Isla quietly searches for her phone on the bed, avoiding Gabriel’s gaze. When he asks about it, she admits she feels like their situation is unreal, like a dream she doesn’t want to wake from. Gabriel gently reassures her that their relationship is real and promises to make their life together lasting, urging her to trust him. Isla clings to his promise, though she still feels a mix of hope and fear, especially considering the hostility from Gabriel’s family, particularly his mother Anna.
Gabriel suggests going shopping together for new clothes as a fresh start, which surprises Isla but also touches her with its thoughtfulness. Despite her lingering unease, she agrees, and they share a tender kiss before preparing to go out. As they enter the kitchen, Isla is startled to see Magdalene there, and Gabriel’s affectionate words “my love” spoken openly in front of her deepen Isla’s confusion and uncertainty about Gabriel’s sudden change.
Magdalene greets Isla warmly, and Gabriel insists Isla sit while he retrieves her phone. Isla is overwhelmed by the shift in Gabriel’s demeanor and the presence of Magdalene, unsure whether to feel gratitude or fear. When Gabriel prompts her to thank him, she quietly calls him “my love,” which brings a satisfied smile to his face before he leaves the room. Magdalene hides her own surprised smile, noting she has never seen Gabriel like this before.
Gabriel soon returns with Isla’s phone, which is filled with missed calls and messages, but Isla chooses not to check them. Instead, she looks at Gabriel, who watches her tenderly, highlighting the intimate and fragile moment they share as they begin to navigate this new chapter together.
“I’m fine, really. There’s nothing to worry about,” she whispered softly, her gaze drifting away as her fingers swept over the bed sheets, searching carefully.
Gabriel noticed her evasive glance and asked gently, “What exactly are you looking for?” His eyes narrowed slightly, curiosity tinged with concern.
“My phone,” she murmured, still running her hands across the mattress, as if hoping it would magically appear.
He shook his head, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Your phone isn’t here, Isla. We left most of our things in the living room last night.” He cocked his head, studying her closely. “But why are you avoiding looking at me?”
She stiffened, her body tensing, yet she still refused to meet his eyes. “What? No, I’m not avoiding you,” she insisted, her voice faltering. “I was just… searching for—” Her words trailed off, swallowed by hesitation.
Slowly, she straightened her posture and finally turned to face him. Their eyes locked, and she sighed, surrendering. “Alright, you caught me,” she admitted, biting her lip nervously. “I was just… I don’t know how to say this.” She exhaled deeply. “It still feels unreal, Gabriel. Like this isn’t happening to us. It’s like a dream I don’t want to wake up from.”
Her confession hung in the air, heavy and sincere.
Gabriel took a deliberate step closer, his gaze softening with warmth. His hand lifted gently, brushing a damp lock of hair away from her cheek. “Isla, this isn’t a dream,” he murmured, his thumb tracing the line of her jaw with tender care. “This is real. We’re real.”
Her breath hitched at his touch, and he caught the flicker of doubt shimmering in her eyes.
“This isn’t some fantasy, my love,” he repeated, his voice low and steady, filled with a rare gentleness that made her heart flutter. “I know it feels unreal right now, but I promise, this is how things will be for us from now on. I’ll make sure of it. Just… trust me.”
Without hesitation, Isla wrapped her arms around his waist, holding him tight as if anchoring herself to his promise. She longed to believe him, yearning for this tenderness to endure.
Yet, Gabriel pulled back just a little, his hands cupping her face tenderly. His vivid green eyes held hers with quiet assurance as he spoke, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “I’m going to take a good shower now,” he said softly. “And if it’s not too much to ask…”
He paused, then added playfully, “Can I take you out shopping for a new wardrobe?”
Her eyes widened in surprise. “Gabriel,” she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper. “I have clothes, you know that. Why do we need more?” Her palm rested lightly on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her fingers.
Lowering his gaze to her hand, he gently curled his fingers around hers, lifting her knuckles to his lips and pressing a soft kiss before responding. “I want us to shop together. A fresh start, new clothes for both of us.”
Isla blinked, momentarily silent. It wasn’t a bad idea at all. In fact, it was thoughtful—almost sweet. But despite the warmth in his voice and the tenderness in his actions, a flicker of unease gnawed at her. Gabriel’s sudden change, his gentle words—it was everything she had hoped for, yet it also scared her. She was desperate to guard her heart, to shield herself from the sting of possible disappointment.
Her thoughts drifted to Anna, Gabriel’s mother. She knew how far Anna would go to tear them apart. No matter how deeply Gabriel loved her, the animosity from his family was a looming storm she wasn’t prepared to face.
Still, a small smile crept onto her lips as she nodded softly. “Okay, fine,” she agreed quietly.
Yet, she couldn’t bring herself to check them. With a soft sigh, she set the phone aside and let her eyes meet Gabriel’s.
And he was already watching her, quietly, tenderly.
The chapter delicately explores the fragile balance between hope and fear that Isla feels as she begins to accept Gabriel’s newfound tenderness. Her vulnerability is palpable, caught between the longing for love and the cautiousness born from past wounds and looming challenges. Gabriel’s gentle reassurances and small acts of affection offer Isla a glimpse of a future she’s yearned for, yet the shadows of doubt and the weight of external pressures linger quietly beneath the surface.
Despite the uncertainty, their connection deepens in these intimate moments, underscoring the theme of trust as the foundation for their renewed relationship. The simple acts—shopping together, sharing meals, exchanging whispered words—become symbols of a fresh start, a tentative step toward healing. The chapter closes on a note of quiet hope, with Isla and Gabriel’s eyes meeting in mutual understanding, hinting at the possibility of love blossoming even amidst the complexities they face.
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the evolving dynamics between Isla and Gabriel, as they begin to navigate their new reality together. The tenderness Gabriel shows hints at a turning point, yet Isla’s lingering doubts and fears suggest that their journey toward trust and happiness won’t be without its challenges. Readers can expect emotional moments where vulnerability and hope intertwine, setting the stage for a delicate balance between love and uncertainty.
At the same time, the presence of Magdalene and the shadow of Anna’s disapproval loom in the background, hinting at external pressures that may test their bond. As Isla grapples with her feelings and the changes in Gabriel, the story will likely explore how past conflicts and family tensions threaten to disrupt the fragile peace they’ve found. The next chapter will invite readers to witness the subtle shifts in relationships and the quiet strength it takes to hold onto love when fear and doubt linger just beneath the surface.
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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