Chapter 71
Peter didn’t ask for permission, he only followed what his heart told him to do. Without hesitation, he pulled Sofie close, his hands firm around her waist, and pressed his lips against hers.
The hallway erupted in gasps. No one saw it coming. Even Alfred, who was still holding Isla’s hand, looked stunned for a moment. Then his expression softened into something unreadable. He simply shook his head and sighed. These young ones, he thought. They never know how to hide their feelings.
Alfred knew Peter very well. He knew his late grandfather, too–one of his oldest friends before he passed away. So, if Peter was kissing a woman in public, it meant only one thing: the boy had strong feelings for the girl.
Isla’s eyes widened in disbelief. What in the world is wrong with Peter today? she thought. And why Sofie? She wanted to march up and pull them apart, but she forced herself to stay calm. This wasn’t her battle. She had enough problems of her own to deal with.
Sofie was too shocked to react. Her mind went blank. She gasped softly, giving Peter the perfect moment to deepen the kiss. His lips moved urgently against hers, full of hunger and emotion, as if the whole world had faded away. Her thoughts scattered, her body froze, and her heart beat wildly in her chest.
But when she suddenly felt heat rushing through her body–burning low in her stomach and down her thighs- reality snapped back. Her eyes flew open. What am I doing? she screamed in her head. With all the strength she could gather, she pushed him away.
Her hand shot up and slapped him hard across the face. The sharp sound echoed down the hallway. Another round of gasps followed.
“What do you think you’re doing?” she demanded, her voice trembling with anger. Her cheeks burned red.
Peter looked straight into her eyes, his voice calm but firm. “Marry me,” he said. “Marry me, and you’ll never regret that you did p>
Alfred Wyndham chuckled, shaking his head. The old man could never resist drama, especially when it came from the young ones.
But Peter wasn’t done. He took a slow breath, his tone softer now. “I know I might look cold to you. I know what people say about me. But if you give me just one chance–just one–you’ll see that I can be gentle… as gentle as a dove p>
He stepped back, a faint smile on his lips, as if he’d just confessed the most natural thing in the world.
Sofie could hardly believe what she was hearing. Was he serious? What kind of man proposes in a hospital hallway? she thought, almost laughing through her shock. What kind of man does that… and still looks like he means every word?
But beneath all that disbelief, something deep inside her stirred. Her heart whispered that maybe, just maybe, he was telling the truth. But at a place like this? In this ugly situation?
She quickly crushed the thought. No. Not me. Not a man like him. She shook her head.
She knew her story too well. She was born into poverty. Her parents died when she was a child. The uncle who
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was supposed to care for her had abandoned her when she was just a teenager. Every step of her life had been a struggle working endless jobs to pay her way through college, fighting to survive in a world that gave her nothing freely
She had always dreamed of love. Of meeting a kind, gentle man who would see her for who she was. But Peter? Peter surely can’t be the man. He was rich, powerful, and lived in a completely different world. There was no way this was real.
“My answer is still no,” she finally said, her voice steadier this time. “Please, I’m begging you, sir. I’m not your kind of woman. I’m just an orphan. An ordinary woman with nothing to offer you. I don’t belong in your world. Please, just leave me alone p>
She clasped her hands together, her eyes pleading with him to stop.
Peter didn’t move. He stood there quietly, eyes thoughtful, as if searching for another way to reach her.
Alfred and Isla remained silent. They had no intention of interrupting, Isla, however, was grateful for one thing -everything happening here would stay private. This floor of the hospital was reserved entirely for the Wyndham family. No outsider could enter
Ben, on the other hand, was frozen His friend, the no–nonsense Peter, had just kissed a woman in public and proposed to her in the same breath It could only mean one thing he was serious. Dead serious.
“Sofie,” Ben said gently as he stepped forward. He looked at her tearful eyes and flushed face. “I might not be the right person to say this, but Peter isn’t playing games. I know him so well. He means it. Just… give him a chance. Let him prove himself to you p>
Betsy, who couldn’t stand Peter’s drama anymore, scuffed loudly Seriously? Are you both insane? In a hospital? Look at her—can’t you see how shakers she is? Leave her alone p>
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Sofie turned quickly and can toward Betsy, finding comfort in her arms. Betsy hugged her tightly, offering her support while glaring at Peter:
Ben placed a comforting hand on Feter’s shoulder “Maybe not today,” he muttered quietly. “ Give her time p>
Across the hall, Alfred caught Peter’s eye and gave him a subtle thumbs up. The old man’s eyes glinted with mischief, encouraging him to keep fighting for lulled her eyes in disbelief. This old man would never
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change
Then, the suite door opened.
Gabriel stepped out. His presence filled the hallway immediately calm, powerful, and commanding.
Isla rose to her feet as he walked straight to her. He reached out, brushing his thumb gently across her cheek. Are you okay?” he asked softly
His voice carried warmth, and his touch made her heart skip.
Alfred noticed the moment. He didn’t say a word, but the faint smile that tugged at his lips said enough. For a man who had seen too many loveless marriages and cold alliances, the tenderness in his grandson’s eyes was something rare
He stood up and began walking toward the elevator. Its two bodyguards followed closely behind. It was getting late, and the old man needed to rest.
But before the elevator doors could close, Gabriel’s voice thundered across the hallway.
“Don’t think you can avoid me, Grandfather,” Gabriel said firmly. “You and I need to talk. And that time is now.” Read full story at
The air shifted. Everyone turned toward them.
It wasn’t just another family moment anymore. Whatever was coming next–was serious.
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.