Chapter 155
The news about Anna Finley’s conviction had spread like wildfire.
Every news channel carried her story.
Every online blog, gossip platform, and social media page displayed her face.
New charges had been issued against her-far more serious than before.
The abduction of one Miss Gladys Lambert thirty-one years ago.
Unlawfully keeping her in a private mental hospital for decades.
Stealing her newborn child.
The hospital that once took Gladys in-thinking Anna had the right documents-had now come forward. They provided the medical papers Anna submitted, the fake details she used to claim her victim was mentally unstable, and the hospital’s log of Anna’s regular visits over the years. All the evidence was stacked high against
her.
The court found her guilty on three counts.
She had been sentenced. Fully and finally.
And just as John promised his son, he handled the entire matter swiftly. In a calm way, yet with terrifying efficiency.
The nation was shaken.
The Wyndhams were receiving sympathy from every corner, especially now that they had just lost their patriarch, Alfred Wyndham. People grieved with them. Supported them, and respected them.
Anna’s conviction became the most viewed headline on every gossip channel, every online news outlet, every celebrity reel. Her crimes shocked everyone.
***
After all the chaos, friends and family surrounded the Wyndhams-each in their own home, but deeply connected.
Ben, Peter, and Isla’s family all gathered at Gabriel and Isla’s residence to support them. Everyone understood how close Gabriel and Isla were to Alfred. He was not just a grandfather-he was their anchor, their guide, and the bond that shaped their love.
Everyone knew the ones hurting the most now were Gabriel and Isla.
The estate was filled with Isla’s family-her sisters, their husbands, and her parents. Her home was full of chatter, movement, warmth, and comfort.
Ben and Peter were there too-every day. They never spent the night, but they arrived early each morning and only left late at night, making sure Gabriel and Isla had people around them constantly.
Sofie and Betsy were also there. It was a full and comforting house. A healing period.
And though grief remained, the presence of their loved ones slowly replaced the heaviness with little sparks of joy.
Isla was the happiest of all.
Having her family close, surrounding her with laughter and gentle support, reminded her that despite everything she had endured, she still had people who loved her deeply.
Everyone settled in the garden that afternoon. The men handled the barbecue and drinks, while the women worked together in the outdoor kitchen. Even the chief cook and maids helped here and there. It felt like a festive gathering rather than a house weighed down with sorrow.
A long table was set with grilled meats, assorted dishes, salads, sauces, and everything delicious.
Little Jeff run around laughing.
The air smelled of smoke, spice, and warmth.
Little Jeff, Betty, and Luke’s son, sat between Isla and Gabriel, happily eating and talking with their mouths full.
Every couple sat together-Sofie beside Peter, Ben beside Betsy, and Diana beside Charles. It was a beautiful, peaceful moment.
Then Peter cleared his throat.
“I have something to say.
Silence followed immediately.
Everyone turned to him. Peter was not a talkative man. He only spoke when necessary. When he opened his mouth, the room expected importance.
“I am getting married in two days.”
The sound of cutlery hitting plates stopped. People blinked. Mouths parted.
Shock and amusement, mixed together with surprise was all written boldly on everyone’s faces.
Gabriel and Isla exchanged a warm look.
“What incredible news,” Gabriel finally said.
“This is wonderful,” Isla added. “But isn’t that too short of a notice? Who is the bride?”
Another silence followed.
Peter’s hand slid toward Sofie’s under the table, and he squeezed her fingers gently.
“Sofie is the woman.”
Gasp escaped their mouths.
“Sofie?” Isla breathed in shock, her eyes widening.
Betsy’s jaw dropped. “Oh my God. It is happening!”
“I’m happy for you both,” Diana said, smiling. “But two days? We need to prepare—
“Everything is ready,” Peter interrupted.
But Sofie quickly cut in too.
”
“We’re sorry for dropping the news like this,” she said softly. “With everything happening, we didn’t want to bring it up. And because of the situation, we decided on a quiet wedding ”
She looked down shyly.
“Just a few friends at the registry… and a small reception at our place.”
Diana looked at her with pride.
“We’re having a wedding in two days!” she announced, raising her glass. “To Soph and Peter!”
Everyone lifted their glasses.
“To Soph and Peter!”
They drank and laughed, hugging them, and celebrating the good news.
But while joy filled the garden, one person was still silent.
Ben.
Gabriel noticed instantly. Ben, who was usually talkative, cheerful, and full of jokes, had grown strangely quiet these past days. His bright personality seemed dimmed.
Gabriel leaned forward, ready to ask what was wrong-
-but suddenly, Ben dropped to one knee beside Betsy.
Gasps rippled through the air.
Even the maids froze. Everyone stared in shock.
And the garden fell silent once again.
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.