Chapter 62
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Isla’s heart began to race. The effect Gabriel had on her was becoming something she could no longer control. Her fingers tightened around her phone until her knuckles turned white.
“Are you okay?” Sofie’s voice broke through her thoughts.
“Yes, I’m fine,” Isla answered quickly. But her tone gave her away–something inside her had changed.
She sat on the couch and unwrapped the sandwich, taking a slow bite. It tasted plain, but she kept chewing. The coffee was already cold, yet she sipped it anyway, lost in her thoughts.
Sofie watched her closely. Something had clearly happened. Isla looked distant–hurt, even. What could the problem be? Why the sudden change in her?
Sofie wanted to tease her again, but after seeing Isla’s blank expression, she kept quiet. Maybe it was better to give her space. Still, Sofie couldn’t stop wondering what was wrong.
Could the rumors about their separation be true?
But Gabriel had denied them in front of everyone. He even talked about how much he loved Isla. Why did everything between them seem so complicated?
The doorbell rang. Isla didn’t even move. Sofie sighed and went to answer it.
Moments later, she returned with the Chinese food Isla had ordered. She placed the bags on the table gently. As soon as Isla smelled it, her face softened a little. Without a word, she began to unwrap the boxes and started eating-
Sofie just stood there, puzzled. How could someone’s mood change this fast? One moment she looked broken, and the next she was eating like nothing happened.
Sofie wanted to help in any way she could, but she didn’t know how. Isla was clearly hurting–but she was also hiding it behind that calm face.
Meanwhile, Gabriel was at his office, surrounded by piles of documents and files. Since the press conference yesterday, he had buried himself in work. He wanted to keep his mind occupied–and the best way to do that was to work until he was too tired to think.
There were too many projects waiting for his approval, too many deals on his desk. He leaned back in his chair and rubbed his temples, exhaustion starting to show.
Just then, his desk phone buzzed. He pressed the speaker button. “Yes, Suzanne p>
“Sir, Mr. Benjamin Green is here to see you,” his secretary said.
Gabriel paused. “Who did you say p>
“Mr. Benjamin Green, sir p>
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A smile slowly appeared on his lips. “Of course. Let him in p>
Moments later, the door opened, and a tall man walked in. His hair was jet black, trimmed short on the sides, and slightly longer in the front. His brown eyes gleamed with mischief, and when he smiled, a dimple appeared on his cheek. He looked sharp in his tailored dark suit.
“Hey,” Gabriel said, standing up immediately. “When did you get back p>
“Last night,” Ben replied.
They met halfway and hugged like brothers who hadn’t seen each other in years.
“I can’t believe you’re here, Ben,” Gabriel said with a bright smile. “You don’t know how happy I am to see yo
“Well, I’m back for good this time,” Ben said, spreading his arms dramatically.
Gabriel chuckled. “ Come on, sit down.” He motioned toward the lounge area of his grand office.
you.
A moment later, Suzanne walked in with a tray of two steaming coffee cups. She set them down and quietly left.
“Thank you,” Ben said politely.
“ You’re welcome, sir,” Suzanne replied before closing the door.
Gabriel leaned back in his seat, studying his friend. It had been years since they last met–not since Ben attended Gabriel’s wedding to Isla
“ So,” Gabriel began, “what do you mean you’re back now? I thought your business in Madayaka was doing great p>
“It’s doing fine,” Ben said, taking a sip of his coffee. “But I’m here for another reason. There’s a new jewelry company in Teriporto–just launched online–and it’s growing fast. I plan to buy it p>
Gabriel laughed softly. “So it’s business as usual?
Ben nodded with a grin “Always business.
Gabriel smirked. “What about marriage, huh? Any plans now?
Ben chuckled. “Marriage?” He leaned back “That’s too complicated. I still haven’t met the right woman. And honestly, I’m not sure I want to Find the newest release on.net
Gabriel gave him a sharp look. He almost envied Ben sometimes. His friend never allowed emotions to get in the way, especially not love. Ben was a businessman through and through, never serious about any woman.
Isla had always disliked that about him. She used to call him the heartbreaker.
Ben’s grin widened. “That reminds me,” he said, lowering his cup. “How are things with Isla? I mean, last I checked, you still had that thing for Delphine. Don’t tell me you’re still seeing her after marrying your best friend p>
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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.