Chapter 20
0020
When she realized he had already drifted off to sleep, she quietly pulled the covers over him, tucking him in gently. She thought about going to sleep. But she didn’t feel sleepy at all. Instead of lying restless in bed, she decided to keep herself busy with work.
She picked up her phone and chatted with her close friend and a few key partners in her jewelry business. Lately, the sales of her earrings had gone up, and profits were running into several thousands of dollars. It was encouraging, and she felt proud of how much progress she had made in business.
During their conversation, she brought up the new product and design she wanted to develop. Though she knew the Wyndham Wardrobe launch was her current priority, she was already planning for that. Once that was done, she would need to travel to Teriporto to properly see things for herself and for material sourcing.
This particular design was something she wanted to handle personally. She explained her ideas and outlined the plan with her team. After a long exchange, they wrapped up their chat. Isla set her phone aside with a small sigh of relief.
She was just about to put her head on the pillow when Gabriel suddenly began to shiver. His entire body trembled violently, as if he was battling something invisible. His breathing came fast and harsh, and his fists clenched as though he was fighting a war in his sleep.
Isla’s eyes widened. She reached out with trembling hands and pulled him close against her.
Gabriel startled in his sleep, as he let out a sharp scream. His eyes flew open, wild with fear, only to meet Isla’s calm electric blue eyes of hers, staring back.
“Shhh it’s just a dream,” Isla whispered softly, her voice steady despite her own racing heart.
Gabriel blinked, chest heaving, and slowly nodded. He tried to steady himself, though Isla could feel how tense his muscles
still were.
“You’re fine now, ” she whispered again, gently rubbing his back. “Just relax p>
Something in her voice seemed to touch him. The tremors in his body eased, little by little.
Was he having nightmares all this time? Isla wondered, her chest tightening. She had never seen him like this.
Without thinking further, she wrapped her arms around him protectively, almost as though she were cradling him. Her small. hands rested against his back, her touch warm and soothing. Read complete version only at
Gabriel’s body softened against her. His arms slid around her waist, holding her firmly, almost as if afraid to let go. He buried his face against her chest, breathing in her scent. Gradually, his breaths grew slower and deeper.
Isla stayed still, her fingers running gently through his hair, until she too grew drowsy. Wrapped in each other’s warmth, they both drifted back to sleep.
The next morning rushed by in a blur. Isla’s schedule was so packed that she had to skip lunch entirely. While she worked, she found her thoughts drifting back to Gabriel
She remembered how much he ate dinner last night, and it made her wonder–had he skipped meals that day too? More than that, she couldn’t stop thinking about the nightmare. Was it the first time he had one, or had he been silently battling them all along?
By late afternoon, just when she was trying to finish up, her phone rang. She glanced down and froze. The screen displayed ”
Mother–in–law ”
Her chest tightened She hesitated for a second before finally answering.
“Mother,” she said carefully
0020
+25 BONUS
“Meet me in my office now,” came the cold reply, followed by the abrupt sound of the call ending.
Isla closed her eyes briefly. She knew from experience that meetings with her mother–in–law never ended well. She avoided her whenever she could, but there was no way out of this one.
Just then, a knock came on her door.
“Please, come in,” she called, straightening her posture.
The door opened, and Alfred Wyndham walked in. Isla’s eyes widened in shock.
“Grandfather?” she exclaimed.
The old man smiled warmly. “I thought I should check on my favorite granddaughter–in–law. I hope I’m not disturbing your work?” His tone carried a teasing note.
Relief washed over her, and she laughed, rushing into his open arms. His embrace was firm, and he placed a tender kiss on her forehead.
When they pulled apart, Isla gestured toward the sofa. “Grandfather, please, sit p>
He lowered himself into the seat slowly, leaning back with a sigh. She sat beside him, holding his hand with care.
“What can I get you?” she asked, her voice full of respect.
He chuckled, shaking his head. “What could you possibly get me? I don’t need anything, child. I’ve just come from Anna’s office. And let me tell you–avoid her for now. ” He gave another short laugh, though his eyes carried something more serious.
Isla’s heart dropped. Something is wrong, she thought immediately.
“What happened?” she asked quickly. “I didn’t do anything to her. She called me earlier, asking that I see her p>
Alfred tightened his grip on her hand. “No, don’t go. Just head home and take care of your husband. That is the only thing that matters to me p>
Her eyes stung. “Grandfather, is this about Delphine? If it is, please… just let her be.” Isla’s voice was soft, almost pleading.
Alfred’s expression hardened. “ No. She brought this upon herself. This is my company, and I don’t mix sentiment with business Isla, you’ve done an excellent job. Don’t let anyone use you for selfish reasons p>
Isla swallowed the lump in her throat. “I love you, Grandfather. I’ll do my best never to disappoint you p>
A small smile returned to his face. “And nothing would gladden my heart more than for you and Gabriel to give me a great- grandson” He teased, his voice soft again.
Isla laughed, though her cheeks turned warm with shyness. His request echoed in her ears, bringing back the memory of her own mother’s request not too long ago
The thought made her chest tighten with mixed emotions.
Editorial Board