Chapter 75: The Best Revenge is Living Well
"I can’t believe you named him Sgt. Pepperoni," Anna said, barely able to contain her laughter as she gently brushed the back of her hand over the puppy’s velvety head. He promptly rolled onto his back, exposing his soft belly in an open invitation for tickles.
"What do you have against the name?" Gabriel raised his eyebrows, feigning surprise at her amusement. "I think it’s perfect for a lad like him!"
As if voicing his disapproval, the puppy gave a sharp bark, making Anna burst into full, unrestrained laughter. The sound was bright and genuine, almost childlike in its innocence—so unlike the woman she had been lately. Gabriel watched her, and despite himself, he smiled.
It was a relief to see Anna happy again. Since that awful night when Marienne killed Susanne, she had moved through the world like a ghost—her eyes hollow, her skin unnaturally pale, her presence dimmed. It had taken days for her to start returning to herself, and even now, something dark still lingered in the corners of her expression, like a shadow clinging to her skin.
"It’s probably strange to say this," Gabriel mused aloud, his voice low, "but you’re absolutely glowing when you’re with this dog. When I see you like this—just being you, enjoying the moment—I can’t help but wonder..."
He trailed off, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly, clearly regretting that he’d spoken at all.
"What is it?" Anna looked up at him, a little taken aback by his sudden shyness.
Gabriel let out a long breath and sat down beside her on the blanket. The afternoon breeze stirred his blond curls, catching the sunlight in just the right way—it made him look like he’d stepped out of a Renaissance painting, all warmth and quiet intensity.
"Do you really need to do all this... I mean, your revenge?" Gabriel finally asked, his voice calm, yet laced with an undercurrent of chill restraint.