After My Death, My Husband Who Threw Me Into the Hunting Grounds Went Insane novel Chapter 128

GABRIEL

Tomorrow was the weekend, so Gabriel invited me to his parent's house in the Hamptons for dinner. 

Everyone was delighted to see Gabriel, and I've never felt so welcomed in my life in someone else's home. I was envious because it could never be like this in my family.

After dinner, the dessert was served, and I picked the delicious-looking chocolate truffle. It was soft, sweet, with a taste of rum mixing harmoniously with the cocoa. I shut my eyes and savored the dark bite with my lips.

"Hmm…" I hummed involuntarily, making everyone look in my direction. But I realized I was too loud as they all stared at me, and I was instantly embarrassed. 

Gabriel was watching me, gnawing his knuckles, and he inwardly groaned under his breath. He narrowed his eyes at me and whispered something only the two of us could hear. I felt his lips brush my ear and somewhat ticklish.

"You didn't just eat that, did you?" he teased.

I grinned like a child. "It was delicious!"

Elazar chuckled at me. "You can have some more, Audrey."

"Thank you."

"Guys, I thought of something," Elazar continued. "Why don't we all go on a trip together? It's been years since we all had a family quality time."

"What's the occasion?" Coulson said, smiling.

"Nothing, but this is the first time in a long time Gabriel wanted to spend the weekend with us, and with Audrey, of course. What do you think about our villa in Miami?"

"Oh, I'd love to, Dad!" Maya squealed. "This is good for my Instagram," she said, still eating his food. "I need new pictures, so I'm coming. You will love it there, Audrey," she said excitedly. I chuckled. 

"Alright. Maya's up. How about you, darling?" Elazar asked his wife.

"Of course, we can. You're right." Helen Stark looked at Gabriel. "But are you fine with it, Gabe?"

"Of course, mother." He smiled at her. He winked at me. 

"I've never been to Florida," I said honestly. "That sounds amazing." 

Coulson shrugged. "I need a break, too. And it's been a year since I've last visited the villa."

 "Then we're set!" Elazar clasped his hands together, satisfied by everyone's answer. "We're flying at dawn."

"What?" Maya screeched. "I'm not a morning person."

My mouth dropped. I don't forget who I was talking to, but what a convenience. I've never seen a family that harmoniously decides together.

"I'll give everyone thirty minutes to pack," Elazar said. "We're flying by my jet."

***

"Are you always like this?" I asked incredulously while Gabriel was packing his suitcase in his room. It was when we woke up at five, coming from a good night's sleep. The entire night, we were just spooning, and it was because Gabriel was keen on keeping me well-rested.

"Dad's always been like that. He loves to travel." He secured the zip of the luggage and picked up mine. "Are you ready?"

"To be honest, I'm not," I said frankly, and he chuckled. 

"Of course, but you'll get used to it. We do this all the time." He kissed my temple, and we exited his room. 

Everyone was ready downstairs when we came down, but Maya couldn't stop worrying. "I think that I have forgotten something, but I can't remember what I have forgotten. Does that make sense?"

"Maya, you brought the whole house in your suitcase." Coulson shook his head. 

Maya rolled his eyes. "You'll never understand."

As promised, we traveled by private jet, and everything a person's comfort was basically provided inside. The stunning modern interior of black and white was fully loaded with elegant dining space with sofas, black leather reclining chairs facing each other, and a portable tabletop at the center for people to dine on.

The flight attendant provided me a smoothie, while Gabriel had asked for a scotch, and shortly, they served us marinated feta with mango and basil and poached lobster.

"Are you okay?" Gabriel asked.

"I'm fine. Everything just happened really fast, you know?"

He chuckled. "I wouldn't miss the fun anyway. I'm glad you're here."

"Your family likes me," I smiled.

He laughed. "They do."

