Isla lies in bed, reluctant to face the morning after a restless night spent watching Gabriel’s interview repeatedly. The interview stirs conflicting emotions in her—pride, pain, confusion, and longing—especially since Gabriel publicly defended her despite their painful past. She longs for peace and tries to push away memories of his touch and kiss that still haunt her.
Her friend Sofie arrives with breakfast, having been reassigned as Isla’s personal assistant by the CEO. Sofie explains she left the office because of the tense atmosphere under Delphine’s return and prefers working closely with Isla. The two share a warm, supportive moment, with Isla expressing gratitude for Sofie’s loyalty and kindness, feeling comforted by her presence.
Isla orders Chinese rice for breakfast, a small indulgence, and takes a refreshing shower. Despite outward calm, her mind is unsettled, briefly distracted by thoughts of Delphine’s pregnancy before focusing back on Sofie. Suddenly, her phone buzzes with a message from Gabriel inviting her to dinner, which shocks her and stirs a mixture of anger and unresolved feelings.
Although Isla wants to hate Gabriel and reject his message, her heart betrays her, beating faster at the thought of him reaching out. The chapter ends with Isla caught in a swirl of emotions, uncertain of how to respond to Gabriel’s unexpected invitation.
A gentle knock echoed softly against the bedroom door of Isla’s penthouse in Wyndham Heights.
At first, she remained still, not even stirring. Instead, she shifted slightly to the other side of the bed, nestling her face deeper into the plush pillow, seeking refuge from the morning world.
The knocking came once more—delicate but persistent.
A quiet groan escaped her lips as her body lingered in the haze of sleep. Gradually, she opened her eyes, blinking against the pale morning light that filtered through the expansive glass wall, casting a soft glow across the room.
Her head throbbed faintly, a reminder of how late she had stayed up the night before.
After her mother had left, Isla had spent nearly the entire night watching Gabriel’s interview online. Over and over again, she replayed it until she could almost recite his words from memory. Each viewing stirred a complex mix of emotions within her—pride, pain, confusion, longing. It was bewildering how much he had hurt her, yet how deeply he could still affect her heart.
She knew Gabriel’s public defense of her was mostly to quell the rumors, but it still mattered profoundly. He didn’t have to stand up for her in front of everyone—but he chose to. And that choice meant something she couldn’t easily dismiss.
Yet, she despised the way her heart still fluttered at the thought of him.
All she craved this morning was peace. She wished she could simply sleep away the whirlwind of thoughts, to stop replaying the memory of Gabriel’s touch, the way his kiss had ignited sensations her mind tried desperately to ignore.
The knocking came again, louder this time.
With a long, reluctant sigh, Isla pushed herself up, stretching her arms above her head and releasing a soft yawn.
“Who is it?” she called out, her voice thick with sleep.
“It’s me, Sofie. May I come in?” came the familiar reply.
Isla rubbed her tired eyes and forced a small, grateful smile. “Sofie? Yes, please come in.”
The door creaked open, and Sofie stepped inside, carrying a tray with a steaming cup of coffee and a neatly wrapped fish sandwich.
Isla’s brow furrowed as she studied her friend. “Why aren’t you at work?”
Sofie hesitated before setting the tray gently on the bed, offering a warm smile. “Please, Isla, you need to eat something. You haven’t been taking care of yourself these past few days. Now that you finally have some time for yourself, it’s important to nourish your body.”
Isla folded her arms, eyeing Sofie suspiciously. “That still doesn’t answer my question. Why aren’t you in the office? And don’t even think about lying to me.”
Sofie sighed, raising her hands in surrender. “Okay, okay. Calm down, ma’am.”
“Don’t call me that,” Isla shot back, rolling her eyes.
“Alright, Isla,” Sofie said with a teasing grin. “The CEO called me yesterday. He told me I’ve been reassigned to you—not just as your assistant at the Wardrobe, but as your personal assistant. So, no matter where you are, I’m working for you. Even as your housekeeper, if that’s what you want. And yes, I’ll still get paid.”
Isla’s mouth dropped open slightly in surprise. “And you agreed to that?”
Sofie shrugged, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Of course. Between you and me, I’d rather work for you than step foot in that office again. Delphine went back yesterday, and already the atmosphere feels suffocating. Everyone’s walking on eggshells. I just can’t stand her.”
Isla exhaled deeply, pressing her lips together. “I’m sorry, Sofie. I can only imagine how hard that must be.”
Sofie waved it off lightly. “No need to apologize. I made my choice.”
Still, Isla frowned, leaning forward with concern. “But please, don’t ever speak about yourself like that again.” She reached out and gave Sofie’s shoulder a playful slap.
“Ouch! What was that for?” Sofie complained dramatically, rubbing her arm.
“For calling yourself a housekeeper,” Isla said, pouting. “You’re not one. You’re my assistant. A professional one.”
“Let’s have dinner together tonight. You can choose the place. Let me know your decision, my love.”
For a few long seconds, Isla stared at the words, her chest rising and falling unevenly.
Her throat felt dry, as if all the air had been sucked out of the room.
Closing her eyes, she whispered under her breath, “Gabriel, what do you think you’re doing?”
A surge of anger began to rise within her. She wanted to throw the phone across the room.
She wanted to hate him.
But that foolish, stubborn heart of hers beat faster anyway.
In this tender moment, Isla’s vulnerability and inner turmoil come to the forefront, revealing the complexity of her feelings toward Gabriel. Despite the pain he has caused her, his public defense and persistent presence in her life stir a mix of longing and resentment that she struggles to reconcile. The unwavering support from Sofie offers Isla a comforting anchor, reminding her that she is not alone in this storm. Their bond highlights the importance of friendship and loyalty as Isla navigates the emotional chaos that Gabriel’s actions have ignited within her.
As Isla prepares to face the day, the unexpected message from Gabriel serves as a poignant reminder of their unresolved connection, stirring both hope and frustration in her heart. Her conflicted emotions underscore the chapter’s themes of love, betrayal, and resilience, capturing the delicate balance between holding on and letting go. In this quiet, intimate scene, Isla’s journey toward healing and self-discovery feels both fragile and fiercely determined, leaving readers eager to see how she will confront the challenges ahead.
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the tangled emotions between Isla and Gabriel, as his unexpected invitation stirs a storm within her. Will she confront the man who has both wounded and captivated her, or will she choose to protect her fragile heart by keeping her distance? The tension between longing and resentment is palpable, setting the stage for a confrontation that could redefine their complicated relationship.
Meanwhile, Isla’s bond with Sofie grows stronger, offering a beacon of support amid the chaos. Yet, even this newfound alliance may be tested as external pressures and hidden motives begin to surface. As Isla navigates the delicate balance between vulnerability and strength, readers can anticipate moments of raw honesty, quiet resilience, and perhaps, surprising revelations that challenge everything she thought she knew about love and loyalty.
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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