"Thank you," Gabriel said to his mother as she handed him a steaming cup of coffee. He studied her with curiosity. "You still wake up this early?" he murmured.
"I sleep early, that’s why," Mabel replied while preparing a cup of herbal tea for Alie.
Gabriel lifted the mug to his lips, pausing for a mont. "The dress you gave Alie, it’s beautiful. Thank you for pampering her, for making her feel cared for. Did she tell you she’s an alpha, not an oga? And that she isn’t wolf-less, either?"
"Yes," Mabel admitted, her hands slowing over the teapot. "I found out. But even before that, I never truly cared about her being an oga or wolf-less. My mistake was... letting Ophelia poison my judgnt." A sigh escaped her lips, heavy with regret.
Gabriel’s jaw tightened. "Whatever your reason, you hurt her. Perhaps Alie has chosen to forgive, but I haven’t. From the very beginning, you humiliated her."
"I admit it," Mabel said, glancing at him with weary eyes. "And I regret every word, every action. I don’t need you to remind ."
Just then, Albus entered the kitchen, clearing his throat. "Your Majesty, Your Highness, Mr. Nightshade is preparing to leave."
Mabel quickly passed the remaining work to a maid and stepped out with Gabriel, who left his half-finished coffee behind.
In the living room, Sage bowed respectfully. "Your Majesty." Straightening, he offered a faint smile. "Thank you for letting stay the night. I must leave now."
"It would have been nice if you’d joined us for breakfast," Mabel said softly.
"I wish I could, Your Majesty," Sage replied. "But sothing urgent has co up at ho."
"No worries. We’ll see you again at the wedding," she assured him.
Sage nodded before glancing at Gabriel. With a brief smile, he turned toward the doors. Gabriel walked beside him. "I’ll show you out."
They stepped into the morning air, the car waiting at the entrance. Gabriel’s voice was low when he asked, "What’s wrong?"
"Nothing much. Just... Dad was throwing a fit on the phone again," Sage answered with a faint shrug.
Gabriel frowned. "How long are you going to keep bearing this?"
"I don’t have a way out. You know that better than anyone," Sage murmured. Then, softening, he added, "Don’t worry about . I enjoyed our ti last night. I’ll see you at the wedding."
With that, he slid into the car. The engine started, and as the vehicle pulled away, Sage lifted his hand in farewell. Gabriel raised his own in return, standing still until the car disappeared from sight.
When Gabriel returned to the living room, Alie was still nowhere to be seen. A maid had set his coffee on the table; he picked up the mug, the warmth seeping into his hand, and started forward.
"My Lord," Albus’s voice stopped him. "There are so docunts requiring your signature. Karn asked to remind you."
"Ah, yes." Gabriel gave a brief nod. "If Alie asks for , let her know I’ll be in my study."
With that, he turned and strode away, coffee in hand.
~~~~~
"Alie, I want to sleep a little longer," Katelyn mumbled, tugging the blanket over her head.
"You’ll be scolded if we’re late for the palace," Alie reminded her gently.
"Agh, fine!" Katelyn groaned, finally sitting up and rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Her gaze lifted, and she froze. "Wow! That dress looks amazing on you."
Alie’s lips curved into a small smile. "Mother gifted it to ."
"You an Mom?" Katelyn asked as she pulled her hair up into a ssy bun and slid out of bed.
"Yes," Alie replied softly. Then, after a pause, she lowered herself onto the mattress beside Katelyn. "By the way... there’s sothing I want to ask you."
"What is it?" Katelyn asked, pouring herself a glass of water.
"Flora works at the sa company as you, doesn’t she? Are things... not well for her?" Alie asked carefully.
Katelyn froze for a heartbeat, the glass halfway to her lips. She took only a small sip before setting it down. "I didn’t want to tell you. I knew it would only worry you. But... yes, people have found out. They don’t treat her well." Her voice was steady, though her eyes held a flicker of pity.
"And honestly... I can’t even say they’re entirely wrong. But it’s becoming harder for her. The other day, I found her sitting alone, so we shared lunch. She’s fighting her battles on her own." She exhaled, lowering her gaze. "I just feel bad for her."
Alie’s brows knitted in concern, her chest tightening.
"That’s her life, Alie," Katelyn said gently, moving to sit beside her. "You can’t fix it. Flora made her choices back then."
"She’s still my sister," Alie whispered, feeling a bit emotional. "There was a ti when we were inseparable... when we shared the sweetest monts. Then we grew up, and everything changed. My parents bear their share of the bla too. So much happened in the past." Her throat tightened, and she looked down at her hands. "I rember... I cursed all of them once, for breaking my heart. And sotis I wonder... maybe that’s why Flora’s troubles have only worsened."
"That’s not true," Katelyn said, giving her a side hug. "They all did dirty to you. Her curse ca from your own miseries. But Alie what Flora is experiencing is the fruit of her actions. She’s to fight herself. And you won’t help her." She pulled away and looked into Alie’s eyes.
"How can I ignore my sister’s miseries?"
"Just the like way she did. You were pregnant. You told how she laughed at you and asked Alex to reject you, kick you out. Let Flora bear all of this," Katelyn asserted.
"I understand what you’re saying," Alie said. "I just feel it’s too much for her now. She even tried to take her life," she added. "And I don’t want to beco the reason of it. I-I think she’s repenting a lot. That’s why I want to help her."
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