THE EXTRAORDINARY BRIDE OF THE WYNDHAM FAMILY

When news breaks of Isla Ainsworth caught in a scandalous one-night stand with the dangerously handsome billionaire, Gabriel Wyndham, it quickly becomes headline news. To protect both Isla’s reputation and the Wyndham family name, Gabriel’s powerful grandfather forces them into an unexpected marriage.

But there is one problem. Gabriel is in love with another woman, Delphine Winthrope, his childhood sweetheart. He agrees to marry Isla only to silence the scandal and restore his public image. His relationship with Delphine remains unchanged.

Now, Isla is trapped in a loveless marriage and judged by a family that sees her as nothing more than a stain on their legacy, Isla struggles to survive. She tried to make her marriage work. But slowly, she begins to adjust, choosing to focus on her career rather than a love she believes will never be hers.

She loves Gabriel with all her heart, but he never returns that love. He gives her everything. His name, his wealth, and his protection, but never his heart. To him, she is only a friend.

She finally set to divorce him. But he will not divorce her. Never.

Yet when hidden truths come to light, Gabriel begins to see Isla differently. For the first time, he develops real feelings for his wife and ends his long relationship with Delphine, the woman everyone thought he would marry.

But just as love begins to grow between Isla and Gabriel, enemies rise, and danger closes in around them…

In a web of family feuds, betrayal, and buried truths, Isla might be the only key to making things right in the family or tearing them apart forever.

Fall into this gripping story of love, passion, secrets, and redemption

0001

Isla stood in her bedroom, her phone pressed tightly against her ear.

“Gabriel, please, pick up your phone.” Her fingers twirled the hem of her nightwear, waiting for her husband to pick up his phone. But he wasn't picking up.

She began pacing across the wide, beautifully furnished room. She wasn’t expecting a miracle. She only wanted one thing—that her husband would be there tomorrow for her parents’ wedding anniversary.

“Beep——Please leave a message after the prompt tone.”

Unsurprisingly, Gabriel didn't answer her calls. Isla looked at the call record on the screen and smiled bitterly. Gabriel was a billionaire, always busy with work, and during their years of marriage, Isla spent less time with him than even his secretary.

But tomorrow was Isla's parent's anniversary and her parents had called and said that Gabriel "must" be there.

Isla frowned tightly. If Gabriel didn't show up tomorrow afternoon, she planned to attend her parents' anniversary by herself.

Her sisters would come with their husbands. It would be nice if Gabriel can also be by her side, even if it was only for that night. That was how their marriage had been for two years. It has always been marriage only on paper.

They had never even shared a room.

Gabriel hadn’t married her out of love. He had married her because of a scandal that happened two years ago. She had been drugged at a party and ended up in Gabriel’s hotel room. What happened that night was not her fault, but it became headline news when photographers caught them leaving together in the morning.

To protect the Wyndham family’s spotless reputation, Gabriel’s grandfather, Alfred Wyndham, forced him to marry her.

Isla had agreed, even though her heart already belonged to Gabriel. She had always been quietly in love with him, even as a child. He had only seen her as a good friend.

She called his number again and he answered. Only that it wasn't him who picked up. It was a woman who had answered.

“Hello, I am sorry, but he can't speak to you right now. I'll let you know you called.”

Click.

The call ended. Isla's mouth was widely open and was still thinking of what just happened. She had recognised that voice very well. It was Delphine's.

“When did she return?” Isla muttered. She still couldn't believe that Delphine is back with Gabriel.

Now she understands it. He didn't pick up her calls because he was with Delphine.

Delphine was his childhood sweetheart. But she left him three years ago. Although Isla knew that Gabriel’s heart belonged to someone else—Delphine Winthrope, the glamorous top model who had grown up beside him.

Gabriel made himself clear. He said he could never love her, and that his heart belonged to Delphine. But he promised to support her in any way he could.

The only thing she held onto, was hope. The hope from her mother’s gentle words. It echoed often in her mind: “Things will get better, honey. Be patient with him.”

That hope was the only reason she had endured this marriage for two long years.

