Chapter 13

0013

Charles was furious. His face turned red. The shock spread across the room, in an instant. Isla’s siblings stared at her with wide eyes, unable to believe what they had just heard. Even Rees and Luke were stunned. They couldn’t believe that Isla could turn someone like Gabriel down.

To carry Wyndham heir should be Isla’s dream. Not avoiding it. What in the world could be her problem? The men shook their heads. One will think that they could read each other’s minds as they thought the same.

As for Betty. She almost couldn’t believe Isla. What exactly is her problem? Although, she knew that her sister has always been distant from everyone. There was no way of getting through her mind.

Gabriel, however, sat calmly, wearing an unreadable expression. His face gave nothing away, as if he had expected something like this all along. No one could tell what was going on in his mind, and that made the tension around the table grow even

heavier

Diana stood up and glared at her daughter. Her voice rose higher than usual. “How exactly do you mean? Marriage is no joke, Isla Your husband here said he was ready. What could possibly be your problem p>

“Mrs. Ainsworth, please calm down.” Gabriel’s voice sounded steady, smooth even. He reached out, holding his wife’s hand

gently. “I think I understand my wife p>

Diana slowly sank back into her seat. She glared at Isla with disappointment and frustration.

Charles, however, leaned forward, his voice softer than his wife’s. “Isla, talk to me, my dear. Why did you say that? ”

But Isla said nothing. Her lips pressed tightly together, and her eyes stayed fixed on the tablecloth. She was holding too much inside, carrying a weight she could not bring herself to share.

How could she tell them? How could she say that the man they all praised as her perfect husband was sneaking around with his ex–girlfriend? How could she expose him here, in front of everyone, when her parents‘ pride and reputation were built on her marriage? And how could she tell them he had lied just minutes ago, pretending he also wanted children, when he didn’t?

The silence stretched for too long, causing Gabriel to take control of the situation. He squeezed Isla’s hand firmly, it was a silent message to keep her quiet. Then he spoke with his usual calm authority.

“The truth is, my wife has a lot on her plate right now. I believe that is why she isn’t ready yet p>

Diana’s eyes widened. She cut in immediately. “And what work could she possibly have that is more important than attending to her husband’s needs? ”

Gabriel chuckled lightly, as if amused. He tilted his head toward Isla, locking eyes with her. Yet her gaze remained unreadable That unsettled him more than he cared to admit. He hated when he couldn’t read her.

“ My wife, ” Gabriel announced, his voice rising enough for everyone to hear clearly, “has just been appointed as the General Manager of The Wyndham Wardrobe ”

Silence filled the room. And gasps filled the air. Forks clattered against plates. Everyone’s eyes widened in shock, stunned

into silence

Diana’s hands flew up to cover her mouth

Then, suddenly, Betty screamed in delight, followed by Maya. Their joy broke the heavy silence.

“Congratulations, my dear ” Charles finally said, pride shining in his eyes. He rose slightly and nodded toward Isla. “Why didn’t you say anything before p>

“Thank you, Father,” Isla replied softly, her voice faint.

Diana, still reeling from the news, shook her head in disbelief. “Oh my God this is huge! Sweetheart, you should have told me. Do you realize how big this is? ” Her eyes shifted to Gabriel, filled with gratitude. “Thank you, Gabriel. Your love for our

0013

daughter cannot be measured p>

Gabriel smiled faintly. “Well, to be honest, it was all Grandpa. It was our gift for ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ.net

Yesterday p>

our second–year wedding anniversary,

+25 BONUS

“What?” Diana’s expression changed instantly. “ Your anniversary was yesterday and you didn’t even celebrate it?” Her voice rose again, and it was filled with anger.

Charles frowned quietly, his thoughts heavy. Something was off between his daughter and her husband. “What is going on

with these two?” he wondered silently.

2

Editorial Board