Fifty-eight

Fifty-eight
Isabela

The euphoria of Gabriel’s recent success didn’t last long. The next morning, as the house bustled with activity, Laura arrived with grim news. She carried a tablet in her hand, her expression tighter than I had ever seen.

“We have a problem,” she said, setting the device on the dining table where Gabriel and I were having coffee.

Gabriel’s sharp gaze flicked to the screen. “What kind of problem?”

“André’s retaliation,” Laura said. She swiped through the screen, showing a series of photos and messages. “He’s already mobilized his resources. We’ve intercepted chatter about a coordinated strike. They’re planning something big.”

My stomach churned as Gabriel scanned the files. His jaw tightened, and the tension radiating from him was palpable.

“How soon?” he asked, his voice low but commanding.

Laura hesitated. “Possibly within the next 48 hours. He’s targeting everything: the docks, your businesses, and… here.”

My breath caught. “Here? As in the estate?”

Laura nodded. “We’ve already increased security, but it’s a bold move. If André is willing to attack you on your home turf, it means he’s desperate.”

Gabriel stood, pacing the room. “Desperation makes him dangerous. We can’t underestimate him.”

The hours that followed were a whirlwind of preparations. Gabriel’s security team fortified the estate, while Laura coordinated surveillance on André’s known associates. Despite the controlled chaos, a sense of unease lingered in the air.

As I walked through the house, checking on Miguel and Clara, I couldn’t shake the feeling that we were standing on the edge of something catastrophic. Gabriel found me in the nursery, where Miguel was playing with his blocks.

“How is he?” he asked, his voice softer than usual.

“Oblivious,” I replied, watching Miguel stack his blocks with a concentration that made my heart ache. “Which is a blessing.”

Gabriel stepped closer, his hand brushing against mine. “We’re going to keep him safe, Isabela. No matter what.”

I nodded, but the fear gnawed at me. “And what about you? You’re taking all of this on your shoulders, Gabriel. If something happens to you…”

“Nothing will happen to me,” he said firmly. “I’ve survived worse.”

His confidence was unshakable, but it didn’t quell the storm of emotions swirling inside me. “You don’t have to do this alone,” I said. “We’re in this together.”

His eyes softened as he looked at me, the weight of his responsibilities momentarily lifting. “I know. And that’s what keeps me going.”

That evening, the estate felt like a fortress. Armed guards patrolled the perimeter, and the control room buzzed with activity. Gabriel’s team monitored every camera feed and communication line, their focus unwavering.

I found Gabriel in the study, reviewing plans with Laura. He looked up as I entered, his expression unreadable.

“Is everything okay?” he asked, stepping away from the desk.

“I could ask you the same thing,” I replied, crossing my arms. “You haven’t stopped since this morning.”

“There’s no room for mistakes,” he said simply.

“And there’s no room for you to burn yourself out,” I countered. “You need to rest, Gabriel. Even if it’s just for an hour.”

He hesitated, his shoulders sagging slightly. “I can’t afford to.”

“You can,” I insisted, stepping closer. “You’ve done everything you can to prepare. Now you need to take care of yourself.”

For a moment, he said nothing. Then, with a reluctant nod, he allowed me to lead him to the living room. As he settled onto the couch, I sat beside him, the weight of the day pressing down on both of us.

“You don’t have to be invincible all the time,” I said softly. “It’s okay to lean on someone else.”

His hand found mine, his grip firm but gentle. “I’ll lean on you, but only if you promise to do the same.”

I smiled faintly, leaning my head against his shoulder. “Deal.”

The calm didn’t last. At midnight, the estate’s alarms blared, shattering the quiet. Gabriel was on his feet in an instant, his expression hardening as he barked orders into his comms.

“What’s happening?” I asked, my voice trembling.

“Perimeter breach,” he said, his tone clipped. “Stay here with Miguel. Don’t leave this room.”

Before I could argue, he was gone, his movements swift and purposeful. I scooped Miguel into my arms, his sleepy confusion breaking my heart.

“It’s okay, baby,” I murmured, trying to keep my voice steady. “We’re safe.”

But as the minutes dragged on, the sound of gunfire and shouted orders outside told a different story. Clara joined me, her face pale but resolute.

“I locked all the doors downstairs,” she said. “The guards are holding them back.”

I nodded, clutching Miguel tighter. “Gabriel will handle it.”

The door burst open suddenly, and my heart leapt into my throat. But instead of Gabriel, it was one of his guards, his face streaked with sweat and panic.

“We have a problem,” he said breathlessly. “André’s men breached the west wing. Gabriel’s trapped.”

Time seemed to freeze. My mind raced as I tried to process his words. Clara gasped, clutching my arm.

“I have to go,” I said, my voice trembling but firm.

“No, you can’t,” Clara said urgently. “It’s too dangerous!”

But I was already moving. My heart pounded as I handed Miguel to Clara, kissing his forehead. “Stay here. Keep him safe.”

I ran out before she could stop me, the chaos of the situation fueling my determination. The sound of gunfire grew louder as I reached the west wing, ducking behind pillars and navigating the shadowed hallways.

In the distance, I saw Gabriel pinned down, his back against a wall as André’s men closed in. His eyes met mine, a mix of fury and fear flashing across his face.

“What are you doing here?” he shouted.

“Saving you,” I replied, my voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through me.

But before I could take another step, a gunshot rang out, the deafening sound splitting the air. I froze, my breath catching as Gabriel lunged forward, shouting my name.

The darkness around us seemed to close in, and I realized that the battle had only just begun.