She gave up calling him and set the phone down on the nightstand. She climbed into bed, pulling the covers around her and hugging herself. Just as she was about to turn off her phone, the screen lit up.

A video call from an unknown number. She didn't know who it was. Her heart leapt. Quickly, she sat up against the headboard. Her fingers smoothed her long blonde hair. With a shaky hand, she swiped the green button to accept the call.

The sound that greeted her drained her blood. Moans, and groans. The sound of skin slapping against skin.

Isla’s heart seemed to stop for a few seconds. She blinked, unable to breathe, before her trembling wet eyes focused on the screen.

It was not just any video. It was a video of Delphine with a man who looks like Gabriel, her husband.

His body moved over Delphine’s as he held her legs up to her chest, his hips driving into her in a rhythm that made Isla’s stomach twist with pain.

“Faster, Gabby. Hit that spot that makes me go crazy,” Delphine moaned.

The man obeyed, his body giving her exactly what she wanted.

Isla couldn’t watch anymore. With a cry, she threw the phone across the room. It landed with a dull thud, but the sound of their moans still echoed in her head.

Her sobs broke out, and it was uncontrollable. She hugged her knees to her chest, rocking as tears soaked her cheeks. If she had known this marriage was unfixable, she would never have agreed to it. She had sacrificed two years of her life, her heart, her pride, just to hold onto something that was already broken.

And now she knew that no matter what she did. Gabriel had no interest in fixing anything. Delphine had called her because she wanted her to see it for herself.

***

The next evening, everyone who had gathered at her parents’ house looked so happy.

The garden of the Ainsworths’ elegant duplex was lit with soft spotlights that shone through the trees, casting a golden glow in the evening. All tables were decorated with flowers, and soft music played in the background. The guests laughed. They all looked happy. Some couples held hands, and the clinking of glasses filled the background.

It was Isla’s parents’ thirtieth wedding anniversary, and the whole family had gathered to celebrate with them. Expensive gifts and warm congratulations presented to her parents.

Isla sat quietly at a corner table, her smile was faint and her heart far away. She barely noticed the things happening around her. Her mind was still replaying the horrible sounds she had heard the night before.

No matter how she tried to push it away, the memory of it kept coming back and it broke her heart.

“Honey,” her mother, Diana, said gently as she walked over. “Why are you sitting here alone? Where is your husband and his family? Didn’t they say they would come?”

Isla quickly wiped at the corner of her eyes and stood, forcing a smile onto her lips. “Of course, they will be here, Mama. Gabriel will come later. I think… I think he has some work at the office.”

Her mother gave her a long, knowing look. “Today is Sunday, Isla. Don’t try to defend him. I can see you’re hurting.”

Isla opened her mouth to reply, to defend him once more, but she couldn’t find the words. Before she could say anything, a sudden commotion erupted near the entrance. Guests turned, murmuring as the sound of voices and footsteps spread through the garden.

Isla’s eyes followed the noise.

Alfred Wyndham had arrived. He wasn't alone. He was with his family. And walking with them, tall and proud, was Gabriel.

The family walked together in grand style. They practically owned almost the whole of Richbouph. Everyone knows that.

Isla's face lit up. She whispered under her breath, more to herself than anyone else, “See, Mama? I told you they would come.”

0002

Gabriel walked forward with his usual calm sophistication, the kind that always made heads turn. Isla’s heart pounded inside her chest. She didn’t know what he was about to do.

And then he surprised everyone.

His hands wrapped firmly around her waist, pulling her close. Before she could react, his lips pressed against hers. He kissed her deeply, passionately, right there in front of everyone.

Gasps rose from the crowd. Even Isla froze, her eyes wide.

She had loved him for years, but she also knew the truth—this kiss was not love. It was not meant for her heart. It was only a show. Gabriel was playing his role once again, the perfect husband before family and friends.

Still, Diana, her mother, looked overjoyed. She smiled brightly, her eyes soft with relief. All she had ever wanted was happiness for her daughter. To her, this kiss meant hope.

“Happy anniversary, Diana, Charles,” Alfred Wyndham said with a warm smile as he stepped forward.

