Chapter 25
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Isla’s convoy drove into the *Wyndham Skyline Avenue. This was not just any neighborhood. It was known for its elegance and sophistication, a high–end residential haven for the elite. Every tower here was a monument of glass and wealth, each belonging to “Wyndham Homes*. People said this was the most expensive penthouse residence in all of Richbouph.
The neighborhood stretched with more than fifty glittering towers, each one named and styled differently, rising into the clouds like silent guardians of power.
While the other drivers from her convoy drove straight into the underground garage, Isla’s car glided toward the porte–cochère of *Wyndham Heights*. One of the Wyndham penthouse residences.
The moment her car stopped, a doorman rushed forward and swung the door open with a professional smile.
“Welcome, ma’am,” he greeted warmly.
Isla stepped out gracefully. She handed him the keys after acknowledging him with a nod.
“Welcome, Mrs. Wyndham. This is a pleasant surprise,” the concierge, Isaac, greeted her from the polished marble lobby.
She smiled gently. “Thank you, Isaac. You’ll be seeing a lot of me these days.” Her voice was soft, and filled with assurance. Then, lowering her tone, she asked, “Is he around p>
“Yes, ma’am. He’s been waiting for you. I’ll have your luggage brought up p>
“Perfect,” Isla replied, then walked into the sophistication of the building, her heels clicking softly on the marble.
The following morning, around five. It was very early. Gabriel and Delphine stepped out of the sleek Wyndham private jet. A black luxury car was already waiting by the runway. A chauffeur hurried forward and held the back door open. Delphine entered first, and Gabriel followed.
The car purred to life. “Welcome back, sir. I hope you had a pleasant journey?” Thomas, Gabriel’s trusted driver,
asked.
“Thanks, Thomas. It was smooth. Can you give us some privacy?” Gabriel ordered.
“Yes, sir.” With that, Thomas pressed a button, and the partition glass slid up, leaving Gabriel and Delphine
alone.
Gabriel didn’t waste a second. He turned to Delphine immediately. “What is going on? Why have you been avoiding me? I’ve given you everything you asked for–time, trips, even silence when you needed it. I’ve done it all. What else do you want p>
“You gave me everything, but you deny me one important thing p>
“Oh please, not this again, ” he cut her off. “I thought we’re done with this discussion, Delphine p>
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Delphine’s voice cracked with frustration. “Your mother made it clear–we need to give her children. But you… you keep holding back. You’re too distant, Gabriel. What’s wrong with you p>
His jaw tightened. “It has nothing to do with you. I just don’t think it’s right. And I suggest we leave it at that p>
Neither of them spoke for a while. Silence filled the space. He had taken Delphine to Madayaka, a jewel of a country famous for its luxury resorts, hoping it would lift her spirits after Alfred denied her a role in this year’s new designs launch. Anna, his mother, had suggested the trip–thinking the shimmering waters and palaces of Madayaka would console her bruised pride.
But Delphine’s wounds went deeper. She turned and locked her eyes on him, accusing “Tell me, Gabriel. Do you … by any chance… love Isla?” Her tone was cold, almost daring him to speak the truth.
Gabriel didn’t answer. Instead, he turned his gaze away, looking out of the tinted window as the city lights began to appear in the distance.
Delphine’s lips pressed into a thin line. She gave a small, bitter nod. “Fine. You don’t want to talk about her. You never do. But then answer this–do you love me p>
“With my life,” Gabriel replied immediately, his voice steady. “And you know it p>
Her eyes softened for a moment. She leaned in, brushing her lips against his. The tension melted into laughter as they both chuckled softly, trying to bury the storm that was raging inside them
Later that morning, after dropping Delphine at her residence, Gabriel finally returned home. Magdalene, the family’s long–time housekeeper, greeted him at the door.
“Welcome back, Mr. Wyndham. How was your journey?” she asked politely.
“Splendid,” he replied with little emotion. “Is my wife home p>
The question made Magdalene pause. This was the first time Gabriel had ever come home and asked for Isla before anything else. It struck her as unusual. Still, she replied calmly, “No, sir. She’s not around p>
Gabriel only nodded, then walked away. Magdalene followed silently with his suitcase, wheeling it into his room while he disappeared into the shower.
When he came out, fresh and dressed in a dark casual shirt, he didn’t stay in his own suite. Instead, he entered Isla’s room. He breathed in her faint scent before he sat on the edge of her bed, then laid back, staring up at the ceiling-
Tomorrow’s launch weighed on his mind. He wanted to discuss it with her, to hear about the progress they’ve made. After all, she was supposed to report to him. She had a way of grounding him, of balancing the chaos in his head. Reaching for his phone, he dialed her number.
Beep… beep… beep. No answer.
He tried again, five minutes later.
Beep… beep… beep. Still nothing. This content belongs to.net
His frustration began to grow. Where was she? He was hungry. He was restless. And he needed her–both for
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business and, though he would never admit it out loud, for comfort.
Ten minutes later, he tried again. This time, the line connected. But instead of her voice, an automated system replied:
“Sorry, the person you’re calling is on the phone. Please try again later p>
Beep … beep… beep.
Gabriel shot up from the bed, his chest rising and falling fast. His fists clenched around the phone.
“Who has she been talking to for this long?” he muttered aloud, his voice sharp with jealousy and unease.
But the silence of the room offered no answer.
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.