Love Beyond Control

The wedding gifts I had sacrificed were still fresh in my mind as I lay in bed next to Gabriel, unable to sleep. My thoughts were consumed by the loss as I tossed and turned restlessly.

Beside me, Gabriel must have grown tired of my fidgeting, for he pulled me into his embrace. "If you keep squirming, we might have to find something else to do," he teased.

I immediately shut my eyes and lay still, not wanting to provoke him further. I was exhausted from the day's events, and soon enough, sleep began to pull me under.

I faintly heard Gabriel chuckle and murmur something, but my dreams were wild, in which I had unleashed a dog to chase him through the night. By morning, I woke up feeling refreshed.

Gabriel had already left for court by the time I got up. I decided to visit his mother. She took my hands in hers and said warmly, "Gabriel may seem cold on the outside, but his heart is warm. You and my eldest son aren't destined for each other, so take good care of him, and let's hope you fill this house with children to liven it up."

I thought about our innocent sleeping arrangement under the covers and nodded, feeling a bit guilty.

Once I left his mother's room, I realized I needed to take some action. Ashley's advice echoed in my mind.

"Megan, go grab the money my mom gave me," I instructed.

I sent someone to fetch a group of beautiful women to bring to the house.

Then, Megan and I stepped outside. As I stood on the street, gazing at the grand buildings around me, I couldn't help but feel a bit overwhelmed.

"Wow, it's huge!" I exclaimed.

Megan nodded in agreement.

"Go knock on the door," I said.

Megan obediently approached and knocked. A man, yawning widely, stumbled out.

"Get lost! Who do you think you are, coming here?" he barked.

I cleared my throat and adjusted my hood. "Could you please ask your master to come out? I have a business proposal for her."

I was invited inside, and to my surprise, it was easier than I had anticipated. The madam greeted me with a beaming smile.

I laid out my entire plan, and she burst into laughter. "You're quite clever! I've never heard of such a scheme before."

I tugged at my dress, trying to exude an air of sophistication.

"But we're not cheap when it comes to pricing. This requires hard work."

She covered her mouth, giggling.

I couldn't help but feel pleased; no wonder men are willing to spend money here.

I signaled for Megan to bring out the money, and when she saw the stack, the madam's demeanor shifted. "This looks promising. Let's seal the deal today."

Just as she finished speaking, the door swung open with a bang, and a group of soldiers stormed in, swords drawn.

My heart raced as I ducked behind a pillar.

What kind of trouble is brewing in this place?

To escape unnoticed, I peeked out from behind the column, and my heart sank.

Walking in was none other than Gabriel.

Oh great, this can't possibly be my fault, right?

"Ah, my lord! What brings you to this neck of the woods? We've been behaving ourselves, I assure you!" the madam exclaimed, trying to smooth things over.

Gabriel's piercing gaze swept the room before landing on Megan, who stood frozen, clueless about the situation.

He let out a cold laugh. "I seem to have lost something, and I heard someone might have come this way."

At his words, the madam's eyes flared with anger. "My lord, what have you lost? If that person is in this house, I guarantee they won't get away."

Gabriel casually brushed off his clothes. "It's nothing serious, just some money and a newlywed wife."

At that moment, my heart raced. Who is he talking about? Me?

The madam's smile froze on her face.

"My lord," she stammered, "we haven't had any new girls come in over the past few days."

She racked her brain for a plausible excuse, then suddenly turned toward my hiding spot.

Gabriel, clearly fed up with the whole charade, clasped his hands behind his back and fixed me with a steely gaze. "Amy," he said slowly, every word dripping with authority, "are you coming out on your own, or do I need to compel you to step forward?"

Right then, I clung to the pillar, my face a portrait of despair.

Is there even a third option? Because I sure wish I could choose to stay put.