The rest of the Wyndham family followed one after another, greeting Isla’s parents and showering them with wishes for many more years together.

Though the celebration was supposed to be for Isla’s parents, everyone’s attention remained fixed on her and Gabriel. Their kiss had lasted longer than anyone expected. Isla finally pulled back to catch her breath, her face flushed. She quickly stepped out of Gabriel’s embrace, feeling the weight of dozens of eyes on her.

She smoothed her dress and quietly walked toward Alfred Wyndham, her grandfather-in-law, the richest and most powerful man in Richbouph. Everyone in the city respected him, feared him even.

“Grandfather,” she said softly.

The old man leaned down and kissed the top of her head. Alfred knew her struggles. He had been the one to push Gabriel into marrying her despite Gabriel’s obsession with Delphine. Alfred had always made it clear he would never approve of Delphine. He had chosen Isla for Gabriel—and that was final.

As the guests settled back into their laughter and chatter, Gabriel presented his in-laws with an extravagant gift. A brand-new luxury car gleamed under the lights.

Diana gasped, clapping her hands in delight. Charles, though smiling, looked uneasy.

“Gabriel,” Charles said carefully. “This is too much. You didn’t have to give us something so expensive.”

Gabriel opened his mouth, but Alfred cut in smoothly. “You deserve it, Charles. And my daughter-in-law deserves even better. Here, a small token from the Wyndham family.”

He handed Diana a cheque. Her eyes widened. She stared at the number written there as if she could not believe it.

The music was still playing, and laughter filled the garden. Gabriel turned to Isla and stretched his hand toward her. “Dance with me.”

Her stomach sank, but she nodded politely and placed her hand in his. They moved onto the dance floor, their steps graceful and in perfect rhythm. To everyone watching, they looked like a couple deeply in love.

But inside, Isla was crumbling.

Every spin, every touch of his hand on her waist, only reminded her of last night—the video call. She was tired of this performance, this endless act. She loved him truly, yet he offered her nothing.

“I’m sorry I missed your calls,” Gabriel said suddenly, his lips near her ear as they danced. “I was busy with work. I hope you understand.”

Her chest squeezed. She raised her head slowly and looked into his green eyes.

“I know that you were with Delphine. I got the message, and I understood it very well.”

The words hit him like a rock. He froze mid-step, his eyes wide with shock. Without a word, he grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the garden, past the guests, and into her bedroom upstairs.

He shut the door firmly behind them.

“Repeat what you just said,” he demanded, his eyes flashing.

“I meant every word,” Isla said, her voice trembling. “You don't need to tell a lie. I know everything. You were with Delphine last night. So don't bring work into this.”

Gabriel raked his fingers through his silky hair, pacing across the room. His jaw clenched. “Let's get something straight. You know about me and Delphine. So, what is the matter now?”

Gabriel's voice was a little too loud. But he continued. “You know what this marriage is all about from the beginning. So stop being childish and be reasonable for once.”

Isla’s tears glittered in her eyes. “It doesn't matter anymore. But you're right about one thing. I am being childish. I think it is time I face reality.”

He stopped pacing. His voice lowered, calmer now. “Look. I’m sorry. But nothing changes the truth—I was with Delphine, and you knew that when you married me. What I need from you is simple. Let us keep playing our role, Isla. Let’s not disappoint my grandfather or your parents. They don’t need to know what happens between us in private. You need to understand that.”

Her chest rose and fell heavily. She shook her head. “I can’t live like this anymore. Pretending, hiding, and crying every night. I can’t.”

Gabriel reached for her, his lips pressing to her neck, his hands sliding over her body. But when his lips brushed near hers, Isla shoved him back with trembling hands.

“No.” Her voice cracked. “Not anymore. I am done doing these things with you. I want a divorce.”

The word hit him hard.

“Youre hurting. It is normal for you to feel that way. But you know that that's not possible.” He didn't flinch at her request.

She stared at him, her tears falling freely now. “I mean it, Gabriel. I can’t do this with you any longer.”

His jaw tightened. His fists balled. He was losing his cool. “And for the last time. There won't be a divorce. I suggest you put yourself together and stop this childish behaviour.”

