Gabriel prepares to leave the house but Isla insists on accompanying him despite her pregnancy. She is determined and eager to see their friends Ben and Peter, reminding Gabriel that she is not fragile and wants to get out after weeks of staying indoors. Gabriel reluctantly agrees, setting strict rules to keep her safe and their pregnancy secret.
They arrive at an exclusive club owned by Landon, where they join their friends in the VIP terrace. The atmosphere is lively with music, laughter, and the buzz of the crowd, but the group settles into their familiar camaraderie. Isla’s question about Peter’s plans for marriage unexpectedly creates a tense silence, revealing unresolved feelings and delicate dynamics among the friends.
As the evening continues, Gabriel carefully ensures the drinks are safe for Isla, showing his protective nature. Ben playfully guesses that Isla is pregnant, which Gabriel neither confirms nor denies directly but hints that they are working on it. The mood lightens with congratulations and jokes, but the tension lingers beneath the surface.
The chapter ends with a sudden shift when Anna Wyndham appears at the terrace entrance, her cold and unreadable expression signaling a new source of conflict. Her arrival unsettles Isla and Gabriel, hinting at complications to come in their relationships and the evening’s events.
“You don’t have to go, Isla. I’ll be back within two hours,” Gabriel said calmly as he tucked his black button-down shirt neatly into his matching trousers, fastening his leather belt with a soft click that echoed through the quiet room.
Isla stood by the mirror, slipping her feet into a pair of knee-high black leather boots with modest heels. Her floral sleeveless dress clung gracefully to her figure, the delicate fabric falling just above her knees. Her long blonde hair tumbled loosely down her back, catching the light. When she turned slightly to face him, Gabriel felt his heart skip a beat.
She looked stunning—effortlessly radiant.
“I’m not sick, Gabriel,” she replied, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear with a playful smile. “I’m just pregnant, not fragile. Please, let me come with you.”
He furrowed his brow, watching as she bent down to grab her purse and phone. The determination in her eyes was unmistakable. When Isla made up her mind, arguing was pointless.
“Besides,” she added, standing upright and facing him squarely, “it’s been ages since we saw Ben and Peter. I miss them.”
Gabriel sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. She had a point. It had been two weeks since they moved into their new home, and they hadn’t stepped out once—not just because of her pregnancy, but also because he had taken an entire week off work to care for her.
That week had been the most peaceful he’d experienced in years—making sure she ate well, rested properly, and sitting by her side while she slept. But now that she was feeling stronger, she wanted to get out again.
He knew there was no saying no.
“Alright, fine,” he relented, fastening his cufflinks with a sigh. “But you have to follow my rules. No alcohol, no stress, and no one finds out you’re pregnant until I say so.”
“I promise,” Isla said quickly, a smile spreading across her lips.
He stepped closer, his gaze softening as he reached for a beige faux fur jacket hanging nearby. “Here,” he said gently, draping it over her shoulders. “The night air will be chilly, and the club’s air conditioning will be worse.”
She smiled back, tilting her head up slightly. “You’re starting to sound like my doctor.”
Gabriel chuckled. “Good. Maybe this time you’ll actually listen.”
***
About an hour later, their car came to a smooth stop outside the exclusive club in central Carminton—the one owned by Landon. Neon lights shimmered in hues of blue and gold, casting a vibrant glow over the sleek line of luxury cars parked beneath the streetlights. The low, steady thump of bass vibrated through the pavement, mingling with the murmur of voices and laughter.
Gabriel stepped out first, turning to help Isla from the vehicle. As they entered the club, his hand settled protectively at the small of her back.
Inside, the club buzzed with life. Music and laughter filled the air, bodies swaying under dim, colored lights. The scent of whiskey and expensive cologne hung thickly, mingling with the palpable energy of the crowd.
They made their way upstairs to the VIP terrace—their usual refuge. The moment Ben spotted them ascending the steps, his face brightened.
“Finally! Here come Carminton’s first-class couple—Mr. and Mrs. Wyndham!” he called out dramatically, drawing a few curious glances from nearby tables.
Isla laughed softly as Ben pulled her into a warm hug. “You never change, Ben,” she said, shaking her head fondly.
Gabriel exchanged a firm handshake and a brief hug with him before turning to Peter. The two men clapped each other on the shoulders with the easy familiarity of old friends who had weathered many storms together.
Once they settled into their usual seats, Isla leaned back comfortably, her hand resting gently on Gabriel’s arm. “So,” she began with a smile, “where have you two been hiding? You both just vanished for a while.”
Peter exhaled and leaned forward. “Business,” he said. “It’s been hectic, but I’m back now. For good, hopefully.”
“That’s great to hear,” Isla said warmly. Without thinking, she added, tilting her head with curiosity, “So… any plans for marriage?”
The words slipped out before she could stop them.
A heavy silence fell over the table.
“Well,” Gabriel said finally, his tone casual but deliberate, “maybe she is. Maybe she isn’t. But I’m not taking any chances—we’re working on it.”
Ben’s grin returned instantly, breaking the tension. “Then congratulations in advance, my friend. It’s about time the great Gabriel Wyndham produced an heir.”
Peter groaned quietly. “Can we please go back to talking about Sofie?”
His interruption brought a few chuckles around the table. Isla smiled, about to respond, but before she could, she noticed Gabriel’s arm stiffen beside her.
She sensed someone’s presence.
Following his gaze, she turned toward the terrace entrance—and her heart sank.
Standing there, in an elegant navy gown, her expression cold and unreadable, was Anna Wyndham.
The evening, filled with laughter and familiar faces, subtly revealed the delicate threads of anticipation and unspoken truths weaving through Isla and Gabriel’s world. Isla’s desire to step back into life beyond their home, despite her pregnancy, highlighted her strength and determination, while Gabriel’s protective nature underscored the deep love and care binding them. Their friends’ presence brought warmth and a touch of complexity, reminding them of past connections and the evolving paths ahead.
Yet, beneath the surface of joyful reunion, a quiet tension lingered, hinting at challenges yet to unfold. The unexpected arrival of Anna Wyndham cast a shadow over the night, leaving Isla and Gabriel poised on the edge of change. In this moment, the chapter captured the fragile balance between hope and uncertainty, love and loyalty, setting the stage for the journey that lies ahead with hearts intertwined and secrets waiting to be unveiled.
The next chapter promises to deepen the emotional complexity as Isla and Gabriel’s evening takes an unexpected turn. With Anna Wyndham’s sudden appearance, tensions are sure to rise, stirring old wounds and unresolved feelings that could challenge the fragile peace between the characters. Readers will be drawn into the subtle power plays and the undercurrents of jealousy and rivalry that Anna’s presence inevitably brings.
Meanwhile, the delicate situation surrounding Isla’s pregnancy will continue to weigh heavily on the group, especially with Ben’s perceptive remarks and Peter’s complicated emotions. The dynamics between these close friends are poised to shift, revealing hidden vulnerabilities and testing loyalties. Expect moments of heartfelt confrontation and quiet introspection as each character grapples with their desires and fears under the watchful eyes of those around them.
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.

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