Chapter 186

Isla took a deep breath and began to explain everything she knew about Carl. She didn’t hold back any details.

John listened closely, his face pale against the white sheets, tubes snaking from his arms to machines that beeped softly. When Isla stopped, he turned his sharp gaze to Gabriel, who stood rigid by the window. “How come you never mentioned it?” John scolded, his voice was so weak.

“People don’t just look alike like that. He might be related to you, you know?” His words stirred a storm inside Gabriel.

Across the room, Gladys sat straight on the bed, her frail body tense with sudden energy. Hope glittered in her eyes Like stars. She had lost so much. She hoped that this Carl would be one of her triplets,

She prayed silently, her lips moving without sound, that this Carl was one of her lost sons. The possibility made her heart pound, a rush of love and fear flooding her veins. What if it was true? What if she could hold him after all these years?

“Please, where can we find him?’ Gladys suddenly asked, her voice breaking the quiet. She leaned forward, hands clasped tight. “Maybe if he goes for a DNA test. Maybe he could be the son I thought I lost.”

The words tumbled out, and then the sobs came out. A wrenching cry that shook her shoulders. Tears streamed down her wrinkled cheeks, carrying decades of grief. She covered her face, her body curling in on itself, the weight of loss crushing her.

John cursed under his breath, a low, frustrated sound that echoed his helplessness. He was stuck in this bed, wires and tubes pinning him down like chains. His woman was crying just feet away, her pain reached him, real, and he couldn’t even reach out to hold her.

Rage boiled inside him—not at her, but at his broken body, he wanted to pull her close, wipe her tears, whisper that everything would be okay. But all he could do was watch, his chest tight with sorrow. “Gladys, please, calm down,” he said softly, his voice cracking. “I promise you that Gabriel will find him tonight.” The promise felt like a lifeline he threw into the storm, even as doubt gnawed at him.

Gabriel frowned, his jaw clenching. He stepped closer to the bed, his hand instinctively resting on Isla’s shoulder.

She was pregnant, carrying their child, and the weight of that responsibility pressed on him like a stone.

“I have a pregnant wife to take care of tonight,” he said firmly, his voice laced with conflict. Protecting Isla came first and always. “However, Stone will bring him here to you tonight. That I can promise you.”

The door creaked open, breaking the tension. Doctor Matt walked in, another doctor trailing behind him, and a nursepushing a cart of supplies. The room filled with the sterile scent of antiseptic.

“Visiting hours have passed,” Doctor Matt said kindly but.”

You will need to come back tomorrow.” His eyes scanned the group, noting the red eyes and heavy emotions.

“Doc,” John pleaded, his voice urgent.

“Stone will be back”

tonight. It is important, so please, don’t put me to sleep until after he leaves.” The plea came from deep within, a father’s desperation to see his missing child.

“Ok. Noted, Mr. Wyndham,” Doctor Matt replied with a nod.

Everyone left immediately after saying their goodbyes.

Isla hugged John gently, and also Gladys, whispering promises of return. Gladys wiped her tears, squeezing her hand one last time. And they all left. The door clicked shut, leaving the doctors alone to tend to John, and Gladys, the beeps of machines, the only sound in the dim room.

***

It was already past eight at night when Gabriel stepped out of the shower. Steam trailed behind him, and a white towel hung low on his hips, revealing the sharp V-line of his abdomen, muscles honed from years of hard work. His dark brown hair dripped water onto his broad shoulders, and his jaw was freshly shaved, smooth and defined. He Looked so handsome, and strong

Isla sat on the edge of their bed, her fingers twisting thehem of her white tank top. Since they got back from the hospital, Gabriel had been avoiding her. He barely spoke during the drive home

She knew why he was that way. It was because she had doubted him. But it wasn’t intentional-her heart had been in knots. Who wouldn’t question things in her shoes?

On one hand is a boy who looked exactly like him. And another is her pregnancy, every emotion felt amplified, like waves crashing inside her. She missed his touch, his reassurance, the way he made her feel safe.

When she saw him emerge from the bathroom, she got up immediately. Her bare feet padded softly on the carpet as she crossed the room. She wore only the thin white tank top over her panties, the fabric clinging to her curves. Her perky nipples pressed against the material, visible and inviting, and the heavy swell of her breasts strained the seams.