He took a step closer, his green eyes fierce. “I gave you my name, my wealth, protection—everything a man is supposed to give his wife.”

He spread his arms wide, his voice breaking with frustration. “You were my best friend before all this, Isla. Why can’t you just accept what we have?”

Her shoulders shook. “Because what we have isn’t real. It’s just sex when we need to convince your grandfather. But there’s no love, Gabriel.” She paused. Her eyes met his. “I love you, Gabby.”

His expression changed in an instant. His voice hardened. “Don’t call me that. You don’t have the right. Only one—” He paused, and exhaled. “Just. Don't. Call me that.” He quietly said.

The words cut her deeper than any blade could. Isla nodded slowly, wiping her cheeks with the back of her hand. Her voice came out in a whisper.

“Fine. You don’t love me. And you never will. That I know. Tomorrow morning, you’ll see the divorce papers on your desk. Please… just sign them. I’m done with this. Goodbye, Gabriel,”

She walked to the door, her body trembling but her steps firm. With one last glance at him, she left the room, closing the door softly behind her.

Gabriel stood alone, stunned, the echo of her words filling the silence.

0003

The celebration was over. The guests had left. Ainsworth's home was quiet now. Gabriel and Isla had also gone back home.

As always, they went into their separate rooms. No words were spoken. Just silence.

But Isla did not sleep.

Instead, she pulled out two large suitcases from her closet. She began to pack her things. She folded her clothes, her shoes, and every other item into them. Tonight, there were no tears left. Only determination.

At twenty-five, she told herself that her life was not over. She had dreams, goals, and so much ahead of her. She could not keep wasting herself in a loveless marriage, trying to please everyone else while punishing herself.

In the morning, Gabriel prepared for work as he always did. His routine never changed. Before leaving, he went to the kitchen for the one thing he never missed—Isla’s chicken consommé.

He had grown addicted to it. No matter what was happening between them, he always looked forward to that soup.

When he entered, the housekeeper Magdalene greeted him politely.

“Good morning, Mr. Wyndham. Your soup is ready.”

She served him quickly and left. Gabriel sat on the high stool, sipping the hot, clear broth. It was as comforting as always. He did not notice that somewhere else, his wife was already setting a new path for her life.

***

Isla had risen very early. By dawn, she was already at her lawyer’s office. Without giving it another thought. She signed the divorce papers. She was ready to leave her husband.

When she walked back to her car, her phone rang. It was her best friend, Betsy.

“I got your message,” Betsy said quickly. “Where are you?”

“I just left the lawyer’s office,” Isla replied softly. “I’m on my way to your place now.”

“Okay, see you soon.”

***

“Finally! You did the right thing,” Betsy said as she opened the door. Her voice was filled with relief as she pulled Isla into a hug.

Isla managed a small smile as she wheeled her suitcase inside. She dropped it near the couch and sat down, feeling suddenly tired.

“I’m going back to Teriporto,” Isla said after a moment. “Is that space still available?”

Betsy tilted her head, frowning. She knew what Isla meant. Years ago, when they were in college, they had tried to start a small jewelry business together in Teriporto. They had used a little two-bedroom apartment and turned one of the rooms into a workshop. But the dream died quickly when they ran out of money.

“Yes, it’s still there,” Betsy said. “Everything is intact. But tell me, Isla, what are you planning to do with that old place?”

“I already told you. I want to start my own company. Something that will keep me busy. Something that’s mine.”

Betsy leaned back in her chair, studying her friend. “You really want to leave Carminton? You’re serious about this?”

“I need a new environment,” Isla said firmly. “Teriporto is the best place for me to start fresh.”

Betsy sighed. “Have you told your parents?”

“No. And I don’t plan to. They’ll never approve. But this time, I don’t need their approval. I have to do this on my own.”

“As much as I support you, Isla, I still think they should know. And don’t forget, you’ll need money. That’s why we quit before—because we couldn’t fund the business.”

“I have money now,” Isla said quietly. Her eyes were steady. “I never touched my monthly allowance since I married Gabriel. He gave me everything… except his heart.”

