Chapter 404: You’ll forget your own
"I don’t like her," Karmen muttered. "It was just... A crush from a long time ago."
"Don’t lie," Gabriel chuckled, tapping a finger against his friend’s chest. "You wouldn’t have gone this far if you didn’t feel at least something for her."
Karmen shook his head. "I just felt bad for her."
Gabriel arched a brow. "Hmm. And how many women do you usually ’feel bad’ for?" He smirked before letting his tone turn more serious. "So, how exactly did you decide to help her?"
"For a month at most," Karmen replied. "She still can’t let go of Joshua, and forcing her into marriage would be cruel. Her parents think tying her down will heal her, but when I talked to her... I could see she wasn’t ready. She asked for my help, and I agreed."
Gabriel studied him for a moment, then leaned closer. "Be careful, Karmen. Don’t give her more than you mean to. If your heart gets involved, you won’t be able to walk away."
A faint laugh escaped Karmen as he shook his head. "You think I’d fall in love? I’m not you."
"What do you mean? I should be an example for you," Gabriel said with a warm smile. "Look at me, I’m content with Amelie by my side. And now, with Noah in my life, I have even more to hold onto. I don’t give up easily. But you, my friend... You care so much about Aisha’s happiness that you’ll forget your own."
"Don’t worry about me," Karmen replied firmly. "In a month, nothing is going to change."
Gabriel didn’t argue. He simply smiled, brushing past him toward the corridor.
Karmen followed, frowning. "What? You actually think I’ll fall for Aisha in a month? That’s ridiculous. Love doesn’t happen in a month." His voice carried more conviction than confidence, as if he were trying to convince himself as much as Gabriel.
"Well, for me, it happened quite early," Gabriel said with a soft smile.
"That’s why I told you that I’m not you," Karmen remarked. "By the way, I brought a gift for Amelie and Noah. Can I see them?"
"Of course," Gabriel replied, tilting his head in welcome.
They walked side by side, Gabriel draping an arm casually over Karmen’s shoulders.
"Let’s put off our plan about Aurevalis," Gabriel said. "We won’t be visiting that place."
Karmen frowned. "What? Why?"
"I don’t trust it," Gabriel admitted. "It could be a trap. Right now, I can’t afford to take unnecessary risks."
Karmen’s gaze hardened. "Maybe you can’t, but I can. I’ll keep digging. I want to know who sent you that parcel."
Gabriel gave a nonchalant shrug. "As you wish." He didn’t press further.
When they finally entered the chamber, they found Amelie was sitting comfortably on the sofa, Noah resting peacefully in a cradle beside her. Ashna stood nearby, mid-laughter with Amelie.
At the sight of them, Amelie brightened. "Gabriel! Karmen!" she exclaimed, her voice carrying both surprise and joy.
Ashna immediately straightened, her laughter cut short. She bowed her head politely, lips pressed together as if sealing away whatever she had been about to say.
"Karmen wanted to see you and Noah," Gabriel said as they stepped further inside. His gaze drifted toward the cradle. "Ah, he’s asleep."
Amelie rose gracefully, her smile soft as Karmen extended a bag toward her. "It took me a long time to choose these," he admitted. "I hope you’ll like them."
Amelie’s eyes warmed as she accepted the gift.
Gabriel, however, let out a mock sigh. "It is unbelievable. He never buys me anything. How many years have we been friends, Karmen? And not even a single gift?"
Karmen’s lips curved in a faint smile. "Well, forgive me. I figured you already have everything."
He moved closer to the cradle, leaning slightly to peer at Noah’s sleeping face.
"Noah doesn’t cry as much as other babies," Gabriel whispered, brushing his fingers gently over his son’s head with unmistakable tenderness.
"You’ll wake him," Amelie murmured, stepping closer. Gabriel quickly pulled his hand back, a sheepish smile flickering on his face.
"I should take my leave," Karmen said softly, straightening.
"Wait," Amelie interjected, her eyes glinting. "I have something to give you too." She turned her head toward Ashna, who immediately hurried out of the chamber.
Gabriel arched a brow. "And what exactly do you want to give him?"
"Something I’ve wanted to pass on to Karmen for a long time," Amelie replied.
Moments later, Ashna reappeared, carrying a small bag. She handed it to Amelie, who offered it to Karmen with both hands.
Karmen accepted it, inclining his head in gratitude. "Thank you, Amelie."
He glanced at Gabriel and said, "I’ll take my leave then. See you tomorrow." With a respectful nod, he stepped out of the chamber.
Ashna quietly followed, leaving Gabriel and Amelie in peace.
Gabriel wrapped his arms gently around Amelie, leaning in so their foreheads touched. "Where’s my gift?" he murmured with a teasing smile.
"My gift?" she asked softly, tilting her head.
"Hmm," he replied, brushing his thumb along her cheek.
Amelie smiled warmly, her voice playful but tender. "Well... I’m your gift."
Gabriel chuckled, pulling her closer, and pressed his lips to hers in a slow, intimate kiss.
Then, withdrawing slightly, Gabriel wrapped Amelie in a tender embrace, inhaling her scent as if committing it to memory.
"The Royal Mother and Father have decided the date for Noah’s welcoming ceremony with the priest’s blessing," Amelie said softly. "It will be next Friday, just a week away."
"Really? That’s wonderful," Gabriel replied, his lips brushing gently against her neck. "Noah will receive the blessings of all the elders."
"Yes," Amelie murmured, her gaze softening as she looked down at Noah’s sleeping face. "I’m so happy."
A moment later, Gabriel pulled away. "You deserve happiness. We have yet to click pictures with our baby for its official inclusion in the family book. I’ve decided for the theme too," he asserted.
"I’m so excited for that." Amelie’s bright smile reached her eyes while in her mind she thought, ’I pray everything goes well for us.’