The evening’s tension began to ease as Isla and Gabriel found a moment of calm, sitting close and quietly reconnecting after earlier silence. Meanwhile, Ben and Betsy enjoyed a lively, carefree interaction across the table, their laughter contrasting with the more intimate atmosphere between Isla and Gabriel. Sofie, however, felt out of place among the wealthy elite, her thoughts troubled not by social differences but by Peter’s intense and unsettling gaze fixed on her throughout the evening.
Peter Starling, known for his cold demeanor and rare smiles, was silently wrestling with a deep internal conflict triggered by his grandmother’s wish for him to settle down and start a family before she died. This emotional weight led him to unexpectedly propose marriage to Sofie, shocking everyone present. Sofie was stunned and hesitant, while Isla immediately defended her friend, refusing to let Peter toy with Sofie’s feelings. Peter, however, was serious and unwavering, insisting he wanted a real relationship and family, not a game.
The confrontation escalated as Peter bluntly criticized Isla’s unresolved marital issues and warned her to focus on her own problems rather than interfere with his choice. Isla was taken aback but tried to stand firm in protecting Sofie. Gabriel, sensing the tension, advised Isla to let Sofie handle the situation herself, acknowledging the pain of loveless relationships but recognizing Sofie’s strength. The group was left in uneasy silence, the weight of future conflicts looming, especially with Delphine and Anna threatening Isla’s peace.
Just as the atmosphere settled into uneasy quiet, Landon, Gabriel’s older brother, arrived with urgent news, signaling that the group faced a serious new problem. His grave tone hinted at challenges ahead, leaving everyone on edge and uncertain about what was to come.
The tension that had gripped the evening finally began to dissipate. The atmosphere, once heavy and suffocating, now felt lighter, as calm settled between Isla and Gabriel. They sat close together, their bodies more at ease, faces softened with relief, whispering quietly as they tried to bridge the gap left by their earlier silence. The warmth between them was subtle but unmistakable, a gentle return to the comfort they shared.
Across the table, Ben and Betsy were clearly hitting it off. Their laughter rang out over the terrace, bright and carefree, as they leaned in toward each other, sharing private jokes and giggles that no one else seemed to catch. Their easy camaraderie added a lively contrast to the quiet intimacy of Isla and Gabriel.
Meanwhile, Sofie sat a little apart, nursing her drink in thoughtful silence. She felt like an outsider among these people—people who weren’t just wealthy, but belonged to the rarefied world of the Wyndhams and Carminton’s elite. They were the kind of names one read about in glossy business magazines, the kind of lives that seemed worlds away from her own. She was just a hardworking woman, someone who had earned everything through effort and grit.
But it wasn’t her social standing that troubled her most right now—it was Peter.
Since they’d all sat down, Peter’s gaze had never left her. His piercing blue eyes followed her every subtle movement, and the intensity of his stare made her increasingly uneasy. His expression was unreadable, almost cold, and that kind of scrutiny unsettled her deeply.
She had heard whispers about Peter Starling—the famously disciplined billionaire known for his icy demeanor, his rare smiles, and his few words. If Gabriel was intimidating, Peter was on a whole different level. He wasn’t one to chase after attention, flirt, or indulge in frivolous chatter. So why was he looking at her like this?
Trying to steady her nerves, Sofie quickly finished her drink and poured herself another. The warmth of the alcohol spread through her system instantly, coloring her cheeks with a faint blush.
Peter noticed the subtle flush on her face. He saw how flustered she looked, but he didn’t break his gaze. His eyes remained fixed on her, though his mind was elsewhere, lost in a memory.
His grandmother’s voice echoed in his thoughts, the words she had spoken just before he returned home.
“Peter, I want to see you settled. Get a wife and have children before I die. If I’m lucky enough to survive this illness, all I ask is a granddaughter-in-law.”
That memory struck him harder than he’d expected. He had come back to Carminton because of his grandmother’s failing health, to be there as her only grandson. The thought of losing her was unbearable. And now, looking at Sofie, something stirred inside him—a feeling he couldn’t quite explain. Maybe it was foolish, maybe it was sudden, but he couldn’t hold back any longer.
So, without warning, he spoke the words that had been burning inside him.
“Marry me.”
The declaration landed like a thunderclap across the terrace. The music, once gently humming in the background, seemed to vanish into silence. Every head turned toward Peter, stunned.
Sofie’s mouth dropped open, her mind scrambling to process what she’d just heard. She blinked several times, struggling to find her voice. “Excuse me?” she finally whispered, her tone small and uncertain.
“You heard me,” Peter said evenly, his voice low and unwavering. “Marry me, and I’ll take care of you.”
A ripple of gasps spread through the group. Isla’s hand flew to her mouth in shock. Gabriel leaned back, disbelief etched across his face. Ben chuckled softly, clearly entertained by the drama unfolding, while Betsy burst into laughter, nearly spilling her drink in the process.
Sofie sat frozen, her heart pounding wildly in her chest.
“Wait. Hold on,” Isla broke the stunned silence quickly, her eyes darting between Peter and Sofie. “Peter, please tell me you’re joking. There’s no way I’m going to let you toy with my friend like that.”
Sofie looked at Isla, touched by the warmth and loyalty in her voice—*my friend,* Isla had said. She hadn’t expected such kindness. Isla was genuine, the kind of person who saw beyond social status. But before Sofie could respond, Peter spoke again.
It was Landon—Gabriel’s older brother. His face was serious, all traces of humor wiped away.
He scanned the group quickly, from Gabriel to Isla, then to Peter and the others, before speaking in a low, grave tone.
“We have a big problem.”
The chapter closes on a moment of raw vulnerability and unexpected declarations, revealing the complex emotions that bind these characters together. Sofie’s sudden proposal from Peter shakes the delicate balance of the evening, exposing the tensions beneath the surface and the protective bonds of friendship that Isla fiercely upholds. The interplay between desire, loyalty, and the fear of repeating painful mistakes underscores the emotional depth each character carries, highlighting their struggles to find connection and security in a world fraught with social expectations and personal demons.
Despite the shock and uncertainty, a quiet strength emerges from the group, especially in the way Isla and Gabriel support each other and stand by Sofie. The chapter leaves us with a sense of anticipation and unresolved challenges, yet also the promise that these intertwined lives will navigate their trials together. The looming threat hinted at by Landon’s arrival adds a layer of urgency, reminding us that love, loyalty, and courage will be tested in the days ahead.
The next chapter promises to deepen the emotional stakes as the characters confront the ripple effects of Peter’s unexpected proposal. Sofie’s refusal has already stirred tension, and the arrival of Landon with his ominous warning hints at challenges that could test loyalties and reveal hidden vulnerabilities. The fragile calm between Isla and Gabriel may soon be shattered as outside forces threaten to pull them apart once again.
As the story unfolds, readers can anticipate a complex web of interpersonal conflicts and shifting alliances. Peter’s determination and the looming presence of Delphine and Anna suggest that the characters will have to navigate treacherous waters, balancing personal desires against family obligations. Emotions will run high, and decisions made in the heat of the moment could have lasting consequences for everyone involved. The next chapter will surely keep you on edge, eager to see who stands firm and who might falter under pressure.
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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