Betsy raised her brows. “Wow. So you really have it all planned.”

“Yes,” Isla said, standing slowly. “I will leave tonight. My flight is booked.”

She pulled her suitcase toward the guest room without another word. Betsy watched her go, her chest was heavy with worry.

She knew Isla was brave, but she was also broken. Teriporto was not an easy city. Life there was expensive, and tough. Without Gabriel’s wealth or family support, how would Isla survive?

***

By nightfall, Isla arrived safely in Teriporto—the “City of Life.” The atmosphere was different here, it was full of energy and noise. She felt scared and also determined.

She took a taxi straight to the old place she and Betsy had once stayed. The two-bedroom bungalow still stood, though covered in dust. The gate creaked loudly when she opened it.

Here, years ago, she and Betsy had dreamed of building a jewelry empire. Now, Isla was determined to make that dream real.

She wheeled her suitcase inside and began to wipe the dust from the counters. It wasn’t much, but it was hers.

***

Back in Carminton, Gabriel was lost in his work. Meetings dragged from morning until night. His schedule was so tight that he barely had time to breathe.

Usually, Isla hardly called him. But now he feels as though he was missing her calls. And now, her silence was unsettling.

By the time he glanced at his golden Rolex wristwatch, it was already eight at night. Still no call.

Something tugged inside him, a feeling he couldn’t name.

As he began to pack up, his eyes fell on a slim folder resting neatly on his polished desk. Across the front, in bold letters, were the words: Very Confidential.

Curious, he opened it.

Inside was a single set of papers.

When his eyes landed on the first line, his throat tightened.

A Divorce Agreement.

Gabriel froze, the weight of the words pressing heavily against his chest.

0004

Gabriel could not give Isla his heart. He knew it, and she knew it too. Yet, he could not let her go either.

It was not love that chained him to her, but fear. Fear of the one man everyone in the Wyndham family feared: his grandfather, Alfred Wyndham.

Alfred might have been old, but age had not softened him. He was powerful, and terrifying. Even Gabriel’s father, John, bowed before him. And, just like his grandson, Alfred loved Isla deeply. To him, she was the perfect wife for Gabriel—the only woman who had managed to win his affection.

If Alfred ever found out that Isla had filed for divorce, Gabriel did not even want to imagine what the old man would do.

That night, after work, Gabriel rushed home and went straight into Isla’s bedroom. But the room was empty. Her suitcase was gone.

A knot tightened in his chest. He pulled out his phone and dialed her number.

“Switched off.”

He ran a hand through his hair, pacing the room.

“Where are you, Isla?” he muttered under his breath.

His body wasn't just shaking, he was trembling with fear.

He tried again. This time it rang, but there was no answer. Again. And again. Until frustration boiled inside him.

“What game are you playing, Isla?”

Before he could redial, his phone rang. Without checking who it was, he picked up immediately.

“Gabby, where are you?” The sweet, delicate voice belonged to Delphine. “I need your help. I think I sprained my leg. It's swollen.”

Gabriel froze. “What? How did that happen? …Never mind. I’m coming right away.”

He forgot all about Isla at that moment. The thought of Delphine in pain pulled him away instantly. Without hesitation, he scurried out of the mansion.

***

Meanwhile, in Teriporto, Isla was settling into her new life.

She had reconnected with people she once knew. And she built small networks again, and even took her first bold step into business.

She had purchased a batch of uncut diamonds, hiring a skilled local craftsman who specialized in shaping and polishing rough stones. Slowly, she began creating her first pieces of jewelry.

What made this possible was a secret she had carried for years: her savings.

Isla had quietly saved a fortune. Not only did Gabriel transfer monthly allowances into her account, but the Wyndham family also had a tradition—every family member, by blood or by marriage, received a monthly stipend directly from the family trust. It was generous, almost excessive. Since her marriage, Isla had been a beneficiary too. And, on like others, she had barely touched a coin.

Now, all that money was fueling her dream.

Her phone buzzed, and she answered quickly.

“Yes?”

“Your earrings are sold out,” the voice on the other end informed her. “We already have more orders waiting.”

