Chapter 24

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She hesitated. What was the use of hurting herself more when she already knew what the video would show?

Without thinking further, she deleted the message, and the video with it. The unknown number disappeared from her screen, while she sat still for a moment, feeling empty.

A light knock on the car window made her look up. Her mother’s worried face appeared. Isla wound the glass

down.

“Honey, are you okay? Are you sure you won’t stay for dinner?” her mother asked, concern softening her voice.

Isla forced another smile. “I’m fine, Mama. I’ll be on my way. Love you.” She blew her mother a quick kiss and started the engine.

“Love you too, my love. Drive safely,” Diana answered.

She waved and watched her daughter drive away.

When Isla pulled into their private garage at home, she climbed out and paused to look around. Luxury cars lined the space–SUVs, sports cars, large vans. Four of those cars were gifts from Gabriel. The white Mercedes- Maybach S–Class she had just driven sat near the back. There was also a black Rolls–Royce Phantom, a black Range Rover Autobiography, and a yellow Lamborghini Urus.

He did not count the cost when he bought her things. He gave her more than she can ask for, or will ever need. Why was it so hard for him to love her? The question burned in her chest. 1

Pain rose, and it became unbearable. Maybe she was not good enough. Maybe she was not beautiful enough. Maybe she failed him in other ways. Her thoughts tumbled into the same guilty places again and again. It hurt too much. She could not carry it anymore. She was done pretending.

Tonight, she decided she would put herself first. She would live for herself and not for anyone else’s expectations. She wiped her tears away and breathed in slowly, forcing to steady herself.

She climbed into bed and messaged Betsy, who had finally settled in Teriporto. After their chat ended warmly, she sat there and thought about her next point of action.

At Wyndham Estate that night, John and Anna prepared for bed. John had noticed Gabriel’s recent behaviour. He knew exactly what was going on with him. His engagements with Delphine, the constant sightings. The reports had reached him, and it bothered him deeply.

When Anna came to join him, he decided to speak. “ You know your son has been seen a lot with Delphine lately. If, father learns the truth, do you understand what could happen?” he asked, low and tense.

Anna’s reply was cold. “It’s time he sees his mistake. He knew Delphine before he had our son marry that leech. Let him face it p>

John got defensive. “Everything Father did was for the family. If he hadn’t arranged that marriage two years ago, do you know the damage their behaviour could have caused p>

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“That’s exactly the problem,” Anna snapped back. “She seduced him, and now our son must pay.” She turned away and lay on her side, facing away. “If Delphiline bears his child, Father will have to accept her into the family p>

John laughed softly, and there was a warning in it. “You never stop amusing me. With all your education, you still think like a child. Delphine will always be a mistress. Any child she bears will be called illegitimate p>

“That’s if Gabriel remains married to that woman,” Anma hissed. “I told her to leave my son alone. I even called her father p>

“You went too far this time, Anna. You must deal with the consequences of your actions. Stop tormenting Isla and her family. Treat her like your daughter–in–law instead. Take my advice. Good night p>

Anna had no answer. She lay awake, and her mind racing. She could not sleep.

In the dead of night, inside Gabriel and Isla’s home. Isla crept quietly through the bedroom, packing her things. She had made up her mind. She needed to be away for a while. And that for her to figure out what she really wanted for her life, without any distractions.

She moved her things with ease, folding, tucking, placing each of her little things into suitcases. Her heart still hurt, but with every item she packed, she felt a little more like herself again.

When the suitcase was closed, she paused and ran one last look over the room. Carefully, she rolled out her suitcases as she walked out, this time, she hoped that she had made the right decision for herself and Gabriel.

As she stepped out of the elevator, she pulled her suitcases behind her into the garage. Three men were already waiting. Without saying much, she tossed them the keys to the other cars. She had decided to drive her Mercedes, while they would follow behind in the cars Gabriel had bought in her name.

There was no doubt–this was the hardest decision of her life. It wasn’t about divorce; it was something deeper, something entirely different.

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Isla’s convoy drove into the *Wyndham Skyline Avenue. This was not just any neig For more chapters visit.net

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.