Chapter 143
Gabriel’s phone rang the instant he finished speaking, the sudden sharp tone cutting through the quiet room and making him startle. He quickly pulled the device from his pocket and glanced at the screen. The moment his eyes landed on the caller ID, his entire body froze. His face went rigid, and he found himself unable to move or speak.
Without hesitation, he answered the call.
For a long moment, he said nothing, simply listening intently. His jaw tightened slightly as the voice on the other end spoke. Only when the call ended did Gabriel finally release a slow breath.
“Yes, Grandfather,” he whispered softly.
Isla’s heart leapt in her chest. She rose immediately, her eyes lighting up with relief the instant she heard the name—Alfred Wyndham. It meant the old man had awakened. A warm surge of joy bubbled inside her, filling her with hope and gratitude. She had been silently praying for this moment, and now it was finally here.
Gabriel ended the call slowly, his expression shifting in an instant. A flicker of happiness appeared in his eyes—a deep, gentle relief that Alfred was awake. Yet beneath that relief, Isla noticed something else: a shadow of fear.
He looked like a man who had been waiting far too long to hear the truth, yet was terrified of what that truth might reveal.
Isla stepped closer, reaching out to gently clasp his hands. At first, his fingers were rigid, but they gradually relaxed under her touch. When he met her gaze, his eyes softened, and a small, reassuring smile touched his lips.
“I’m fine,” he murmured, though she could tell the words were far from the truth.
Isla nodded knowingly, feeling the weight behind his voice. “I understand,” she said softly. “But you should go to him. Listen to whatever he needs to say.”
Gabriel swallowed hard, nodding slowly. “I just don’t know what else he might want to tell me,” he admitted quietly.
“That’s exactly why you need to go,” Isla whispered, still holding his hands firmly. “Don’t keep the old man waiting. Go get dressed.”
He bent down and pressed a brief, tender kiss to her lips—quick, gentle, but filled with unspoken emotion. Then, without another word, he turned and walked away.
Isla remained rooted in place until he disappeared into the elevator. Only then did she return to her friends, forcing a smile. “Sorry about that,” she said softly.
“We understand,” Betsy replied warmly, her eyes full of kindness.
Isla sat down again, but before their conversation could resume, another phone rang—this time from the coffee table.
Sofie snatched up her phone and glanced at the screen. The call ended almost immediately, replaced by a message notification. Her breath caught when she saw the name.
Peter.
She opened the message.
“I am on my way.”
Frozen, Sofie gripped her phone tightly, pressing it against her chest as her fingers trembled ever so slightly. Her breath grew shallow, a mix of nerves and excitement swirling within her.
Isla and Betsy exchanged curious glances, their eyebrows rising in silent question.
Sofie looked back at them helplessly. “He’s coming here,” she whispered.
“What are you waiting for? Go change and get ready,” Betsy urged immediately.
But Sofie only lowered her gaze, her voice caught in her throat. She remained still, overcome by anxiety.
Isla clearly saw the fear etched across her friend’s face—the vulnerability shining through in every line. Without hesitation, she stood.
“Come with me,” Isla said gently. “I think I have something perfect for your date.”
Sofie’s eyes widened with hope as she rose to her feet. “Really?” she asked eagerly.
“Yes. But don’t thank me just yet,” Isla teased, already heading toward the stairs.
Sofie hurried after her, with Betsy close behind.
When they entered the large room, the lights switched on automatically, bathing the space in a soft, welcoming glow. Rows upon rows of clothing, shoes, bags, jewelry, and accessories were arranged meticulously, resembling a private boutique.
Sofie gasped in awe. “Oh my God!”
“What is this place?” Betsy asked, spinning slowly as she took it all in.
Isla shrugged casually and sank onto a white sofa by a tall window. Crossing one leg over the other, she flicked her hair back with a small smile. “Apparently, this is my closet.”
“What?” Betsy exclaimed, struggling to believe it. “Your closet?”
“You have a whole boutique just for yourself?” Sofie echoed, her eyes nearly popping out.
Isla chuckled softly. “I haven’t touched anything here since I moved in. Honestly, I’m not even sure I will. Gabriel is just… crazy.”
“He definitely is,” Betsy agreed with a knowing nod. “Trust me, the man is madly in love with you.”
Isla’s cheeks flushed at the words, her heart fluttering as memories of Gabriel’s earlier confession flooded her mind—that moment when he finally uttered those three precious words she had longed to hear.
She felt whole, complete, and deeply cherished.
Looking up, Isla noticed both her friends watching her with warm, knowing smiles.
Clearing her throat, she stood. “You two can take your time here. I need to take care of something.”
“Yes, we know,” Sofie and Betsy said in unison, teasing her playfully.
Isla rolled her eyes dramatically but couldn’t help the soft smile that curved her lips as she stepped out of the room, leaving them to explore the boutique-closet on their own.