Isla’s heart leapt. She pressed her hand to her chest, as if to hold the joy inside.

“Thank you. I’ll call you back,” she said, her voice trembling with excitement.

The moment she ended the call, she sat on the edge of her bed and whispered to herself, “This is it. This is the beginning.”

She had not expected success to come this soon. She thought her first pieces might take months to sell, but they had already found buyers. It felt like a sign.

Her celebration was cut short when her phone rang again. This time, it was her mother.

“Honey,” Diana’s lively voice filled the line, “I want to invite you and Gabriel for dinner this weekend. I have good news to share with you and your sisters.”

Isla stiffened. She hated conversations like this. “Mom, I’m busy this weekend. And so is Gabriel. He’s going on a business trip. If you could just tell me now—”

“No.” Her mother will not have it. “If Gabriel is busy, you can still come. No excuses.” She hung up before Isla could protest.

Isla tossed the phone onto the bed with a sigh. “What is she up to now?”

She knew her mother well. Diana loved to show off, especially with her daughters’ marriages. She had married her daughters into wealthy families and flaunted it like her greatest achievement. To her, Isla’s marriage into the Wyndham family was her brightest jewel.

But Isla had always hated that. It was why she had promised herself never to choose a man the way her mother did. Yet life had cornered her, and she ended up marrying Gabriel. And now… now she regrets it with every breath.

Her mind drifted back to the divorce. She had not heard from her lawyer yet, but she assumed Gabriel had already signed the papers. She prayed he would not dare to involve Alfred Wyndham. That would only make things worse.

Perhaps, she thought, going home to Carminton might not be so bad. Her parents still did not know she had left Gabriel. Maybe she could face them, pretend for one weekend, and then quietly see her lawyer on Monday. At least that way, she could check on the progress of the divorce.

***

On Friday, Isla headed to the airport to catch her flight. The air buzzed with noise and the sound of rolling suitcases.

Just as she was about to enter the terminal, she noticed a stir ahead. Several men in black suits were running, securing the path.

Curious, Isla followed their direction with her eyes. And then she stilled.

It was Gabriel.

He is in Teriporto. And he was surrounded by four bodyguards. But what made Isla’s heart sink was not the guards. It was Delphine.

Delphine walked beside him, holding his hand, her face glowing as though she belonged to him. Gabriel did not pull away. He did not even look uncomfortable.

The crowd around them began to murmur.

“That’s Gabriel Wyndham… and the love of his life.”

“I heard her best friend betrayed her,” another voice whispered. “She seduced him into marriage.”

“They look perfect together. I’m so jealous,” someone else added.

Isla’s stomach twisted. She turned quickly, walking in the opposite direction, her face burning.

Even here, in Teriporto, people knew about Gabriel and Delphine. Their story had become a gossip, a tale whispered among strangers.

Now Isla was sure of one thing: she had made the right decision.

Once the divorce was final, she would finally be free.

0005

The moment Isla stepped out of the airport, her phone buzzed. She checked it and her heart cut immediately.

It was Gabriel calling.

She scoffed. She had just seen him with Delphine just a few hours ago. What does he want now? She declined the call and walked forward.

A message chimed on her phone and she refused to check it. If there was anything she wanted. She wants to finalise the divorce so she can move on with her life.

She thought of going to Betsy’s place to change before heading to her parents’ place. But as she lifted her hand to stop a taxi, a familiar voice stopped her.

“Isla.”

She turned, almost immediately. She saw Gabriel was walking toward her, bodyguards clearing a path as they always did.

Her pulse quickened. Just hours ago, she had seen him with Delphine in Teriporto. How was he standing here now? Did he follow her from Teriporto? The question tumbled through her mind, but she kept her face calm and unreadable.

Gabriel reached her and spoke without hesitation.

“Why didn't you answer your call?

She was about to give a reply when Gabriel's phone rang. He picked up immediately. “Yes, love,” his tone changed and was soft to the other person on the phone and his choice of words irritated Isla.

“Just give me three hours. I will be with you.” Then he hung up.

His gaze never left Isla, not even for a minute. His piercing green eyes pinned her in place through his phone conversation.

