Chapter 63
65
“Well, if you put it that way,” Gabriel said quietly, “then yes–things have changed a lot lately. I’ve been trying to fix my marriage, but Isla… she’s not letting me. Though honestly, I can’t blame her. Everything that went wrong was my fault p>
The room fell silent for a moment. Gabriel leaned back, staring blankly at the floor. He missed his wife. He missed her warmth, her laughter, the way she looked at him before everything fell apart. All he wanted now was for Isla to trust him again, to believe in him. That was the only way things could work between them. But she didn’t. Not anymore.
Ben watched him quietly. He hadn’t expected this side of Gabriel–tired, broken, still caught between two women. What shocked him most was that Gabriel was still seeing Delphine after everything that happened.
“That woman cheated on you three years ago,” Ben said sharply, breaking the silence. “And she left you right after. I get it you probably had strong feelings for her back then, maybe some sense of guilt or loyalty. But come on, man. You’re married now. Don’t you think it’s time to settle whatever debt you think you owe Delphine and let her go p>
His words were bold, maybe even harsh–but Gabriel understood every bit of it. He should never have let Delphine back into his life. Not after marrying Isla.
He should’ve just thanked Delphine properly, maybe helped her start anew, and walked away for good. Instead, he’d allowed his past to poison his present.
Ben leaned forward a little. “Can I ask you something p>
“Go ahead,” Gabriel replied, shifting in his seat.
Ben studied his face for a long moment. The exhaustion was written all over him. Dark circles, tight jaw, and restless eyes. Still, Ben smiled faintly and asked, “Do you love Isla p>
Gabriel froze. It wasn’t a question he’d expected. Love? He wasn’t even sure what to call what he felt for her. He wanted her that much he knew. He couldn’t imagine a life without her. But was that love?
“I don’t know your definition of love, Ben,” he said honestly. “But I like her… a lot. She’s beautiful, strong, and kind. I see myself growing old with her. I want that. ”
“Hmm,” Ben murmured, leaning back. That answer didn’t surprise him. Gabriel and Isla’s marriage had always seemed complicated.
“What about Delphine?” he asked suddenly.
Gabriel frowned. “What about her p>
Ben tilted his head, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Do you love her p>
Gabriel stayed quiet for a moment. He thought deeply before replying. “Not anymore. I used to or at least I thought I did. But now… no. What I feel for Delphine isn’t love, it is responsibility. And I plan to end that chapter
soon p>
spread across Ben’s face. That was the answer he’d been waiting for. “Good,” he said softly. “I hope you
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really do grow old with your wife, just like you said p>
Gabriel smiled faintly. “And you? When are you planning to settle down? I know I’ve asked you this before, but seriously, Ben–you’re not getting any younger
Ben chuckled, taking another sip of his coffee. “Honestly? I don’t know. Maybe you can introduce me to
someone decent–who knows, she might be the one.” He shrugged and finished his drink, setting the cup back on the table with a soft clink
Gabriel shook his head with a small laugh. “You haven’t changed at all. But honestly, I envy you. You live free- no pressure, no expectations p>
Ben looked at him seriously. “There’s nothing about my life to envy, Gabriel. Fix things with Isla. Love your woman fully. When you finally do that, come back and tell me if you still want to trade lives p>
His words hit Gabriel deep. He was right. Gabriel needed to fight harder for Isla, to close that emotional distance before it became permanent.
“I almost forgot to tell you,” Ben said suddenly. “Peter’s also in town.
Gabriel’s head snapped up “He is? Since when
“We arrived together last night, Ben explained. “We were supposed to come see you this morning, but his grandmother wanted to see him first.
Before Gabriel could reply, his phone started buzzing on the desk. He stood, walked over, and picked it up. screen flashed with his brother’s name –– Landon,
The
He hesitated, wondering why his brother was calling him while at work. But then, he answered. “Lan p>
Landon’s voice came through. It was dry and impatient. “I just thought you should know that your wife, her friend, and her assistant are all here in my club And I’m not babysitting here today. It’s too early, and I have my own plans. So if I were you, I’d close early and core get bet
Click
The call ended before Gabriel could reply. Follow current novᴇls on
He stood there for a moment, phone still in hand, before turning back to Ben. “Isla is at Landon’s club,” he said
quietly.
Ben raised a brow, half amused, half worried. “Then what are you still doing here 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.