Chapter 42
“I’m fine, nothing to worry about,” she murmured, looking away as she searched the bed, her hands moving and brushing over the sheets.
“What are you looking for?” Gabriel asked, noticing how she avoided his gaze.
“My phone, ” she replied, still searching the mattress.
“Your phone’s not here, Isla. We left most of our things in the living room last night.” He tilted his head, narrowing his eyes at her. “And why are you looking away from me p>
She froze, but still not looking at him. “What? No, I’m not looking away from you. I was just searching for…” Her voice seized, leaving the sentence unfinished.
Slowly, she straightened, turning to face him. Her eyes met his. “Fine, you caught me.” She hesitated, biting her lip. “I was just…” she paused again, exhaling. “You know, I still can’t believe this is happening between us, Gabriel. It feels like a dream, and I don’t want to wake up from it p>
After her deep confession.
Gabriel took a slow step toward her, his gaze warming up to her. His hand rose, brushing a damp strand of hair from her cheek. “It’s not a dream, Isla,” he murmured, his thumb grazing the edge of her jaw. “This is real. We’re real p>
Her breath hitched at his touch. He could see the uncertainty flicker in her eyes.
“This is not a dream, my love,” He repeated. His voice was deep and steady, carrying a rare softness that made her heart tremble. “I know it feels unreal, but I promise you this is how things will be between us now. I’ll make sure of it. Just… trust me p>
Her arms slid around his waist, hugging him tightly, as if clinging to his promise with everything inside her. She wanted to believe him. She wanted this tenderness to last.
Η
But Gabriel pulled back slightly, his hands rising to cup her face. His green eyes held hers firmly, as he spoke. It’s time for me to get a good shower,” he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “And if I’m not asking too much
Can I take you out for new wardrobe shopping p>
Her eyes widened. “Gabriel,” she gasped softly. “I have clothes, and you know it. Why shopping for more?” Her palm rested gently against his chest. She could feel his heart beating.
He lowered his gaze to her hand, his fingers curling around hers as he brought her knuckles to his lips, kissing them softly before speaking. “I want us to shop together. A fresh wardrobe for both of us p>
Isla blinked, and was silent for a moment. It wasn’t a bad idea. It was thoughtful–even sweet–but it left her unsettled. Gabriel’s sudden change, the warmth in his voice, the tenderness in his gestures… it was everything she had prayed for, yet it still frightened her. She wanted to guard her heart, to protect herself from the possibility of disappointment.
Gabriel wasn’t the only storm she had to worry about. Her mind shifted to Anna–his mother. Isla knew the woman would go to any length to ensure she left her son. No matter how much Gabriel loved her, his family’s
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hatred stood, another battle she was not ready to fight.
Still, she found herself smiling at him. “ Okay, fine,” she said softly.
His lips curved, and he bent to press a brief kiss to her mouth.
Soon, both of them were dressed in fresh clothes. Their hands intertwined naturally as they walked side by side into the sitting room. A sweet aroma of freshly cooked food wafted through the air, stopping Isla in her steps. Her brows shot up in surprise.
As they stepped further into the kitchen, her eyes widened even further. “Mag?” she greeted, stunned to see Magdalene moving about.
“Good afternoon, Mrs. Wyndham. It’s good to see you,” Magdalene replied warmly, bowing her head slightly.” Please, sit. I’ll serve your food p>
“Thanks, Magdalene. I’ll take it from here.” Gabriel’s smooth voice cut in. He stepped forward, pulling a stool out for Isla. “My love, sit. I’ll bring your phone p>
Isla froze. My love? Right in front of Magdalene? She lowered herself onto the stool slowly, her shock written on her face. What was happening to Gabriel? This wasn’t the man she had lived with for two long years. Magdalene’s expression mirrored her own surprise. But the woman quickly hid it behind a polite smile.
Even though Isla had longed for Gabriel to love her back, just as fiercely as she loved him, this sudden change terrified her. She didn’t know if she should be thankful or be more afraid than ever.
“Thanks,” she whispered as she sat down.
Gabriel’s gaze locked on hers. “Thanks what p>
Her heart skipped. She understood what he meant. Heat flooded her cheeks, especially with Magdalene still in the room. How could she say it out loud? But Gabriel stood beside her, waiting and expecting.
Summoning her courage, she whispered the words he wanted to hear, her voice trembling but was clear enough. “Thanks, my love. ”
His smile was immediate and satisfied, and only then did he leave the kitchen.
Magdalene quickly looked away, hiding her smile. She focused on serving the food, but inside, she felt a warmth she hadn’t expected. In all her years working for him, she had never seen Mr. Wyndham like this.
Gabriel returned a few minutes later, holding Isla’s phone. He gave it to her before sitting down beside her. She unlocked the screen and saw that notifications filled her display.
Missed calls, messages, and other important notifications lined up, but she couldn’t bring herself to go through them. So, with a small sigh, she set the phone down, her eyes drifting to Gabriel.
And he was already watching her.
Florence Fresh chapters posted on orence 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.