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1048 Words
Daphne slowly became aware of light.
At first, it hurt. Sharp and blinding after so long wrapped in darkness. She lifted her hands instinctively, shielding her eyes as a broken sob escaped her lips.
Someone was there.
She felt it before she understood it.
A presence. Solid. Real.
Her vision adjusted gradually, and through the blur of tears, she saw him.
Gabriel.
He stood in front of her, tall and rigid, his jaw clenched so tightly it looked painful. His eyes were cold, dark, and furious. Not distant this time. Not bored.
Angry.
For a moment, Daphne thought she was imagining him. Her mind had played tricks on her before, especially when fear took over.
But then he moved.
He bent down quickly and took her arm, lifting her gently but firmly off the floor. She winced softly, her legs weak, unable to support her weight.
“Easy,” he said sharply, though his grip was careful.
The word barely registered.
She clung to his sleeve without realizing it, fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt as if letting go would pull her back into the darkness.
Outside the shed, the world felt unreal. Too bright. Too loud. Too open.
Gabriel guided her out, positioning himself slightly in front of her, blocking her from view. She didn’t notice it consciously, but he did.
He raised his hand and gently tapped her cheeks, once, twice.
“Daphne,” he said firmly. “Look at me.”
Her eyes fluttered open fully.
She stared at him, pupils dilated, face pale and tear-streaked. For a second, she looked at him not as her husband, not as a Salvatore, but as something else entirely.
A rescuer.
“You… you saved me?” she asked softly, voice fragile, innocent.
The words struck him harder than he expected.
Gabriel didn’t answer immediately. He reached for a bottle of water someone had brought and pressed it into her shaking hands.
“Drink,” he ordered.
She obeyed instantly, taking small, uneven sips. Water spilled down her chin, and he frowned slightly, lifting the bottle to steady it.
Her eyes never left his face.
“You came,” she whispered again, as if needing confirmation. “Like… like a knight.”
The word made something twist uncomfortably in his chest.
Gabriel straightened abruptly.
“You okay?” he asked curtly, scanning her face, her hands, her posture.
She nodded quickly, almost too eagerly. “Yes. I’m okay now.”
A lie. But a hopeful one.
He turned to the nearby maid. “Take her to her room. Make sure she rests.”
“Yes, sir,” the maid replied immediately.
As Daphne was gently guided away, she turned back.
Just once.
She looked at Gabriel over her shoulder, eyes shining, lips trembling into a small, genuine smile.
She was happy.
Happy that he had come.
Happy that he had cared.
Happy that, for once, she had not been invisible.
Gabriel watched her disappear down the path, his expression unreadable.
Behind him, Hope scoffed loudly.
“Brother,” she said mockingly. “Why did you save her?”
Gabriel turned slowly.
His gaze landed on her like a blade.
“Because,” he said coldly, “she was locked in a dark room.”
Hope crossed her arms. “I was just taking revenge. She deserves it.”
Gabriel stepped closer.
His voice dropped dangerously. “You don’t get to decide what someone deserves.”
Hope rolled her eyes. “You’re overreacting.”
“No,” he said sharply. “You’re crossing lines.”
She hesitated, then snapped, “She’s weak. Always crying. Always pretending.”
Gabriel’s eyes hardened further.
“We need to be careful in this family,” he said flatly. “Revenge is not an option. Control yourself.”
Hope stared at him, stunned.
“Since when do you care?” she muttered.
Gabriel didn’t answer.
Because he didn’t have one.
---
The next morning arrived cold and quiet.
A thin mist hovered over the garden, dew clinging to petals and leaves. Daphne walked slowly along the familiar path, her shawl wrapped tightly around her shoulders.
She felt lighter.
Not healed. Not whole. But lighter.
She bent beside a rose bush, gently touching the leaves, checking for damage. Gardening had always calmed her. Plants didn’t judge. They didn’t demand explanations.
She was so focused that she didn’t notice footsteps approaching.
“Why are you walking outside in this cold?”
The voice startled her.
Daphne straightened abruptly.
Gabriel stood a few steps away.
For a second, her mind refused to accept it.
Is it really him?
Her heart skipped, then raced.
He had changed into a dark coat, hands in his pockets, expression serious as always. His presence felt unreal, like something her imagination had created.
Her thoughts tangled immediately.
Why is he here?
Did I do something wrong?
Is he angry again?
Her cute, anxious mind jumped from fear to hope to confusion in seconds.
“I… I just came to check on the flowers,” she said quickly.
He frowned slightly.
“I told the gardener to take care of them,” he said. “You don’t have to do this.”
She blinked.
“I don’t mind,” she replied softly. “They’re important.”
He studied her for a moment.
Her cheeks were pink from the cold. Her hair slightly messy. Her eyes clear but cautious.
“Go back inside,” he said. “You’ll get sick.”
She nodded instantly, taking a step back.
Then paused.
“Thank you,” she said quietly. “For helping me yesterday.”
The words came out shy, sincere.
Gabriel stiffened.
“I’m happy you appreciated it,” he replied after a brief pause.
Her face heated instantly.
A deep blush spread across her cheeks, all the way to her ears. She lowered her gaze, suddenly aware of how close he was standing.
“I… I’ll go,” she said, turning away too quickly.
She took two steps, then slowed.
Something inside her urged her to look back.
She did.
Gabriel was still standing there, watching her.
Their eyes met.
Her heart fluttered helplessly.
Then he looked away first.
“Go,” he said calmly the mansion, her steps lighter than before.
- Writer
