Chapter 81
The drive to Wyndham Hospital felt endless. Silence filled the car as Isla and Gabriel sat lost in their thoughts. This text is hosted at
For Isla, every passing second deepened her anxiety. Sir Alfred Wyndham had always been kind to her. He had been supportive, understanding, and one of the few who truly believed in her marriage to Gabriel. He was more than family to her; he was someone she could trust without fear. And now, hearing that he was in a coma felt like a bitter twist of fate. Her chest tightened painfully, and she clutched her hands together, trying to stop them from trembling.
Gabriel, on the other hand, sat stiffly beside her, his jaw clenched. The news didn’t make sense to him. Sir Alfred had been perfectly fine the day before. He was full of life. How could someone so strong and healthy suddenly collapse? The thought left him restless and helpless in a way he could not explain.
When their car finally pulled up in front of the hospital, one of Gabriel’s bodyguards, who came down from another car immediately stepped forward to open the door. Gabriel turned toward Isla, offering his hand just as he always did. She placed her palm in his, and the moment she stepped out, his hand moved protectively to the small of her back, guiding her gently toward the entrance.
Inside the hospital, the atmosphere was tense. The entire Wyndham family occupied the private floor; the hallway buzzed with hushed voices and anxious movements. Isla could feel the weight of their worry pressing against her chest.
Gabriel’s gaze instantly found his father, who was pacing back and forth near the double doors of the intensive care unit. His face was pale and his eyes tired and full of grief. Without a word, Gabriel walked toward him in a fast stride.
Isla’s eyes wandered until they found Landon. Relief washed through her at the sight of him. Among all the people in that hallway, he was the one person she felt she could approach without hesitation. She walked toward him slowly, and the moment his eyes met hers, his expression softened.
His shoulders relaxed, and a small, reassuring smile touched his lips. “Isla,” he said quietly, with calm relief in his tone. His eyes held warmth a pure comfort that told her she wasn’t alone in her worry.
Seeing that look on his face eased some of the fear twisting in her chest. Without thinking, she nodded and gave him a faint, grateful smile. For a brief moment, amidst the tension and dread that filled the corridor, it felt like she could finally breathe again.
Mia didn’t miss the sudden change in her husband. In fact, she was stunned that someone like Isla could have that kind of effect on him.
“Spitfire,” Landon said teasingly, and several heads turned in their direction.
Isla was shocked. She couldn’t believe his sense of humour in a situation like this.
“Really, Landon?” Isla scolded softly. “How can you joke in a situation like this? ”
He grinned, unfazed. “Maybe it’s because you’re finally here. Your presence lightened the mood p>
A few people exchanged looks, and Mia’s expression hardened immediately. She wasn’t the only one glaring at Isla now–Wyatt was too. But Isla didn’t look their way. She kept her composure. Alfred Wyndham might not be
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here to stand up for her anymore, but her husband was, so is this brother of his. That thought alone steadied her heart.
“So, what exactly happened to him?” Isla asked quietly, her tone getting serious.
Landon shrugged, though the tension in his eyes betrayed his calm tone. “Father found him collapsed in his study. We called the ambulance immediately. That’s all I know. Everyone’s here now, just waiting. I hope it’s nothing serious p>
“Oh, God… please help Grandfather,” Isla whispered a silent prayer,
“The doctors are still in there, running tests,” Landon added. “I just hope they come out with good news soon.
Just then, Delphine walked in. The moment Sia saw her, she let out a dramatic sob and rushed to hug her, crying loudly. Delphine quickly joined in, both of them weeping as if the world had ended.
The sight was so exaggerated that even Mia almost laughed. Everyone knew Sia’s tears were rarely genuine- unless, of course, she’d lost one of her diamonds or something threatened her luxury lifestyle. She barely cared about anyone, though she might have a sliver of affection for her mother–in–law.
Isla couldn’t help shaking her head slightly, a tiny smile tugging at her lips at the ridiculous display. Unfortunately, Delphine caught the gesture and turned sharply toward her,
“What’s funny?” she snapped. “Do you think this is a joke p>
Isla froze, startled. The room went silent, and every pair of eyes turned toward them.
Delphine and Sia walked closer, their faces set in righteous fury. “That old man–the one who loved you so much that he’d do anything to protect you–is in there fighting for his life,” Delphine said sharply. “And you’re standing here laughing p>
Gasps rippled through the hallway. Everyone’s attention now rested on Isla. Even Gabriel’s brows drew together, confusion flickering in his eyes.
“What are you saying, Delphine? Don’t even start-“Isla tried to explain.
“Start?” Delphine interrupted, her tone sharp as glass. “I’m not starting anything. I’m just saying the truth. I wasn’t the only one who saw you laugh. Laughter is fine, Isla, but not when the pillar of this family is lying unconscious inside that room. Tell me, what’s so funny about that p>
Her accusation hit Isla like a slap. Words stuck in her throat. She hadn’t meant to laugh–not at the situation, but at Sia’s fake tears. Yet Delphine’s tone made her look cruel, heartless even.
What hurt most, however, wasn’t the accusation–it was the look on Gabriel’s face. The doubt in his eyes.
Did he… believe her?
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.