Chapter 80
“You don’t have to be shy, love,” Gabriel teased with a low chuckle, clearly enjoying the way she reacted. His voice carried that deep warmth that always made Isla’s stomach flutter.
She looked away briefly, then smiled. She looked shy, but she was also full of emotion. When her eyes met his again, something inside her softened completely. For a fleeting second, she forgot everything–the arguments with Wyatt, the unspoken doubts between them. All she could feel was how peaceful it was to sit there with him, how safe his presence felt.
Gabriel noticed her silence and tilted his head, “You’ve zoned out again,” he said quietly, his tone even more softer than before. He leaned a little closer, his green eyes full of curiosity and concern. “Tell me, seriously- what are you thinking about p>
Isla parted her lips to reply, but the door opened before she could speak. The head waiter entered with a soft smile, wheeling in a silver food cart. The delicate aroma of butter and spices filled the room immediately as he began to serve their appetizers. Moments later, the sommelier stepped forward, pouring red wine into their crystal glasses.
Gabriel gave a nod of dismissal, and both men left. The door clicked softly behind them, leaving silence and warmth between lovely couples.
Gabriel leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving her face. “Once we’re done eating,” he said, his voice carrying that teasing command again, “I expect you to answer my questions. Don’t think I’ve forgotten p>
Isla chuckled softly and nodded, though her heart beat faster under his
gaze,
Lunch passed in a comfortable silence. The steak was tender, and the lobster was perfectly cooked–the wine rich and smooth. Even as they ate, their eyes communicated and it was like they could understand one another.
When dessert was served and the waiters finally left, Gabriel stood and thanked them. The room fell into silence again and only the distant roaring waves of the ocean could be heard.
Isla rose from her chair and walked toward the glass wall. She looked out to the beautiful view down below, the ocean water glittered under the sun. For a moment, she lost herself in that beauty.
Behind her, Gabriel loosened his tie and took off his suit jacket, folding it neatly over the chair. He walked toward her quietly. When he reached behind her, his presence surrounded her completely. His chest pressed gently against her back and his breath warm against her neck.
Isla giggled softly at the closeness. “Gabriel p>
He chuckled too, his voice low and rough with affection. He rested his chin in the crook of her neck and wrapped his arms around her waist. His hands traced the line of her hips before rising slowly, until they rested over her breasts. She gasped softly, her body melting into his touch.
“Isla,” he murmured near her ear, “can we stop fighting?” He asked. “Can we just… enjoy what we have? No more third parties, and no more interference. Just you and me p>
She stilled. His words sank into her heart, heavy and sincere. For a moment, she wanted to ask if he was ready to promise the same–to stop letting others come between them–but she held her tongue. Instead, she simply
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nodded.
Gabriel slowly turned her to face him. Her blue eyes were brighter, meeting his intense green gaze. His hand came up to brush a loose strand of hair away from her face. His thumb stayed near her cheek before he tucked his hands into his pockets, standing tall before her.
“I know you don’t trust me yet,” he said quietly. “And I can’t blame you for that because I know how much I have hurt you. But believe me, Isla, I’m going to fix this. I’ll make our marriage work. And when I do–you’ll see why you can respect me p>
“I already respect you, Gabriel,” she said softly, almost before he finished. “Maybe I don’t trust you enough yet, but I’m willing to try. I want this marriage to work too p>
He nodded slowly, and a small smile appeared at the comer of his mouth.
They both turned back to the glass wall. The ocean below glittered under the setting sun, and the waves washed over the shore.
“Nice view, right?” he said quietly.
“Yes,” she whispered. “It’s beautiful. Peaceful. Just you and me–it feels perfect p>
He looked at her, his expression softening “About earlier… Are you ready to tell me what you were thinking about p>
She smiled faintly. She knew he wouldn’t let that question go. She turned her head slightly, still looking at the
Water.
“I was thinking about us,” she admitted. “About how I love this moment. Just you and me. No lies, no anger, no one else between us. That’s all I want p>
She turned slowly, facing him completely. Her eyes held his, and her voice dropped to a whisper. “You’re right, Gabriel. I don’t want you to be gentle tonight either p>
His expression changed instantly–his gaze darkened, the air around them thickened with romantic tension. He took a small step closer, he was close enough that she could feel his heartbeat.
“Let’s get out of here,” he said in a low voice, his self–control hanging by a thread. “Before I do something I
can’t undo. ”
“Okay, let’s go,” Isla agreed, her heart leaping in her chest.
But before they could reach the door, Gabriel’s phone began to ring, stopping him in his tracks. He looked at Isla, and she gave him a small nod, silently telling him to answer it.
Gabriel pulled out his phone from his suit pocket. The screen flashed with the caller ID….“My Father p>
He frowned slightly. His father rarely called unless something serious had happened.
“Father,” he said quietly, his voice tense as he listened.
A long pause followed. Isla could only hear the faint rumble of a deep voice from the other end. Then Gabriel’s
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expression shifted–his brows furrowed, and the calmness in his eyes vanished.
“What happened to him?” Gabriel’s tone grew sharp, filled with sudden worry.
Isla’s pulse quickened. She watched his face closely, searching for answers.
“I understand. I’ll be right there,” he said finally before ending the call.
The moment he dropped his phone, the air around him changed. His face went pale, his jaw clenched, and his eyes darkened with fear and anger.
Isla’s stomach tightened. “Gabriel… what’s wrong?” she asked carefully.
He turned to her, and he replied with a low and heavy voice. “It’s Grandfather. He’s slipped into a coma.” Find the newest release on.a froze. “What?” she whispered, her eyes wide in shock.
The world seemed to go quiet for a moment, leaving only the sound of their hearts racing in the silence.
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.