Chapter 74
Outside the hospital, the ambulance doors swung open. Two paramedics jumped out quickly, their faces filled with focus as they pulled the stretcher down in a rush. The wheels hit the ground and rolled fast toward the
entrance.
Diana ran behind them, crying uncontrollably. Her three daughters followed behind–Isla and Betty. Their faces looked pale with fear. The automatic sliding doors of the emergency unit opened with a hiss, and the group hurried inside. -1
“What happened?” a head nurse asked, her voice was urgent but calm as she walked beside the stretcher. One of the paramedics, still holding an oxygen mask over Maya’s mouth, answered quickly.
“Suspected poisoned fruit,” he said breathlessly. “We don’t have full details yet. She was convulsing on our way here p>
“Take her straight to Trauma One,” the nurse ordered with a firm tone.
Without hesitation, they pushed the stretcher through the long corridor.. Diana and her daughters stopped at the end of the hallway, helplessly watching as Maya disappeared through a swinging door. The moment it closed, silence filled the hallway and all they could do was pray and hope.
Diana’s sobs grew louder. Her trembling hands covered her face, and she leaned weakly against the wall. “Oh God, save my baby… my Maya,” she cried.
Isla was on her phone, her voice was low as she spoke to someone on the phone.
Betty, too, was on the phone, explaining to someone else, tears gathering in her eyes.
Diana could not sit still. She paced up and down the hallway across from the ER, glancing at every nurse that walked by. Nurses came and went carrying medical trays, syringes, and fluids. None of them looked in her direction or said a word.
Then came the sound of heavy, hurried footsteps echoing down the corridor. Diana turned sharply–and there they were. Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on
Carl Rees, Maya’s husband, rushed in with a pale, frantic face. Right beside him was Charles, Diana’s husband and Maya’s father.
“Charles!” Diana cried and ran toward him.
He caught her in his arms. She clung to him tightly, pressing her tear–stained face against his chest. Her voice shook as she spoke. “I don’t know what to do, Charles. Our girl… she’s fighting for her life. And the baby-
Charles cupped the back of her head, his own eyes damp though he tried to be strong. “They’ll be fine, Diana. Just breathe, alright? They’ll be fine p>
Nearby, Isla was explaining things to Carl with a trembling voice. Carl looked lost–his hands were shaking, his lips pale. He nodded slowly, trying to steady himself, though his heart raced in his chest.
Moments later, the atmosphere shifted again. The quiet hallway once again filled with other sets of footsteps as someone else entered.
1/3
Gabriel Wyndham walked in, flanked by two bodyguards dressed in black. His tall figure and calm presence made people step aside instinctively.
The moment Diana saw him, she stepped away from her husband and hurried toward him. Gabriel didn’t hesitate. He pulled her gently into a hug, one arm firm around her shoulders.
“It’s okay,” he whispered softly, pressing a comforting kiss on her head. “Don’t worry. The mother and baby
will be fine p>
Diana clung to him as if his assurance alone could make it true.
Isla stood a few feet away, watching them. Something inside her twisted–a strange and quiet pull she couldn’t explain. The
way Gabriel held her mother, the warmth in his voice, the comfort of his presence–it made her
chest flutter.
Just then, the ER doors opened. Everyone turned immediately.
A doctor stepped out, removing his gloves and mask. “Is the patient’s husband here?” he asked.
Carl stepped forward quickly. “I am. How is my wife? Please, tell me she’s okay.” His voice cracked halfway through the sentence.
“Calm down,” the doctor said kindly. “Your wife and baby are out of danger. Both are stable now p>
Relief spread like light through the family. Diana gasped softly and covered her mouth, whispering a prayer of thanks. Betty hugged Isla tightly. Even Carl’s knees almost gave way as he let out a shaky breath.
“She consumed a large amount of pineapple,” the doctor continued. “It contains bromelain, which can soften the cervix and sometimes cause contractions. But don’t worry–she’s fine now. We’ll keep her under observation for another hour, and then she can go home p>
“Thank you, doctor,” Carl said, his voice thick with gratitude.
The doctor nodded and walked away. Diana leaned into her husband’s chest again, murmuring thanks to God.
Hours later, the tension of the morning had faded. Maya was safe at home resting, and the family had gone back to their routines.
Gabriel and Isla were now on their way to his office. He had promised to take her out for lunch once he cleared some urgent work.
Their sleek black car pulled up in front of the tall glass building–the headquarters of the Wyndham Corporation. A beautiful sixty floor tower.
Stone Dawson, Gabriel’s head of security, stepped out first and opened the car door. He bowed slightly as Gabriel climbed out, then held the door open for Isla.
Gabriel extended his hand to her. “Careful,” he said softly.
She placed her hand in his and stepped down gracefully. He rested his palm at her lower back, he was gentle and
2/3
protective as he led her inside.
As they entered the spacious ground floor, conversations stopped. All eyes turned toward them. The CEO was rarely seen with his wife in public, let alone inside the company.
“Oh my God, she’s so pretty,” one receptionist whispered.
“They look perfect together, the CLEO’s wife is very beautiful.” another murmured.
Isla could feel their stares. Her cheeks grew warm, but Gabriel didn’t seem to notice or care. He kept his hand at her back, as they moved toward his private elevator.
The doors slid open. Gabriel motioned for her to enter first. Behind them, the guards stopped when the head of security gestured for them to wait. Even Stone, who rarely smiled, looked pleased to see his boss with his wife this way.
When the elevator doors closed, the quiet was filled only with the soft hum of the lift moving upward. Gabriel’s hand remained on Isla’s back–this time firmer, a little more possessive.
When the doors opened again, they stepped into the top floor of the building. The penthouse level was wide, bright, and elegant–an entire world of glass—marble and luxury.
The floor receptionist immediately stood up. A beautiful young woman with short blonde hair. “Welcome back, sir. And good morning, Mrs. Wyndham,” she said brightly. “It’s so nice to finally meet you in person. I’ve heard so much about you.
Isla smiled politely. “Thank you, Miss p>
“Just Dora, ma’am,” the young woman said eagerly. “Call me Dora p>
“Alright, Dora. I’m happy to meet you too. Thank you for the warm welcome p>
They shared a small smile before Gabriel gently guided Isla forward again. His hand stayed around her waist.
As they reached his office door, another door to the side opened quietly. Isla didn’t pay much attention at first- until the familiar voice spoke.
Her heart froze.
Delphine stepped out.
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.