Pregnancy had transformed her-her skin glowing with a soft radiance that made her more beautiful, more irresistible. Hormones surged through her, heightening every sensation and desire.

Gabriel’s eyes locked on her the moment she moved. He couldn’t look away, even though he was still angry. Her body called to him, stirring a deep hunger he had suppressed for days.

They had been dealing with so much-the hospital visits, the family secrets-and intimacy had taken a backseat.But now, seeing her like this, vulnerable and alluring, his resolve cracked.

He cherished her more than life itself. She was his world, the mother of his unborn child. Yet he needed her to understand-he could be hurt too. Trust should be the foundation of their love.

As she stepped right in front of him, her electric blue eyes met his green ones. The air between them crackled, with unspoken words. Something shifted—a spark of forgiveness, and of need. Her hands curled around his. neck, her fingers threading into his damp hair. “I am sorry, my love,” she whispered, her voice soft and trembling.

Tears pricked her eyes again, not from sadness, but from the depth of her regret. She pressed closer, feeling the heat of his skin, the steady beat of his heart.

He didn’t speak. Instead, he just kissed her. It was rough and urgent, his lips claiming hers with a passion born of longing. His hands gripped her waist, pulling her against him, the towel slipping slightly. He had missed her-missed this connection amid the chaos. Their tongues danced, breaths mingling in hot gasps. The kiss deepened, erasing the distance of the day.

“I want you, tonight,” he breathed against her lips, his voice husky and raw. He kissed her more, trailing down her neck, nipping at her skin. His hands roamed, cupping her breasts through the tank top, thumbs brushing her nipples until she moaned.The world outside faded-the hospital, the search for Carl, the uncertainties. Here, in their bedroom, it was just them.

Their bodies entwined in a dance of reconciliation. Isla found his mouth again and they kissed more.

Isla moaned softly into Gabriel’s mouth. She wanted him so badly. Her heart raced with deep need. She craved his warm touch, his strong body, his every breath. For weeks, she had dreamed about this night. She planned every step. Tonight, everything would happen her way. She would take full control, and it filled her with excitement and power.

She pulled away from the deep kiss suddenly. Gabriel groaned in frustration. His eyes burned with hunger. He reached for her, but she stepped back just out of reach.

Ista smiled at him. She loved seeing the effect she had on her husband. His frustration made her feel strong and desired. Her gaze dropped to his hard chest. The muscles there rose and fell with his quick breaths. She bit her Lower lip, feeling a rush of heat in her body. He looked so perfect, so ready for her.

“Sit over there,” she said softly, pointing to the armless chair in the center of their bedroom. It sat on the soft paisley carpet, which she had chosen just for this moment. The patterns swirled like waves under the dim light. She had placed the chair there on purpose. Tonight was her mission to lead him into pleasure he could not control.

Gabriel narrowed his eyes. A playful smirk tugged at his lips. “You want to play dirty tonight, huh,” he teased. His voice was low and rough, full of anticipation. He liked thisside of her. It made his pulse quicken.

But he obeyed without a fight. He walked to the chair and sat down. His legs spread wide, inviting her closer. His body tensed with expectation. Isla’s heart pounded harder. She felt a thrill run through her veins. This was just the start.

She turned and walked into the walk-in closet. Her steps were slow, teasing. When she came back, she held two silk ties in one hand. The fabric felt smooth against her skin, promising what was to come.

Gabriel’s eyes followed her every move. He saw her plan clearly, but he said nothing. Instead, he leaned back in the chair, relaxing his shoulders. Trust shone in his gaze, mixed with eager curiosity. It made Isla’s chest swell with Love and desire.

“Tonight, we do things my way,” she said firmly. Her voice carried a seductive edge. She wanted him to feel her command.

He nodded, his smirk fading into a serious, heated look.”

I’m all yours,” he whispered.

Isla moved behind the chair. The carpet felt soft under her feet. “Give me your hands,” she instructed, her tone gentle but unyielding.

Gabriel chuckled softly as he brought his hands behind the chair. The sound warmed her heart. He loved seeing his wife like this-wild and bold. It impressed him deeply.