"You're fortunate. I could never have this kind of relationship with them in my life with my family. Sam and Mom's gone. The only father I know might want to hurt me as well, and Anton is away…"

"You have me." He held my hand and brought it to his mouth. "You have this."

And for the first time in my life, I felt like I already belonged in their family. 

The jet landed in Miami, and it was already morning, and we soon went to the villa. The villa's exterior comprised a spacious and luminous, extensive living area furnished with elegant black sofas and a dining area. The front porch stretched directly onto the patio in front of the infinity pool with direct access to the oceanfront.

Everyone went straight to our bedrooms first, and Gabriel and I went to ours. And the Stark family's wealth never ceased to amaze me. Our bedroom was too good to be true. The bedroom had a panoramic window. There is a double bed, TV and stereo, and air conditioning. The bathroom also had a clawfoot bathtub, shower area, and complimentary toiletries. 

I ran to the window—still awestruck by the fantastic view. 

"This is amazing!" I uttered. "I could live here forever with you, you know, and I wouldn't mind."

Gabriel glided his arms around me from behind and pressed me against his chest. "Is that an invitation?" he murmured in my ear and kissed my head.

I glanced at him, then looked back at the ocean. "Maybe," I teased, giggling.

"Don't say something you won't mean later," he reminded. "Although this is already my previous concern. Have you decided?"

I turned around and flung my arms around his neck. "Is this the right time to talk about this? I thought we were having fun here."

"We are, and I'll make sure you'll say yes. I promise."

I grabbed the glass and took a small gulp, but I didn't finish it. "I can't." I breathed. "Let's get up. I feel like it's not going not."

He chuckled at me, and we exited out of the restaurant.

We walked to the beach again, and we went to the water this time. The water slapped at my feet, sparkling and bubbling like saline. Even though the afternoon sun was almost set, I couldn't help but smile as the breeze touched my face. The waves were mild but roaring onto the shore with a soft hiss, flaking the deep bronze sand beneath my feet. A cold but serene feeling flows through me.

"Audrey?" he asked softly.

"Hmm?" I responded, watching the orange sun and the indigo sky.

He turned and faced me. "You know how much I love and care for you, right?"

I smiled. "Of course, I know. I feel it every second. Why?"

He brought my hands to his lips and kissed my knuckles. "I love you, Audrey. I know I haven't directly spoken of these words because I know that the word alone isn't enough, but yes, I love you all these years." He released one of my hands and slipped his hands in his shorts' pocket. By the gesture alone, my heartbeat sped up.

"Gabriel…"

"I've waited for this moment, Audrey." He drew out his hand, and this time, he was holding a piece of a small and delicate black velvet box. 

I covered my mouth because my jaw felt like it stuck, and I couldn't close my mouth. 

Gabriel opened the box, and an exquisite blue diamond stone in the middle of white gold appeared before my eyes. My heart melted with inexplicable emotion. 

"I can't lose you again. I lost you once, and I think we've waited long enough," he spoke. "Audrey, will you accept this token, my love, and allow me to take care of you for as long as I can live? Because I could never live without you now."

"Gabe…" I whispered, and my eyes welled, and my whole being felt like vibrating. The sound of the waves, the brilliance of the ocean as the sunset shaded. Grabiel's five o'clock shadow added up to intensify my emotions.

"Audrey, will you marry me?"

I chuckled. "Oh my God!"

He grinned at me with his soft features. "Well?"

"I love you too, and even though I'm still so shocked… we already talked about this… and now…" I stuttered.

"I have to make sure I'll take this properly," he said proudly.

"And it's so beautiful, and that looks expensive."

He cocked his head. "Audrey, don't you think what I need is your answer?"

I pressed my lips and stared at him.

"Yes!" I screamed. "God, yes!" I jumped on him, and he caught me with his arms, lifting me, and spun me around.

He laughed deliciously. "God, you have me nervous." He brought me down and slid the ring on my finger. He squeezed me against his warm body. "I love you."

"And I love you…"