Isla blinked. That was all he had to say? No question about where she’d been for the last two weeks. No mention of the divorce papers she sent him. Nothing.

Was she truly this insignificant to him?

Anger rose in her chest, combined with hurt. How had she allowed her life to become so twisted around a man who did not care if she lived or died?

“Anyway, I don't have time to waste. Get in the car.” He wasn't just telling her, he was instructing her. “Grandfather wants to see us.” He added.

Oh, so that was it? Isla thought. Now she understood what was happening. No wonder he was back to Carminton.

A car was already waiting. Isla wanted to refuse, but then she thought, Why not? Maybe this was her chance to tell his family the truth. She was done pretending.

She nodded once and slid into the car. A bodyguard took her suitcase, placing it in the trunk, while Gabriel settled beside her.

On their way, Isla glanced at him. His head was bent, his fingers moving over his phone. She leaned slightly, just enough to get a glimpse of what he was doing. She saw that he was texting Delphine.

Her chest squeezed. The pain was too sharp. That was the moment she knew that without any doubt, her marriage was over. She would go through with the divorce. She had endured enough humiliation.

Gabriel never looked at her during the ride. Not once. But as they arrived at the Wyndham mansion and stepped out of the car, his hand slid around her waist. A public show and performance he was used to.

Isla didn’t flinch. She expected it to happen. Even though it's still against her will, a small spark rushed through her at his touch, a reminder of how much she loved him. But she let it go.

“Let’s get this done,” Gabriel murmured. “I have a flight at two.”

She didn’t bother to respond. Her mind was set.

Maids lined up at the porte-cochère of the mansion. Their heads bowed as they greeted the couple.

“Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Wyndham,” Stephen, the butler, said smoothly. “Mr. Wyndham is expecting you. Please, follow me.”

The grand doors opened, and Stephen announced loudly, “The junior master and his beloved wife are here.”

Gabriel walked inside, smiling brightly as though everything were perfect. Isla followed, with a blank expression and heavy heart.

“Come, my son!” Anna, Gabriel’s mother, rose quickly, spreading her arms wide to embrace Gabriel.

Isla greeted the family politely, leaning down to kiss Alfred Wyndham on the cheek before taking her seat beside Gabriel.

***

The family ate in silence. Plates were cleared, dessert was served, and then Alfred Wyndham finally spoke.

“Gabriel,” he said, “Today marks two years of your marriage to Isla. Happy anniversary to you both.”

The family stirred with surprise. Everyone had forgotten—everyone except Alfred.

Isla’s face remained still. She was far too tired for this game.

“Congratulations to us,” Gabriel said, glancing at Isla. She let out a sharp scoff. Was he serious?

Alfred cleared his throat. “To celebrate your anniversary, I have decided to make your wife the new—”

“Please stop, grandfather.”

Gasps rippled around the room as Isla stood up. No one dared to interrupt Alfred Wyndham. No one.

“Isla!” Anna snapped, her eyes sparkling more than usual. “How dare you? Do you know who you are speaking to? You should be grateful to be married to my son. If you forget your place, I will remind you.”

Isla lifted her chin. Her voice was calm and gentle. “I apologize if I sound rude, but I don’t think I deserve any more of grandfather’s kindness.”

“And what exactly are you saying, Isla?” Alfred asked, his piercing gaze was now fixed on her.

Gabriel stood abruptly, grabbing her hand. “Babe, what are you doing?”

Isla looked into his eyes and spoke. “We need to talk. And now.” She turned to the family. “I am sorry grandfather, father, and mother. Please, excuse us. We'll be right back.”

Isla and Gabriel left the dining hall and entered a painting room.

“Isla, what is wrong with you?”

She tried to control her temper before she spoke. “Have you signed the divorce papers?” Was her reply.

Gabriel was shocked that she was still asking for a divorce. His mouth opened but no words came out. His hands rake through his silky hair. This was something he does whenever he has a troubling heart. But Isla's next words did a lot more damage.

“We are done, Gabriel. I told you already. I will just tell the family the truth. We're getting a divorce.”

And then, she turned to leave.