A Stain, A Curse

Isabella let out a pained cry as she struggled through the leg and stiff body exercises, her muscles weak and uncooperative after a year in a coma. With determination etched on her face, she pushed herself to move, gripping the support pole tightly for balance. Gabriel, despite his busy schedule, had taken the time to assist Isabella, standing behind her, ready to catch her if she faltered.

As Isabella shifted her weight, she missed a step, and panic shot through her as she teetered dangerously. Before she could fall, Gabriel's strong arms encircled her waist, providing the support she desperately needed. In his effort to steady her, he lost his own balance, his face coming perilously close to her bare shoulder. A tingle of warmth coursed through Isabella as she felt the soft brush of his lips against her skin, a surprising and intimate moment that left her breathless.

Startled, Isabella turned to look at Gabriel, her eyes meeting his in a charged silence. No words were spoken as Gabr