Chapter 55

Honey, why aren’t you at work? Did something happen?” Diana rose from her seat in the living room as Isla stepped inside.

“I’m fine, Mama. Nothing to worry about,” Isla said softly, wrapping her arms around her mother’s slim waist.

Diana hugged her back gently, inhaling her daughter’s scent. But aside from the familiar mix of perfume, she could also smell sadness. When she pulled away, her eyes fell on Isla’s face. Her daughter’s eyes were swollen, her smile forced. She didn’t need to ask. A mother always lows when her child is hurting.

But instead of pressing her with questions, she only said, “Come, sit down and take off your sweater.” She said, offering to help. “Are you hungry p>

She guided Isla toward her favorite spot, to a wide, soft lounge chair that almost looked like a little bed. It was covered with fluffy cushions and a throw blanket. Isla sank into it, sighing deeply as if the weight of the world had finally found a place to rest.

She dropped her clutch on the table, kicked off her shoes, pulled up her sweater and dropped it on the sofa next to hers, before she folded her legs up. The chair cradled her like an old friend.

That chair had been her little comfort corner since college. Whenever she came home tired or upset, she would curl up there, sometimes sleeping off her tears. Diana had kept it all these years for her. It’s been four years now

-just for moments like this.

“Mama,” Isla said quietly after a moment, “if I’m not asking too much, can you make me Chinese rice p>

Diana paused. Chinese rice. At this hour? That wasn’t a breakfast request–it was a comfort request. Something was definitely wrong. Her daughter’s bad habit is back.

“No, you’re not asking too much,” Diana said kindly. “You know I love cooking for you. Give me a few minutes, it’ll be ready soon p>

“Thank you, Mama. I love you,” Isla murmured.

“I love you too, my baby,” Diana replied, blowing her a kiss as she walked toward the kitchen.

She didn’t ask more. She knew Isla well enough to understand that when she wanted to talk, she would. Right now, all she needed was warmth, quiet, and food that reminded her of home.

Two housemaids were already in the kitchen, helping with the cooking. Diana gave them quiet instructions, her mind was elsewhere. She kept glancing toward the living room where Isla sat, staring blankly at the TV

but

screen.

Diana sighed. The way Isla sat, the way she tried to look calm, it was the same way she acted years ago when her father had disappointed her, but didn’t want to cry.

She shook her head softly and focused on the pan sizzling in front of her.

Minutes passed. The sweet aroma of soy sauce and spices filled the house. By the time the rice was almost ready, Diana turned and saw Isla had fallen asleep on the chair. But the TV was still playing.

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She smiled sadly. Poor thing. Whatever it is, I’ll be here for her.

Then the voice of a reporter from the television caught her attention.

“Mrs. Wyndham, can you tell us why Mrs. Isla Wyndham has been replaced with Miss Delphine Winthrope? We have reports that Mrs. Wyndham just got appointed as the General Manager of Wyndham Wardrobe and her performance was outstanding. Why replace her with a model signed under the same company p>

Diana froze. Her hands trembled slightly as she turned off the stove and stepped closer to the TV.

On the screen was a live interview from CMT News. The reporter was standing before the Wyndham corporate building, microphone in her hand. The camera panned to Anna Wyndham–Gabriel’s mother.

Diana’s heart skipped. Replaced?

“First of all,” Anna began with her usual fake poise, “Isla’s appointment was only temporary, Miss Winthrope’s appointment is the official one. Let’s just say she finally got what she deserves. Thank you p>

Diana’s jaw dropped. She clenched her fists, anger flaring in her chest.

“ Witch, ” she muttered under her breath. “Heartless woman p>

She looked toward Isla again. Her daughter was still asleep, unaware of the humiliation being broadcast to the whole city.

Then another reporter’s voice cut through the air: “One more question, Mrs. Wyndham. Is it true that Mr. Gabriel Wyndham and Mrs. Isla Wyndham are getting a divorce p>

“No more questions,” Anna snapped and walked away,

The reporter turned back to the camera.

“Well, that’s all the information we could get from Mrs. Anna Wyndham. However, we have confirmed there have been major internal changes across all Wyndham companies. But the appointment of Miss Delphine Winthrope shocked everyone–especially those who loved the couple. Once they were voted Carminton’s Best Kiss of the Year p>

A short clip flashed across the screen–Isla and Gabriel kissing, outside the Wyndham Wardrobe Fashion show night. The video went viral and was still trending. Read complete version only at.net

The reporter’s voice returned, softer now, almost pitying.

“Why would Carminton’s most admired couple want a divorce? It remains a mystery. From Mrs. Wyndham’s tone, you can sense that something is terribly wrong.

Diana muted the television. The sound of her own breathing filled the quiet room.

She turned back to look at Isla, who stirred a little in her sleep, her brows twitching as if she was dreaming of something painful.

Diana walked closer, knelt beside her, and gently brushed her hair away from her face.

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“My poor baby,” she whispered. “You don’t deserve this. Not any of it p>

Florence

Florence is a passionate reader who finds joy in long drives on rainy days. She’s also a fan of Italian makeup tutorials, blending beauty and elegance into her everyday life.