
"To ? Yes," Katelyn replied. "To others, I can’t say." She lifted her glass again, finishing the orange juice in one long sip before setting it down. Her eyes narrowed slightly. "And you still haven’t returned the gift your mother gave . What if she asks about it? What am I supposed to say?"
"Earn it from ," Sage said, his expression shadowing into a dark one.
"Fine," Katelyn shot back. "Then when your mother asks, you can give her the sa answer."
"I’ll punish you with office work if you don’t handle question from my mother widely," Sage stated.
~~~~~
"Here, for you," Karn said, extending a small bag toward her.
Alie blinked in surprise, her brows arching. "What’s this?" Her voice held both astonishnt and curiosity.
"See for yourself," Karn urged with a faint smile.
She carefully opened the bag, and when her eyes fell on the soft blanket folded neatly inside, her lips parted in delight. "Oh my God, Karn! You... you already bought a gift for the pup!" Her tone was filled with excitent as she pulled it out, brushing her hands over the fabric.
"Yes," he admitted. "I thought you should have sothing now, especially with the delivery so close. I... I realized I’d never given you anything before."
"I like it. Thank you so much," Alie said, still stroking the fabric with a tender smile. Then, almost hesitantly, she added, "You know... back then, you weren’t exactly happy that Gabriel chose ."
Karn’s gaze softened, regret flickering in his eyes. "I’m sorry for that. I shouldn’t have harbored such bitter thoughts. It still makes angry with myself when I think about it."
Alie shook her head gently. "It’s alright. You were only saying what you believed was true at the ti."
"No," Karn said firmly. "It wasn’t the truth. The real truth is that only you could complete Gabriel. The pup... was a blessing in disguise for him. Without that bond, he may never have rescued you. And he did and eventually, found a mate in you. That’s all matters."
"Yes. The curse would never have allowed him to find as his fated mate... and the sa goes for ," Alie said.
"Exactly," Karn agreed, his tone warm. "Gabriel has changed so much, only for the better. He’s finally happy, and that’s what matters most. You brought him the light he had been searching for all his life."
A genuine smile lingered on his face, but it faltered the mont he caught sight of the Queen approaching. His expression stiffened, and he quickly lowered his eyes in respect.
Alie turned at the movent, her features softening into a smile when she saw Mabel. "Karn gifted a blanket for the pup, Your Majesty," she said proudly, holding it up a little.
"That’s lovely," Mabel replied with grace. Her gaze flicked toward Karn, who imdiately bowed his head in a polite greeting.
"Sit, Alie. Karn, you should also take a seat. I heard that you were looking after Gabriel’s work for him. That’s truly wonderful. You are really a good friend of my son," Mabel stated with a small smile.
Karn was kind of surprised upon hearing the tone in which the Queen was speaking. He finally sat across from them.
"That’s my duty toward Prince Gabriel, Your Majesty. I don’t want him to take more stress as he’s already carrying a lot," he added.
"That’s what make you a good friend," Mabel stated with a smile.
Gabriel, who returned from outside saw his mother, wife and friend sitting together. Though he never imagined this sight to be witnessed ever, but he liked it.
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