Drowning in the Ocean of Love

Raphael was always busy with work, so Gabriel took it upon himself to look after me and Lucia.

He bought me a bunch of new clothes and handbags as he promised, "Don't take it the wrong way. It's not that I don't love you anymore; it's just that Raphael can't step away from work right now. Plus, he doesn't trust anyone else to take care of Lucia. You understand, don't you?"

When I didn't answer, he wrapped his arm around my waist, his warm breath brushing against my neck. "Come on, don't be mad at me. In a couple of days, I'll take you to church to pray for your safety and well-being."

What he didn't know was that I wasn't angry; I was just numb. I had already died on the night that my child was taken from me. Every word he said now felt like a feather brushing past me, unable to stir even the slightest ripple in my heart.

…

The day we went to church, Lucia and Raphael came along as well.

The path to the church went through a steep mountain path, so Raphael kept close to Lucia while looking after her.

Gabriel frowned, lowering his gaze to hide the frustration in his eyes.

"What's wrong, Gabe?" I asked, a little out of breath.

He hastily regained his composure, crouched in front of me, and offered, "There's still a long way to go before we reach the top, Darling. Since you haven't fully recovered yet, you should let me carry you up."

My cheek rested against his broad back, his warmth seeping through his clothes and into me. Every step he took was steady, as if he would never let me fall.

It reminded me of the day he came crashing through the waves to reach me. In my haze, I thought a prince had appeared before me.

"When I'm all better, let's visit my parents' graves," I murmured, wrapping my arms around his neck.

Without a moment's hesitation, he said, "Sure, we'll do whatever you want."

When we celebrated our first anniversary, he promised my parents just as firmly that he would spend his whole life doing whatever I wanted.

Raphael walked over with four prayer candles. "Light them up and place them by the altar. I'll take Lucia to the chapel for a bit."

Gabriel forced a smile. His grip on my hand tightened, his palm slick with cold sweat. "Lucia's not in good health. A baby can wait, can't it?"

Lucia leaned into Raphael, chuckling behind her hand. "It can't wait anymore. Mom and Dad called just last night. They're urging us to have a baby."

Her eyes drifted ever so slightly in my direction. "They've been waiting so long for a grandchild, only for something this awful to happen."

The blood drained from my face. Raphael avoided my gaze and hurriedly pulled her away.

Gabriel stared blankly at their retreating figures, lost and dazed. It took him a while to come back to his senses, placing his hand on my belly.

He kissed me fervently, and between his ragged breaths, I heard him whisper, "It doesn't matter if we don't have a child. You're all I need."

Yet, his heart hammered against his chest.

"Let's go," I said flatly, without responding to whatever he said.