212 Something Is Wrong
Olivia’s POV
I sat on my bed, unable to stop thinking about everything that had happened.
Why did Alpha Gabriel lie to me? Why say his parents were away when his mother has been dead since he was a teenager?
I frowned at the thought. What about his father? Was he dead too?
“Good night, Lady Olivia,” Miren said softly, pulling me out of my thoughts.
I turned to her quickly. Curiosity burned inside me.
“Is Alpha Gabriel’s father still alive?” I asked.
Both girls froze. They exchanged a tense glance, and right then, I knew something was wrong.
I stood up, my heart starting to beat faster, and walked closer to them.
“Please,” I said, my voice almost shaking, “is there something I should know?”
Miren, who looked around my age, hesitated before finally speaking.
“There’s nothing you need to worry about… it’s just… we servants aren’t allowed to talk about it.”
“You aren’t allowed to talk about it?” I asked, narrowing my eyes. “About Alpha Gabriel’s parents?”
They both lowered their heads, and for a second, I thought they wouldn’t say anything more.
But then Dalia whispered under her breath, “Alpha Gabriel’s father… is in this mansion.”
My eyes widened. “He’s here? Then… why haven’t I seen him? Why doesn’t he ever come out?”
They both looked uneasy. Miren took a deep breath and finally answered,
“Because he doesn’t move. He doesn’t talk. He just… lies in his room, like a vegetable."
My lips parted in shock.
“A vegetable…?”
Dalia nodded slowly.
“No one sees him anymore. Just a few trusted people take care of him. He hasn’t left that room in years.”
Goosebumps ran down my arms. I didn’t understand any of this.
Why lie to me about his parents? Why hide the truth?
“Please don’t tell him we told you anything,” Miren whispered, glancing toward the door as if someone might walk in. “Act like you don’t know… please.”
“I understand,” I said quietly. “I won’t say anything, I promise.”
They both looked relieved.
“Good night, Lady Olivia,” Dalia added softly before they both left the room.
I sat there for a long time, frozen in place. Gabriel had lied to me. Why? Why tell me his parents were away on vacation… when his mother was long dead, and his father was lying helplessly in a room just down the hall?
I lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling, but there was no peace in me. My thoughts were racing, my chest tight.
“Something doesn’t feel right,” my wolf whispered.
“I know,” I replied silently. Gabriel… he seems perfect. Too perfect. But now I’m starting to wonder… what is he hiding?
Eventually, I drifted off to sleep. But it wasn’t deep or restful. I woke up in the middle of the night, my throat dry and aching for water.
I sat up and reached for the fridge, but when I opened it, there was nothing inside–no water. Just empty shelves.
With a sigh, I pulled on my robe and quietly stepped out into the hall. The house was dimly lit and silent. I made my way down to the kitchen, careful not to wake anyone.
But just as I reached the corner, I froze. Voices. I stopped in my tracks and pressed my back to the wall. I recognized Abigail’s voice.
“…so Gabriel, when are you going to do it?” she muttered, her tone sharp. “Are you going soft now, having a change of mind?”
My heart skipped a beat. What was she talking about? Then I heard Gabriel respond, his voice low and tense.
“Abigail… I said give me time.”
My breath caught. Suddenly, I felt a change in the air–a shift. My scent must have reached him.
“Olivia?” Gabriel’s voice called out into the hallway. “Is that you?”
Panic surged through me, and I quickly stepped out from the shadows.
“I–sorry,” I said, trying to keep my voice calm. “I was just thirsty… I came to get some water.”
Gabriel stared at me for a moment. His face was unreadable. Abigail said nothing, only glared from her seat in the corner of the dimly lit room.
He stepped forward. His eyes softened slightly, but I could still sense the tension in him.
“Let me get you some water.”
I nodded, pretending not to notice how Abigail’s jaw tightened. As Gabriel walked past me toward the kitchen counter, my heart thudded hard in my chest. Something isn’t right. And now… I was sure of it.
I stood there for a moment, watching Gabriel pour the water in silence. My throat was dry, but now my mind wasn’t at rest.
“Gabriel?” I said softly.
He turned to me, glass in hand.
“Yes?”
“Can I… can I have a word with you?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
He looked surprised, but then he nodded.
“Sure.”
I took the glass from him and led the way back to my room. Neither of us spoke as we walked through the dim hallway. I could still feel Abigail’s eyes burning into my back as we left.
Once inside, I closed the door and turned to face him.
“What’s going on?” I asked, setting the glass down on the table. “I overheard Abigail asking you why you were going soft. She sounded… upset. Like you were hesitating about something.”
Gabriel’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“Olivia-”
“Was she talking about me?” I cut in. “Am I the reason she’s upset?”
He paused, then shook his head.
“No. It’s not about you.”
I wasn’t convinced.
“Then what is it about?” I asked. “Gabriel, I need to know. You said I could trust you. But now I feel you are hiding something from me.”
His jaw tightened. I could see it in his eyes–he was holding something back.
“I said it’s not about you,” he repeated firmly, his voice a little sharper now.
I stepped closer.
“Then tell me the truth. Why did she sound so angry? What does she think you’re going soft on?”
That’s when he snapped. His tone turned cold.
“It’s a family matter, Olivia. One that doesn’t concern you.”
I froze. He took a step back, as if trying to calm himself.
“I’d appreciate it if you stayed out of things that don’t involve you.”
I stared at him, fear and pain flooding my chest. Then, without another word, he turned and walked out, shutting the door behind him.
I stood there in silence. The room suddenly felt colder. My hands trembled slightly as I reached for the glass of water he gave me.
Whatever this is… it’s deeper than I thought. And now I’m sure of one thing: I have to leave this place.