Chapter 19
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“ You startled me,” Isla said as she walked further into her bedroom.
Gabriel was still dressed in his office clothes. The sleeves of his blue shirt were rolled up neatly to his elbows, showing his strong, fair forearms. His top three buttons were undone, and Isla’s traitorous electric–blue eyes caught a glimpse of his bare chest. That little view was enough to make her throat dry.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Gabriel asked in a low and calm voice.
Isla crossed her arms over her chest and stood in front of him. Fear pricked her heart, but she kept her composure.
“What are you talking about?” she replied instantly.
Of course she knew. She knew Delphine must have gone running to complain to him. But Isla didn’t care. If anything, she wasn’t going to stand there and be insulted.
Gabriel rose from the edge of the bed and towered over her, their height difference made her feel small. He stared into her electric–blue eyes, and for a few seconds, he couldn’t look away. Her eyes were so bright and charming. He almost lost himself right there, almost forgot why he came.
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Isla’s heart pounded so fast in her chest. His closeness made her weak, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t deny her husband’s charm. But she knew this wasn’t the time to get silly.
Gabriel finally looked away from her and stepped back. He hadn’t come here to admire her beauty–he had come to scold her.
I asked you for one simple favor, and you can’t grant me that?” he snapped, his voice filled with frustration.
“Not after Grandpa has already given his word,” Isla shot back. “You expect me to overturn his orders, just to please you? No. I couldn’t do that. Besides – have you ever for once sat with your staff and asked about Delphine’s conduct? ”
Gabriel stayed silent.
“I guess not,” she whispered. “Look, I don’t care what Delphine means to you. I’m not the type to meddle in other people’s personal lives. But professionally? You’re over stepping your boundaries p>
His head snapped back, and his eyes locked onto hers with burning anger. “What did you just say to me?” His glare was hard.
Isla refused to answer directly. She turned her face away. “Look, I’m tired. I think you should leave p>
“Don’t forget,” he paused for a second. “that you’re my wife, and I’m your husband. This room is mine just as much as it is yours
Isla let out a humorless laugh “Since when? Because as far as I can remember; our marriage has always been for show. Perfect couple outside Strangers at home. ”
She walked past him and disappeared into the bathroom, leaving him standing there, his fists clenched at his sides.
Gabriel’s chest rose and fell with fury. He hated when she spoke to him like that. He always wanted to be the one in control, but lately, it felt like she was slipping out of his grasp. And that thought burned him more than he could admit.
He walked out of her room and went back to his own. After a quick shower, he returned to the sitting room, his laptop balanced on his lap as he buried himself in work
From the kitchen, Isla stole glances at him while she cooked. She told herself not to look at him, but her eyes disobeyed. He looked so peaceful sitting there, so handsome and tempting. He was her husband, yet he felt like a stranger, so distant and
unreachable
She shook off the thought and focused on finishing dinner Magdalene wasn’t home, so it was just the two of them
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When she served the meal, she didn’t even bother to call him. To her surprise, Gabriel was already shutting his laptop, as if he had been waiting for her. He walked over and sat down across from her at the dining table.
She served him food and he ate. They ate in silence. As always, It had become their routine. Still, Isla noticed the way he ate heartily, as though he hadn’t had a proper lunch. For a fleeting second, she wondered about his long day, but she quickly pushed the thought aside.
Later that night, Isla was already in bed, ready to sleep, when the door opened. ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ.net
Gabriel stepped in, this time dressed in soft pajamas.
Her eyes widened. What is he up to now? she wondered silently.
He closed the door, walked over, and without saying a word, climbed into the bed beside her.
Isla turned her head and stared at him in shock. Since when did he start sleeping in her room?
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