Chapter 101

So, it wasn’t Alfred after all. Gabriel had investigated the truth himself. Exactly what she had wanted from him.

But did that make her feel any better? No. It didn’t. The hurt was still there. And it was deep and with pains.

He shouldn’t have doubted her. He should have trusted her the same way she trusted him, even when she had every reason not to.

She sighed softly, her chest tightening as she thought about everything. These wounds would take time to heal. Still, the more she thought about it, the more irritated she became–and she couldn’t even explain why. Official source is.net

Without replying, she brushed past him and reached for the porcelain plates. Before she could pick them up, Gabriel’s hand gently covered hers and took the plates away.

“I told you before,” he said in a quiet tone, “you need to rest p>

Isla didn’t argue. She couldn’t. She simply stood there and watched him as he set the plates down on the counter. He began to serve the food carefully, every movement quiet and deliberate.

When he finished, he looked at her.

“Please,” he said softly, “sit and eat. Stop stressing yourself p>

She didn’t meet his eyes, but she obeyed. She sat down on the stool and began to eat. Her movements were brisk -almost too fast.

Gabriel watched her, fighting the urge to stop her before she choked. After a moment, he sat beside her and began to eat too.

Neither of them spoke. The silence stretched painfully between them, heavy with all the things they both wanted to say but couldn’t.

When Isla finished, she stood to clear the dishes, but Gabriel stopped her again.

“ I’ll handle it,” he said gently.

Realizing it was pointless to argue, she sighed, picked up her phone, and walked out of the kitchen without

another word.

Gabriel didn’t stop her this time. He just stood there quietly, watching her go. It wasn’t the ending he hoped for, but it was something. At least she hadn’t shut him out completely. Maybe this was the beginning of healing.

So, the CEO of the Wyndham Empire–the man who commanded boardrooms and billion–dollar deals–rolled up his sleeves and cleaned the kitchen himself. Something he had never done before.

When he was done, he stepped into the living room, grabbed his suit jacket and phone, and made his way toward their bedroom. His heart sank when he found the bed empty.

Once again, the weight of his mistakes hit him hard. He remembered his words last night. So, he knew what he had to do.

1/3

0103

He showered, dressed in casual clothes, and tried to convince himself to stay alone. But he couldn’t. Not tonight.

A few months ago, sleeping alone wouldn’t have mattered. He’d grown used to loneliness. But now, after feeling what it was like to fall asleep wrapped in his wife’s warmth, the thought of an empty bed felt unbearable.

“Last night was a mistake,” he muttered under his breath. “It won’t happen again p>

With that, he stepped out and walked to Isla’s bedroom. His hand trembled slightly as he reached for the doorknob. He took a deep breath and turned it–only to find it locked.

He gritted his teeth, frustration rising in his chest. His anger wasn’t toward her, but it was toward himself.

He closed his eyes for a few seconds, then knocked gently. No response.

“Isla,” he called softly, his voice sounded gentle. “Please. I need to be with you tonight. I can’t sleep alone p>

He paused, feeling ridiculous. The words sounded rehearsed, too stiff to hold emotion. He took another breath and knocked again, louder this time.

“Isla, please… open this door.” His voice broke with frustration. “Forgive me. I’ll never doubt our-” He stopped. The words felt too heavy to finish.

And then. Silence.

No movement. No reply.

Gabriel stood there, staring at the locked door, a deep ache spreading through his chest. The silence from the other side was louder than any rejection he’d ever faced.

He leaned his forehead gently against the door. “This is just the beginning,” he muttered to himself.

And deep down, he knew it was true.

2/3

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.