Chapter 113
The dining room was quiet except for the soft clinking of cutlery against porcelain. The golden chandelier above the cast a warin light that shimmered off the glass table.
Gabriel and Isla are in silence, both lost in thought. Every minute, their eyes met–It was brief and it said everything words couldn’t. There was something unspoken between them. A lot actually.
For Gabriel, his thoughts were simple yet heavy. He wanted Isla to feel at home here, in their new beginning. But he could sense discomfort every second–not unhappiness, but the unease of a woman who wasn’t used to
being waited on.
Isla had always been independent, the kind who preferred doing things herself. Yet now, in this grand house full of staff ready to serve her every need, she was learning to accept help, even if it didn’t sit easily with her.
For Isla, her heart was burdened by a different kind of weight.
Guilt.
She thought of Alfred’s confession, of Gabriel’s real mother, and the secret she was forced to carry. How could she stay silent when he had done everything to rebuild what they almost lost? His kindness, his care, his love…. every gesture made her guilt burn deeper.
She placed her fork down and drew a quiet breath. “When do you want to tell your family about us?” she asked softly
Gabriel froze. The silver knife in his hand stilled midair before he set it down carefully. His gaze lifted to hers- calm, unreadable, and yet intense.
He sighed quietly and leaned back in his chair. Isla could tell he was searching for the right words.
He tilted his head slightly. “Which part of us are you talking about, love?” he asked, pretending not to
understand.
Isla frowned. “Don’t do that, Gabriel,” she said gently. She dropped her cutlery and folded her arms, her eyes steady on him. “You know exactly what I mean.”
He watched her, his jaw tightening slightly, that small attitude tell she’d learned, he was holding back words.
“I know you’re doing everything you can to make me happy,” she continued, her tone calm and clipped. “But happiness isn’t just about this house, or the comfort. It’s also about family, having them share in it. Even if they don’t always deserve it.”
Gabriel leaned back further, folding his arms across his chest. His voice came low. It was steady, almost weary. ” The only thing that matters to me right now is you, Isla. Your safety. Your peace. For once in my life, I want to be
selfish.”
He stood up, the chair scraping softly against the marble floor. His tall frame moved toward the window, and he stared out at the Olympic–sized pool that shimmered under the afternoon light.
“I’ve given everything to my family,” he said quietly. “My time. My loyalty. My respect. And what did I get in return?” He let out a bitter laugh. “Only my grandfather and my father ever cared about my happiness. The rest
“he shook his head, “the rest care only about power and money.‘
He turned slightly, his reflection flickering in the glass. “And trust me, they already know about your pregnancy. Grandfather surely does. The man has eyes everywhere.”
He chuckled softly, but there was no humor in it. “This estate belongs to him. He knows every business transaction that happens under the Wyndham name. So I’m sure he knows about this mansion too. He knows everything.”
Gabriel finally rned from the window and walked toward her. Each step he took felt measured–until he stopped right in front of her.
“The rest of them can wait,” he said firmly. “I don’t owe them anything. Wyatt and his wife only care about their next big check. And as for my mother…” his voice faltered for a second, then steadied. “I’ve finally realized how much control she’s had over my life. How much I allowed it. But that ends now. My happiness is no longer hers to manage.”
He lowered himself slowly, crouching beside Isla’s chair. Taking her hands in his, he brought them to his lips, pressing soft kisses against her knuckles.
His eyes lifted to hers, calm but burning with quiet conviction.
“All that matters to me now,” he said softly, “is starting over with you. Building something real–something that’s ours.”
Isla’s lips parted, but no words came out.
He squeezed her hands gently. “Let me show you how much I care for you. Let me build a family with you. The one that isn’t broken or controlled by anyone else. Just you and me, Isla. Walk with me in this, please.”
It wasn’t a demand. It was a plea. It was soft, honest, and vulnerable.
And for Isla, it was the hardest request of all. Because choosing him now meant turning away from the truth she carried. A truth that could destroy many things if spoken aloud.
Her heart trembled. Between love and guilt, she could barely breathe.
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.