Chapter 45
“Thank you, Stephen. I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness,” Isla sald softly. But her heart was heavy with
unease.
“You’re welcome, ma’am, it’s nothing, really,” the man said with his usual polite smile. Isla gave him a slight nod, grateful for his gentle manners.
“Please, let’s proceed, ma’am, ” he added, gently ushering her toward the large family drawing room. He was walking slowly as if aware of the tension in the closed room.
As they reached the tall double doors of the Family Large drawing room. His hands fell on the door knob, pausing briefly before opening them. His voice rang out in a formal tone, announcing her presence.
“Mrs. Wyndham has arrived p>
Isla stepped inside, her heels clicking the marble floor. To her surprise, every family member was already seated comfortably, with bright faces and a warm smile. It was as if they were just waiting for her to come.
Isla was unsettled. A chill ran through her. It felt odd–this family had never welcomed her with a smile. Never before. In fact, their coldness and insults had been her reality ever since she stepped into their world.
But now, to see them grinning so broadly, almost practiced, made her heart pound. Their smiles felt too smooth. and too perfect for her liking. Something was definitely wrong.
“Grandfather, Father, Mother, ” she greeted respectfully, her voice steady even though she felt uneasy. She bowed her head slightly, doing her best to mask the discomfort gnawing at her.
“Welcome, my dear, come and get a seat beside John,” Alfred said warmly, his hand gesturing toward the empty
seat.
The drawing room was vast, furnished with several large sofas and single royal armchairs, all blending into an elegant harmony.
“Thank you, Grandfather,” she murmured politely. Her steps felt dragged as she crossed the room. John, her father–in–law, gave her a small nod and a genuine smile which she noted. It was the only comfort she found in the room. She finally sank into the armchair beside him, her hands folding tightly in her lap.
Her eyes swept carefully across the faces in the room. Gabriel was not here yet. A strange relief and unease washed over her.. She gave a polite nod to acknowledge the others present, and to her surprise, they nodded back. Even Mia and Sia, who rarely bothered to notice her, gave her faint smiles. This update is available on
That was when the dread grew heavier in her stomach. This wasn’t kindness. This was a performance. A dangerous one at that.
Her eyes landed on Mr. and Mrs. Winthrope. They were the only ones who didn’t smile. Delphine’s parents. Their presence made Isla’s chest tighten. She knew them well. Their family and Gabriel’s had always been close, even from childhood.
Isla remembered one particular birthday party of Wyatt’s when her father, then chief accountant at Wyndham Real Estate, brought her along. It was there she first noticed the closeness between the Winthropes and the
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Het gaze flickered toward Delphine, seated gracefully beside Sia. If Delphine was here, then Isla had no doubt the problem at hand must be connected to her.
“Since my youngest daughter–in–law has arrived,” Anna’s clear voice broke the silence, “and since the matter
ncerns her, we can now proceed.
Isla’s heart began to race. Anna speaking without venom, without even an insult, was already a bad sign. Whatever was coming couldn’t possibly be in Isla’s favor.
It didn’t surprise her. Anna and Rebecca Winthrope, Delphine’s mother, were best friends. Everyone knew it. It explained why Anna never truly accepted Isla and instead adored Delphine.
“Mr. Wyndham has arrived,” Stephen’s voice suddenly rang out again.
All heads turned as the doors opened. Gabriel walked in, his presence commanding as always. He carried himself with quiet confidence, as he stepped in further. His face was unreadable.
He greeted his grandfather first, then his parents, before giving a polite nod to the Winthropes. Finally, he settled into the only available chair beside Alfred.
“I am sorry for coming late,” he said politely. “I had to be somewhere very important p>
“It’s fine. We were just about to begin the meeting.” Alfred replied kindly, patting his grandson’s shoulder with affection. “Anna, please proceed,” Alfred encouraged, his gaze shifting to his daughter–in–law.
Anna adjusted her sitting posture, giving her a kind of composure that radiates authority. Confidence dripped from her every movement, and it made Isla’s stomach knot. But she braced herself for whatever was coming.
“Thank you, Father,” Anna began. Her eyes scanned the room, pausing briefly on Isla. “ As we all know, Delphine and Gabriel have been close since senior year of high school. They were meant to be engaged.” She paused again, deliberately, her eyes sliding briefly towards Isla.
Isla’s breath caught. The constant looks from Anna troubled her heart. Yet, she continued to guard her heart for whatever was coming
“Unfortunately, an ugly incident occurred, which led to Gabriel marrying Isla instead. We all know this marriage was not a love match. We kept quiet for the sake of family reputation.” Her sigh was heavy and dramatic.
Then came the blow Isla was waiting for.
“Isla and Gabriel were about to get a divorce,” Anna said firmly. “And Delphine, as we speak, is carrying Gabriel’s child p>
The words slammed Isla like a rock.
She gasped, her hand flying to her chest as though to keep her heart from breaking out of her body. Her eyes squeezed shut. Her breath trembled in her throat. It felt like the floor had shifted beneath her, as the world tilted. violently.
Her fingers dug into her dress as she tried to steady herself, tried to breathe. Inside her mind, everything was
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.