The Extraordinary Bride Of The Wyndham Family (Isla and Gabriel) novel Chapter 138

The sun shone brightly overhead, casting a warm glow over the poolside where Isla sat with her two closest friends. Their skin still glistened from the recent swim, droplets of water catching the light as a gentle breeze teased the edges of their soft robes. Though they had just emerged from the cool water, each woman had wrapped herself in a cozy robe to shield their damp skin from the subtle chill in the air.

Reclined comfortably on chaise lounges, their long legs stretched out beneath oversized sunglasses, the trio sipped from chilled glasses, the condensation cool against their fingers. Their chatter had naturally shifted toward business matters, a topic that seemed to weave itself into every conversation they shared.

Betsy, animated and enthusiastic, was filling Isla in on the latest developments regarding their new product. Her voice carried an excited energy as she detailed how close they were to completion, confidently predicting that the product would be ready to hit the market within the next two weeks.

They began to toss around potential launch dates. Isla nodded thoughtfully, absorbing the information, but inside her mind, she was still wrestling with more complicated issues. The decision on a launch date felt premature; her heart and thoughts were tangled up with the unresolved matters involving Gabriel. Until those uncertainties settled, Isla found it difficult to commit to anything significant.

Breaking the serious mood, Sofie suddenly chimed in with a playful grin, “Can we drop the business talk for a bit and focus on celebrating your new house?”

Isla rolled her eyes but couldn’t help laughing, a lightness returning to her expression. Betsy joined in the laughter, the sound brightening the atmosphere around them.

“Don’t even start,” Isla warned, shaking her head with a smile. “You’ll just make me think of my sisters. They’ll want the same thing — a big celebration, just like you.”

Sofie leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Isn’t that a good thing? We can’t pretend this is nothing. Come on, just pick a date for a housewarming party. Something small, casual, fun.” She raised her eyebrows suggestively.

Betsy nodded in agreement. “Sofie’s right. Isla, just pick a date and let us come over to your new place and celebrate.”

Their laughter mingled with the warm breeze, filling the air with a carefree, joyful energy that felt almost healing.

Then, cutting through the lightheartedness, a familiar voice—deep and steady—entered their space, shifting the mood instantly.

“I see you’re having a good time,” Gabriel said, his tone calm yet carrying an undercurrent of something heavier.

The three women turned toward him. Gabriel stood there, impeccably dressed in a dark three-piece suit, exuding effortless charm. Yet beneath the polished exterior, Isla noticed the subtle signs of exhaustion etched into his features, a weariness only she could perceive.

Her eyes brightened instantly at the sight of him, and her smile came naturally, almost instinctively. But as she held his gaze longer, a tightness gripped her heart. Behind his polite smile, she caught a flicker of worry, a shadow she wished she could erase.

He was trying to appear composed for her sake, that much was clear. But Isla could read him too well to be fooled.

Without hesitation, she rose and stepped into his embrace, her hands finding his waist as she held him close. He responded by pressing a gentle kiss atop her head, his breath warm and comforting against her hair.

Isla turned toward him, her eyes locking onto his with an intensity that spoke of concern and tenderness. The warmth that had filled her moments ago now gave way to a quiet softness.

“What’s wrong?” she asked gently. “You don’t have to hide anything from me.”

Her words seemed to break through his defenses. The tears he had been holding back welled up, blurring his vision. This time, he made no effort to conceal them.

Isla moved closer, wrapping her arms around his neck in a protective embrace. She leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to his lips. Gabriel’s hands found her waist, pulling her tightly as he deepened the kiss, seeking the comfort only she could provide.

She sensed the heavy burden he carried, something he wasn’t yet ready to share. She felt it in the way he held her, in the quiet tremor of his breath. But she didn’t push for answers or demand explanations. Instead, she simply held him closer, trusting that when the time was right, he would open his heart.

For now, this closeness was enough—a fragile, healing moment shared between two souls bound by love and pain.