Jeff, holding Isla’s phone at the Wyndham Wardrobe, answers a call from Gabriel, the CEO and Isla’s husband. Gabriel’s harsh tone shocks Jeff, especially when Gabriel angrily reprimands him for addressing Isla by her first name. Before Jeff can respond, Gabriel abruptly hangs up, leaving Jeff unsettled.
Meanwhile, the Wyndham Wardrobe is nearly ready for a major launch event. Isla, refusing to waste money on an extravagant external venue, transforms the space into a stunning runway filled with elegant decorations and lighting. As the team finishes rehearsals, Isla encourages everyone to rest and insists on being called by her first name to foster unity. She checks on Clara, the lead model critical to the show’s success, and feels reassured when Jeff confirms Clara has gone home safely.
Later, Isla drives home with her assistant Sofie, who answers a tense call from Gabriel on Isla’s behalf. Sofie’s mood is heavy, and Isla senses she is holding something back. Once home, Isla confronts Sofie, who gently advises her not to give up on Gabriel, believing he still cares despite their troubles. Isla, however, remains cold and resolute, telling Sofie to focus on work and dismissing her concerns.
Alone in her bedroom, Isla feels exhausted and overwhelmed by the mounting pressures, including Gabriel’s relentless calls and the upcoming event. Seeking solace, she takes a long, hot shower, allowing herself a brief moment of calm to breathe and gather strength before facing the challenges ahead.
At the Wyndham Wardrobe, Jeff stood quietly, holding Isla’s phone in his hand. He had already guessed the caller was the CEO—that was the only reason he’d even dared to answer. But now, after hearing Gabriel’s sharp, biting tone, he wished he hadn’t picked up at all.
“I’m sorry, sir. This is Jeff, but Isla—”
“Isla? Did you just address my wife by her first name? How dare you?” Gabriel’s voice cut through the line like a whip, cold and unforgiving.
Jeff swallowed hard, a wave of fear washing over him. “With all due respect, sir, I don’t understand what this is about. I’ll just hand the phone back to your wife. Please hold on a moment.” Despite the sweat gathering on his palms, his voice remained polite and steady.
But before Jeff could move, the line went dead. Gabriel had hung up abruptly, the sharp click echoing in Jeff’s ear, leaving him frozen, phone still in hand.
By evening, the Wyndham Wardrobe was nearly ready for the big event. Initially, the team had planned to host the launch at a lavish resort, a venue that alone would have cost nearly a hundred million. But when Isla heard about the extravagant plan, she immediately put a stop to it. She refused to throw away such a fortune on just a location.
Instead, she insisted the launch take place right there, within the walls of Wyndham Wardrobe—their pride and joy. Under her careful direction, the space had transformed into something spectacular.
The runway stretched out, flawless and gleaming, designed to look like a stream of light captured in glass. Rows of spotlights lined the sides, tested repeatedly until they shone like stars in the night sky. The decorators, among the finest in Richbouph, had dressed every corner with an elegant touch. The entire room whispered sophistication.
Isla walked slowly along the runway, her eyes scanning every inch with a critical yet satisfied gaze. Beside her, the Creative Director and Production Manager followed closely, like silent guardians awaiting her approval. She bent down once to touch the smooth, glassy surface beneath her fingertips, then straightened, a small, contented smile playing on her lips. Everything was ready.
As the final rehearsals wrapped up, the hall began to empty. The staff yawned and rubbed tired eyes, their shoulders slumping under the weight of exhaustion. It was late, and the long day had taken its toll.
Jeff, still clutching his iPad, glanced at Isla. “I think you should head home and get some rest, Isla. You need it more than anyone here.”
Earlier, Isla had told the entire team to call her by her first name, rather than her formal title. She believed it broke down barriers, made them feel like one cohesive unit working toward the same goal.
“Thanks, Jeff. I’m sure we all need rest tonight,” she replied with a faint but genuine smile. Then, glancing up quickly, she asked, “I hope Clara has already gone home?”
Clara, the lead model for tomorrow’s show, was their most crucial asset. She was set to replace Delphine, so if anything happened to Clara, the entire event could be jeopardized.
“She’s home now, ma’am. Don’t worry,” Jeff assured her.
Relief softened Isla’s features. She nodded once. “Good. In that case, I should be on my way as well.”
She turned to leave, and Sofie, her quiet assistant, fell into step behind her without hesitation.
***
The car glided smoothly through the city streets, the glow of streetlights casting a warm hue inside the vehicle. Isla sat at the wheel, her hands gripping it firmly, while Sofie sat beside her, eyes fixed intently on the glowing screen of the iPad resting on her lap. She was meticulously scrolling through the lengthy guest list, her fingers moving carefully.
A soft buzz from Isla’s phone broke the quiet. Sofie reached for it immediately. The screen lit up with the contact name: Mine. A subtle tension crept into her chest as she swiped to answer.
“Hello, sir,” Sofie said gently. “Mrs. Wyndham is driving at the moment. She’ll return your call as soon as possible.”
Slowly, she undressed and stepped into the bathroom. Her hand turned the silver knob of the shower, and warm water immediately cascaded over her, soaking her hair and running gently down her skin in soothing streams.
Eyes closed, head tilted back, she breathed in the heat, a soft gasp escaping her lips. Her mind drifted through everything—the relentless calls from Gabriel, Sofie’s words, the mounting pressure of the next day.
But for now, beneath the steam, she allowed herself a moment to simply breathe. Just breathe.
The chapter delicately captures Isla’s inner turmoil as she balances the weight of her personal conflicts with the demands of her professional life. Despite the tension with Gabriel and the emotional strain it brings, Isla’s unwavering dedication to her work shines through, revealing her resilience and determination. The transformation of Wyndham Wardrobe into a stunning venue symbolizes her strength and vision, even as she grapples with the complexities of her relationships.
In the quiet moments alone, Isla’s vulnerability surfaces, reminding us of the human fragility beneath her composed exterior. Sofie’s gentle counsel hints at hope and the possibility of reconciliation, yet Isla’s guarded response underscores her current resolve to protect herself. The chapter closes on a poignant note of exhaustion and quiet reflection, allowing Isla a brief respite before the challenges of tomorrow unfold.
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the complex emotions simmering beneath Isla’s composed exterior. As the launch day looms ever closer, the tension between her and Gabriel is palpable, hinting at unresolved conflicts that could shake the foundation of their relationship. Sofie’s unexpected plea for understanding adds an intriguing layer of loyalty and doubt, raising questions about where allegiances truly lie and how much Isla is willing to sacrifice for both her career and her marriage.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere surrounding the Wyndham Wardrobe’s grand event is charged with anticipation and a hint of fragility. The meticulous preparations contrast sharply with the personal storms brewing behind the scenes, suggesting that the night of the launch may bring more than just professional triumph. Readers will find themselves eagerly awaiting the unfolding of these intertwined dramas, wondering how Isla will navigate the pressures of leadership, love, and betrayal when the spotlight finally hits.
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)