Gabriel listened to everything quietly. After a moment, he spoke gently.
"Don't be scared," Gabriel said. "I'm with you. I support you."
Meridia looked at him with concern.
"Thank you… but should we tell Mom and Dad about this?"
Gabriel shook his head.
"No. After so many years, I've finally seen them happy. I don't want them to worry after hearing all this."
Meridia nodded slowly.
"Yes… you're right."
Gabriel looked into her eyes, serious yet caring.
"From now on, you won't go anywhere alone. And never return to the ocean to become a mermaid again."
"I don't want to," Meridia replied softly.
"Go and sleep now," Gabriel said.
"Tomorrow morning, we'll leave early for home."
Soon, both of them fell asleep.
(🌅 Morning at the Mansion)
Early the next morning, they returned to the mansion.
Rafaella smiled as she saw them.
"So, you both are back."
"Yes, we are," Meridia replied.
Rafaella studied their faces carefully.
"There's a glow on both of your faces. Everything is quite obvious."
Gabriel smiled confidently.
"Yes, we did it yesterday."
"Very good," Rafaella said.
Meridia blinked in confusion.
"Wait… what?"
"Skin care," Gabriel replied instantly.
Rafaella and Gabriel burst out laughing together.
"Come on," Gabriel said. "Let's rest properly first, then we'll come downstairs."
(🌿 A Decision from the Heart)
Later, Gabriel was resting on the bed when Meridia came and sat beside him.
"I need to talk to you about something important," she said.
"Yes, tell me," Gabriel replied.
"I don't want to become a burden on all of you," Meridia said quietly.
Gabriel looked at her with warmth.
"You are a blessing for us."
"I mean," she continued, "my plan was to leave after becoming cursed and live somewhere else. But you brought me back. I want to work… maybe do a job or business. I want to earn money and not waste yours."
Gabriel smiled.
"Spending money on you is never a waste. You're my good friend. Still, if you want, you can work in my company."
"Thank you so much," Meridia said, relieved.
"But on one condition," Gabriel added.
"What is it?"
"You'll mostly work from home, online. Sometimes I'll take you to the company, but when I do, you'll stay with me all the time. You're not safe."
Meridia looked surprised.
"Not safe? Why?"
"There are two reasons," Gabriel said calmly.
"First, you're beautiful—someone might harass you.
Second, if anyone finds out that you're a mermaid or an angel, scientists—and even the government—will capture you for research."
Meridia's eyes filled with fear.
"Are people really that cruel?"
"Yes," Gabriel replied softly. "Come on, Mom's calling. Let's have dinner."
(🌌 A Mother's Wish)
After dinner, everyone went to sleep early.
But at three in the morning, Gabriel couldn't sleep. He went downstairs to Rafaella's room. The light was on. She was crocheting a small sweater, sized for a baby.
As soon as she noticed Gabriel, she tried to hide it.
"Sorry if I disturbed you," Gabriel said gently.
"I thought you were asleep. What are you doing?"
"Nothing," Rafaella replied nervously. "I just couldn't sleep."
"And then?" Gabriel asked.
"I'm making a sweater for my future grandson or granddaughter."
Gabriel laughed softly and sat beside her, resting his head in her lap.
"What do you think about Meridia?" he asked.
Rafaella smiled warmly.
"She's wonderful… loving… beautiful. No amount of praise is enough."
"So what should we do now?" Gabriel asked.
"I was about to tell you," Rafaella said.
"You both should get married."
Gabriel smiled.
"I was thinking the same. We'll do it at the end of November."
"I'm so excited," Rafaella said happily.
"I'll get Meridia's wedding dress designed by an international designer."
Gabriel's voice turned emotional.
"You know, Mom… Meridia is so good that she never once made you feel like you only came here to wish me on my birthday."
Rafaella froze.
"Oh my God… this isn't even my house. It's my son's house. I visit so rarely, yet I've been living here for four months—and I didn't even realize it."
"I'm shocked myself," Gabriel said.
"She never let you feel like a guest. She kept all of us together."
"I truly didn't notice," Rafaella whispered.
A tear slipped from Gabriel's eye.
"I don't want to lose her, Mom. I really don't."
Rafaella gently stroked his hair.
"That's how I know you're truly in love."
"Yes, Mom."
"Now go and sleep," she said softly.
"You're tired. You have to go to the company tomorrow."