Chapter 77

“What did you do to my wife p>

Gabriel stood up from his chair, his eyes filled with emotion as he walked towards his wife.

Ista laughed, her confidence radiating all over her as she stepped forward to meet him halfway. His arms wrapped tightly around her waist, pulling her against his chest and stared right into her electric blue eyes.

“You are the most beautiful and supportive wife any man could ever have,” he said softly, his voice was full of pride. “You just did something I’ve been struggling to do… and you did it in a heartbeat p>

Isla kept smiling, her hands wrapping gently on his neck “Well, ” she teased, “you’re welcome p>

Before she could say anything else, Gabriel captured her lips in a deep kiss full of hunger and passion. One of his hands slid to the back of her head, his fingers tangling in her soft blonde hair, while the other held her waist firmly. The warmth of his breath mixed with hers, and the chemistry between them charged; it was like the world outside no longer existed.

A soft groan escaped him as his tongue brushed hers, tasting her, tasting all of her. Isla melted into him, pressing her body closer until her chest met his. She wanted to feel him completely–to lose herself in the safety of his embrace.

But just as the kiss grew deeper, a sharp knock came at the door.

Gabriel groaned in frustration, resting his forehead against hers for a moment before reluctantly pulling away. He turned toward the door, still holding Isla close.

“Who is it?” he asked, his voice came out loud.

“Sir,” came Suzanne’s voice from outside, “I just wanted to remind you of the board meeting- Check latest chapters at.net

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“Reschedule it for next week,” Gabriel cut her off. “And Suzanne–close down Tropicana for a private lunch for me and my lovely wife. Just us. Do it now p>

“Yes, sir. Right away,” she replied.

When the footsteps faded, Isla couldn’t help but laugh softly. “What are you doing?” she asked–She was half amused, half surprised.

Gabriel looked at her with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “What does it look like I’m doing? I’m canceling everything so I can spend the rest of the day with my wife p>

He took her hand gently and lifted it to his lips, planting a slow kiss on her knuckles without breaking eye contact. His eyes softened as he gazed at her.

“I love you,” Isla whispered, her voice so soft. Her eyes were full of tenderness, as if she was handing him her heart again.

Gabriel smiled faintly, his thumb brushing against her skin. “I know,” he replied.

The warmth that filled her chest a moment ago vanished. His words–the reply he gave were not what she

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wanted to hear. She wanted him to say it back, to tell her that he loved her too. But he didn’t. He never did.

The silence between them stretched for too long and Gabriel noticed the subtle change in her expression–the way her smile faltered, the way her eyes dimmed just a little.

“Love,” he said, his voice softer, “what is it p>

Isla quickly shook her head, forcing a faint smile. “Nothing,” she whispered. But her tone betrayed her.

Gabriel studied her carefully. Then he sighed, releasing her waist and taking her hand again. “Come,” he said, leading her toward the lounge area near the wide glass window.

They both sat down on the couch. The city stretched out beneath them through the floor–to–ceiling glass, the sunlight spilled into the office–Gabriel turned his body toward her, still holding her hand.

“Isla,” he said quietly, “if there’s ever something you don’t like… please, tell me. I mean it. I want to understand you. I want to keep seeing you smile–keep seeing that spark in you p>

He paused, rubbing his thumb gently over her hand. “You know me,” he added with a soft laugh, “I’m not good with words. But believe me when I say this… I truly like you p>

Isla’s lips curved into a small smile. It wasn’t the confession she hoped for, but it was something. He likes her. She could live with that for now.

Gabriel noticed her faint smile and, wanting to lighten the mood, he said it again, this time with a playful smirk. “I like you, Isla p>

That made her laugh, a genuine laugh that echoed softly around the office. Her eyes sparkled, and for a moment, the tension between them disappeared.

Gabriel watched her with a tender expression. There was something about her laughter that always made his heart twist–a mix of guilt and admiration. Watching her now, he realized how much he had hurt her before, and how patient she had been with him.

Her laughter faded when she noticed the faraway look in his eyes. “What?” she asked, with a curious tone.

He didn’t answer. His gaze dropped to her lips instead.

Before she could ask again, he leaned forward and kissed her–slowly, it was so gentle and she melted into the kiss. Her lips were warm, and he wanted more.

But just then, another knock broke the moment. Gabriel groaned, this time louder. “Come in,” he called, clearly irritated.

Suzanne stepped inside. “ Sir, the reservation has been confirmed. They’re expecting you,” she said politely.

Gabriel stood up. “Thanks, Suzanne. Cancel every other appointment for today. I won’t be back until tomorrow p>

Suzanne hesitated. “But sir, your brother–Mr. Wyatt–is here to see you.

Gabriel’s expression darkened instantly. “Tell him I can’t see him now. I have somewhere to p>

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Before he could finish, the door swung open.

Wyatt walked in without knocking, his tall frame blocking the doorway, “You will see me, Gabriel. Whatever you have to do can wait. We need to talk p>

Gabriel lost his composure, he felt irritated. Isla’s gaze darted between the two brothers, sensing the storm that was about to come. The warmth of the room turned cold in an instant.

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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.