The Extraordinary Bride Of The Wyndham Family (Isla and Gabriel) novel Chapter 144

**Extraordinary Bride**

Tropicana Cuisine buzzed with life tonight, the atmosphere thick with the scent of delicious food and the soft hum of conversation. The warm, inviting lights cast a golden glow over the tables, while the gentle strains of music floated through the air, creating a symphony of sounds that made the restaurant feel vibrant and alive. Yet, amidst all the commotion, Peter had made a shrewd decision to reserve a private dining room, a tranquil oasis where he could share an intimate dinner with the captivating woman who had captured his attention just weeks prior—Sofie.

And now, they found themselves in this secluded space.

Sofie sat across from him, her fingers delicately tracing the rim of her plate, a subtle gesture that betrayed her unease. She was not the type to be shy or withdrawn; that would be far from the truth. But sitting here, face-to-face with Peter, her nerves twisted into knots. The weight of the moment pressed down on her, and she struggled to find the right words.

Peter was undeniably handsome, the kind of allure that seemed almost otherworldly. His icy blue eyes sparkled with a quiet intensity that drew her in, while his sharp jawline and the unmistakable strength of his physique exuded a confidence that could make any woman weak in the knees. He was the kind of man who commanded attention without even trying, and Sofie felt a mix of admiration and intimidation in his presence.

He was no ordinary man, of course.

As the CEO of PS Bank, he governed a billion-dollar financial empire, with its headquarters nestled in Madayaka and branches sprawling into Carminton and Teriporto. His power and wealth were the stuff of legends, a billionaire whose name echoed in the corridors of influence. He carried a reputation that loomed larger than life itself, and Sofie couldn’t help but feel a pang of insecurity. How could someone like him be genuinely interested in a woman like her—someone without status, without a notable background, and certainly without anything extraordinary to offer?

As they dined, a blanket of silence enveloped them, punctuated only by the soft clinking of cutlery. Peter ate with a calm demeanor, but every few moments, his gaze drifted toward her, an open and unguarded look that made her heart race. Sofie felt the heat of his stare, yet she willed herself to focus on her plate, avoiding his eyes as if they were a powerful magnet pulling her in.

Eventually, Peter finished his meal first. He reached for a napkin, wiping his mouth with deliberate slowness, all the while observing her as she continued to eat. Sofie, naturally a slow eater, felt a flicker of panic when she realized he had completed his meal. She quickly set her fork down, the sound echoing in the small room.

Peter noticed her sudden movement immediately.

“You should eat more,” he said gently, his voice low and soothing. “Just take your time.”

“I’m fine, thanks,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes still glued to her plate, refusing to meet his penetrating gaze.

She lifted her glass of water, taking a slow sip, trying to calm the storm of emotions swirling within her.

Peter nodded, his expression thoughtful, and then, almost too abruptly, he asked, “Have you considered my proposal?”

He couldn’t fathom why he had reacted so strongly. He had encountered countless women in his life—many of them beautiful, each in their own unique way, and in far more intimate situations. Yet, why did a mere glimpse of Sofie’s skin send his heart racing and his mind spiraling?

Clearing his throat, he fought to steady his voice.

Once Sofie seemed to regain her composure, he continued softly, “I know this may seem rushed. It might sound completely insane—who proposes marriage to someone they barely know?”

For the first time, Sofie raised her eyes to meet his, uncertainty flickering in her gaze as she trembled slightly.

Peter pressed on, his voice deep and sincere, resonating with warmth. “But I already know everything I need to know about you. I am serious about my proposal. Marry me, Sofie… and I promise to love you unconditionally.”

His words hung in the air between them, heavy with significance, warm with emotion, and utterly unbelievable.

Sofie’s heart skipped a beat, the world around them fading into a stillness that felt surreal.