In Alfred Wyndham’s study, a tense and heavy silence lingered as the elderly patriarch confronted his son John and daughter-in-law Anna over a late-night disturbance. Alfred expressed his deep disappointment that the family had been woken up due to a quarrel that had escalated unnecessarily. The room was filled with restless family members, including Landon, Mia, Wyatt, and Sia, all visibly tired and irritated by the commotion.
Anna boldly accused John of cheating on her, sparking shock and disbelief among the family. Landon dismissed the accusation as absurd, while John remained calm but clearly frustrated by the repeated allegations. Anna, however, stood firm and warned John that she would never let him go, hinting at a looming threat of divorce that John denied bringing up. The argument grew heated, with both sides refusing to back down.
Alfred demanded an explanation for the accusation, prompting Anna to claim she was told by someone that John was unfaithful. However, she avoided revealing the embarrassing truth—that she had gone to a nightclub searching for Gabriel and was publicly humiliated by her daughter-in-law. Instead, she fabricated a story about John’s suspicious behavior and a mysterious informant.
Just as Alfred prepared to end the confrontation and send everyone back to bed, Anna revealed that it was Isla who had informed her about John’s alleged infidelity. This revelation shocked the family, as Isla was known for her honesty, casting a shadow of suspicion over John. For the first time that night, John felt the weight of his family’s judgment, unsure of how to defend himself against the growing accusations.
The heavy stillness in Alfred Wyndham’s study lingered far longer than anyone expected.
Seated in his imposing executive chair, the elderly man leaned back slightly, his cane propped against the edge of the polished desk. His weary eyes flicked between the two figures sitting before him, taking in the tense atmosphere.
Across from him sat his son, John, and daughter-in-law, Anna. Around the room, other family members were scattered, their faces restless and anxious.
Alfred’s expression was one of deep disappointment.
“First of all,” he began, his voice low and edged with fatigue, “John, I am truly disappointed in you. Whatever quarrel you two are having, it should never have escalated to this point. You didn’t just wake me up in the middle of the night—you disturbed the entire household.”
A heavy silence followed his words.
Landon and Mia sat side by side on the sofa, still clad in their pajamas, their eyes heavy with sleep. Wyatt and Sia stood near the doorway, both looking irritated and exhausted. It was clear that everyone was worn out.
John sat rigidly in a chair opposite the desk, his hands planted firmly on his knees. Next to him, Anna sat upright, her lips tightly pressed together, her pale face etched with anger.
Alfred’s face remained unreadable, though his tired eyes held the full weight of his authority. After a moment, he finally spoke again. “So,” he said deliberately, “someone is going to explain why I was dragged from my bed at this hour?”
Anna didn’t hesitate. Her voice came sharp, trembling with barely contained fury.
“John is cheating on me,” she declared boldly. “He’s involved with another woman.”
The study erupted with gasps and exchanged glances.
Wyatt’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. Landon didn’t even try to hide his reaction; he let out a short, incredulous laugh, shaking his head.
“What?” Landon exclaimed. “All this commotion… because you think Father is cheating on you? That’s absurd, Mother.”
Anna shot him a deadly glare, but Landon simply raised his hands in mock surrender.
Alfred’s expression remained stoic as he leaned forward slightly. “So,” he said slowly, “you woke half the household because you believe he’s unfaithful?”
“I did no such thing,” John said, his voice calm, oddly devoid of anger. He looked more tired than anything else. “And even if I had,” he added flatly, “what’s the big deal?”
Anna’s mouth fell open in shock. “Father, did you hear that?” she said, her voice rising. “That’s exactly what he told me earlier! He doesn’t even care!”
John’s patience snapped. His hand struck the armrest lightly. “Because you keep accusing me of nonsense, Anna!” he retorted sharply.
But Anna stood her ground. “Let me be very clear,” she said coldly, crossing her arms over her chest. “If you think you’re going to get a divorce from me, you’re wasting your time. Anna Wyndham will never let you go.”
Alfred leaned back in his chair, rubbing the bridge of his nose with a weary hand. His cane rested on his knee as he observed the argument unfolding before him, like a play he hadn’t paid to see.
He was angry, yes, but also somewhat bemused. The whole situation struck him as absurd.
“Who’s talking about divorce?” John snapped suddenly. “You’re the one bringing it up!”
“You don’t have to say it,” Anna shot back. “I just thought I should warn you.”
Landon groaned and ran a hand down his face. “Seriously? This is why I got out of bed?” he muttered under his breath, earning a quick nudge from Mia.
Finally, Alfred raised a hand. “Enough.” His quiet command immediately hushed the room. “Anna,” he said, “how exactly did you find out your husband was cheating?”
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
Gasps erupted again, louder and sharper this time. Even Alfred turned around, his eyebrows lifting in genuine surprise.
“Isla?” he repeated.
Everyone in the room knew one thing for certain—Isla Wyndham did not lie. Even those who disliked her acknowledged her unwavering honesty.
The tension thickened. Every pair of eyes turned toward John, their expressions a mixture of confusion and suspicion.
For the first time that night, John Wyndham felt like a man on trial. Guilty or not, the family’s judgment had already been passed.
The chapter closes on a note of raw tension and fractured trust, revealing the deep fissures within the Wyndham family. Anna’s bold accusation against John, though unproven, has unsettled the household, exposing the fragile balance between love, suspicion, and pride. The weight of Alfred’s disappointment underscores the gravity of their conflict, while the reactions of each family member highlight the emotional turmoil that binds and divides them. In this charged atmosphere, the truth remains elusive, and the characters are left grappling with their own feelings of betrayal and doubt.
Yet beneath the surface of anger and accusation, there is an undeniable thread of vulnerability and unresolved pain. Anna’s reluctance to admit the humiliating truth and John’s quiet fury reveal the complexity of their relationship, marked by both defiance and desperation. As the family confronts this crisis, the chapter poignantly captures the struggle to maintain dignity and connection amidst suspicion, leaving readers poised on the edge of revelation and reconciliation.
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the tangled web of accusations and mistrust that now grips the Wyndham family. As Anna’s revelation about Isla’s involvement shakes the household, emotions will run even higher, and loyalties will be tested. Readers can expect the simmering tensions between John and Anna to escalate, as the family struggles to discern truth from deception amidst the mounting pressure.
Moreover, the dynamics within the family are poised to shift in unexpected ways. With everyone watching John closely, his response to the accusations will be crucial, potentially revealing hidden facets of his character. Meanwhile, Anna’s determination and the impact of Isla’s testimony will add layers of complexity to the unfolding drama. The next chapter will likely explore these strained relationships, leaving readers eager to uncover the real story behind the allegations and the true intentions of those involved.
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.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Extraordinary Bride Of The Wyndham Family (Isla and Gabriel)