31. Chapter 31
Chapter 31
Gabriel
Two Weeks Later
The air is heavy with grief as we gather for Isabella’s funeral. The sun is hidden behind thick clouds, mirroring the somber mood. Everyone is here, standing in solemn silence. I stand beside Ophelia, our hands tightly intertwined.
My parents approach, their expressions hard. “Gabriel,” my father says, his voice cold. “If you had done the right thing, Isabella would still be here.”
Anger flares up inside me. “If Helene and Kristoff hadn’t been so selfish, Isabella would still be here,” I snap back. “This isn’t my fault.”
My father’s eyes narrow. “What do you mean by that?”
I take a deep breath, steadying myself. “I’m choosing my heart, Dad. I’m choosing Ophelia. If they had accepted that, there would not have been a fight. Helene killed Isabella in a fit of rage.”
He scoffs, shaking his head. “You’re disowned, Gabriel. You’re no longer part of this family.”
The words hit me like a punch to the gut, but I stand my ground. “Fine. If that’s what it takes, so be it.”
Ophelia squeezes my hand, her presence grounding me. “We’ll be okay,” she whispers.
My mother looks at me, her eyes filled with sadness. “You’re making a mistake, Gabriel.”
“No, Mom,” I say softly. “I’m making the right choice for me.”
The ceremony continues, the weight of their disapproval hanging heavy. As the final words are spoken, I step forward to place a rose on Isabella’s grave. “I’m sorry,” I whisper, my heart aching for the friend I lost.
With the threat to Everglade Falls vanquished, I know what I have to do. “I’m relinquishing my claim to be Alpha,” I announce, my voice steady. “I’m choosing a life with Ophelia over duty.”
Gasps and murmurs ripple through the crowd, but I stand firm. Ophelia’s eyes widen in surprise, but she doesn’t let go of my hand. “Are you sure?” she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Absolutely,” I say, looking into her eyes. “You’re my mate, Ophelia. Always.”
My father’s expression is a mix of anger and disbelief. “You’re throwing everything away for her?”
“I’m gaining everything,” I reply calmly. “A life filled with love and happiness.”
My father shakes his head, turning away. “You’re a fool, Gabriel.”
“Maybe,” I say softly, watching him walk away. “But I’m a fool in love.”
As the crowd disperses, Ophelia and I stand together, the weight of the day pressing down on us. “Thank you,” she whispers, her voice trembling. “For choosing me.”
I pull her close, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Always,” I murmur.
We walk away from the grave, hand in hand, ready to start our new life.