Chapter 12
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The phone kept ringing, but Gabriel wasn’t answering it. He switched off his phone and slid it into the inner pocket of his suit jacket. When he looked up, he saw Isla still standing by the car. Her face gave nothing away, her expression calm and
unreadable.
He stepped closer and spoke in a low tone. “Shall we proceed?” he asked.
She only gave a small nod before turning and walking toward the house, leaving him to follow behind.
Inside, they were warmly welcomed by the housemaids and by Diana, who was delighted to see them arrive together.
“Good morning, Mrs. Ainsworth,” Gabriel greeted politely, bending a little to press a soft kiss on Diana’s forehead.
Diana chuckled, her smile wide. She was genuinely happy to see them side by side like a married couple should be. Charles, also came forward to greet them, and soon the room was filled with laughter and cheerful voices.
“Aunt Isla!” a tiny voice piped up.
Little Jeff came running, his small feet pattering against the floor. Isla bent her knees quickly and scooped him into her arms, showering him with kisses. “How are you doing, my little nephew?” she asked tenderly.
The boy giggled and buried his face against her shoulder. Gabriel reached forward, playfully ruffling Jeff’s golden hair, earning another laugh.
As they moved further into the house, Isla saw her elder sisters, Maya and Betty, already waiting with their husbands. Luke Green, Betty’s husband, was the heir of the wealthy Green family, though not as wealthy as the Wyndhams. Betty is the eldest daughter of the Ainsworths. She had been married for five years and was the mother of little Jeff.
Also there was Carl Rees, married to Maya. The Rees family was well–to–do and held a respected name in Carminton.
The two men–Luke and Carl–stood up at once the moment Gabriel entered the dining foom. Meeting him was an honor. Gabriel was not just well known; he was the man in charge of the Wyndham empire, the one whose signature could open doors to massive contracts. He was someone everyone respected, someone whose presence always commanded attention.
Appointments with him were rare, almost impossible, since he was often on business trips. That was why the two sons–in- law were eager to take this chance to engage him, now that he was here with them.
After the initial greetings and exchanges, everyone moved to the dining table for breakfast. The table was long and richly set, filled with different dishes. Conversations flowed easily, and the sound of laughter echoed through the room.
After some time, Diana rose a little in her chair, her expression was cheerful.
“Alright,” she began “I know today is important to everyone, and I won’t hold you for too long. I just felt, as a family, we should share our joys with one another p>
The room grew quiet, everyone waiting for the big announcement.
“As you all know, Carl and Maya have been married for almost four years now. They have prayed and waited for a child.” She smiled warmly.
Maya leaned against Carl’s shoulder, her hand clutching his arm affectionately. Isla’s eyes lingered on them for a moment. Even though she knew her sister’s marriage had been arranged, she could see that something real had grown between them Genuine love was written in their faces
“So,” Diana continued proudly, “ another son will soon be born into our family. Maya is expecting p>
The room burst into applause Excited voices overlapped as Betty and Isla hurried to their sister, wrapping her in a tight embrace They are genuinely happy for her.
Even Gabriel stood up, stretching out his hand to Carl with a congratulatory shake “Congratulations,” he said with rare
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warmth.
Everyone was happy, but Diana was the happiest. Her joy filled the room.
When they were all seated again, Diana looked directly at Gabriel and Isla. “Gabriel,” she said softly, “I think it is time you and Isla start working on having children. It has been two years now p>
Isla’s eyes darted to her mother in warning, silently begging her to stop. But Diana ignored the look.
Gabriel cleared his throat. His face was calm when he spoke.
“I agree with you, Mother,” he said. “I was thinking the same thing.” His eyes shifted to Isla, locking with hers. “But you
should probably ask Isla. If she is ready, then I am ready.” ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ.net
The family clapped happily at his words. Charles beamed, pleased with Gabriel’s response. Diana wiped tears from her eyes, touched by Gabriel’s words.
But Isla sat still. She scoffed quietly, shaking her head in disbelief. She knew Gabriel’s words weren’t real. They were spoken
to please everyone, not her. Anger burned inside her, though she kept her composure.
To everyone else, Gabriel’s reply was perfect–an honor to the family. He was the CEO of Wyndham Real Estate, the most powerful man in the room, the wealthiest of them all. Isla’s marriage to him had changed her family’s status completely.
Her father, Charles, now held influence as a big contractor, while her mother, Diana, had risen in social rank, envied by friends who once mocked her. To them, Isla’s marriage had brought nothing but pride.
“Sweetheart,” Diana said with hopeful eyes, “what do you say to this? ”
All eyes turned toward Isla. The room fell silent, heavy with expectation. Everyone waited for her answer.
Isla looked around, her gaze roaming over each face her sisters, her parents, then Gabriel. They were all waiting for a reply they wanted to hear, a reply she knew would be fake if she play along.
She finally drew in a breath and spoke with so much gentleness.
“I am not ready to be pregnant p>
“What?” Diana’s voice rang out, loud and sharp with shock.
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