The End of a Marriage (Colette and Matheo) novel Chapter 217

Chapter 217

CHAPTER17

As the car rolled up to the grand gates of Thornfield Manor, Isla

barely had time to step out before Maggie stormed toward her, the

older woman’s face a mixture of anger and heartbreak. The gates

stood flung wide open, and Maggie’s tear–streaked cheeks glistened

under the pale winter sunlight as she hurried across the gravel

driveway.

“You called me your mother–like figure for half your life,” Maggie

cried, her voice cracking with emotion, “and then left me here

without so much as a word!” Her arger melted into grief as she pulled

Isla into a fierce embrace. “I can’t believe you just disappeared like

that. I thought you were dead, Isla!” she wept, clutching the girl as if

she might vanish again. “I prayed every night for the Lord to bring you home. I didn’t know if I’d ever see you again, if you were even

alive!”

Isla stood stiffly in Maggie’s arms, her face flushed with embarrassment, unsure how to respond to the older woman’s heartfelt outburst. She opened her mouth, but no words came out.

“Maggie,” Graham interjected, stepping forward with a calm but firm tone, “let her breathe. Isla’s been through enough already. She needs

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Chapter 217

to eat something and rest this afternoon. You can give her an earful

later.”

Maggie turned her tear–streaked face toward him, her arms still

wrapped protectively around Isla. “You mean she’s not going to run

off again if I take my eyes off her?” she demanded, her voice tinged

with both skepticism and a motherly protectiveness that couldn’t be

shaken.

Graham’s gaze flicked briefly to Isla before returning to Maggie. He

had plenty of ways to handle this situation, but he chose the one that

would drive his point home to Isla. His voice softened but held an

unmistakable weight. “This is her home,” he said simply, his words

deliberate. “It’s always been her home. All she needs to do is open her

eyes and see it–accept it.”

The air around them seemed to freeze. Isla, who had been blushing

furiously from Maggie’s emotional scolding, now felt the heat drain

from her face. Her skin turned cold, and her stomach twisted into a

knot. She didn’t need to look at Graham to know what he was

implying.

The weight of his words hung heavy in the air. He wasn’t just talking about the manor. He was alluding to his marriage proposal, the one she’d refused to acknowledge since their earlier conversation. His message was clear: Thornfield Manor would truly be her home, but only if she accepted what he was offering–him.

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Chapter 217

Her fingers clenched the strap of her handbag as a wave of conflicting

emotions swept over her. Embarrassment, anger, and a trace of

sadness swirled inside her. She hated how easily Graham managed to

slip his agenda into even the most mundane conversations. The way

he made his offer seem like a natural conclusion–as if she’d be

foolish to reject it–infuriated her.

Maggie, oblivious to the undertones of Graham’s comment, finally

released Isla, though not without a stern look. “You go inside and rest, young lady,” she said, wiping her eyes. “But don’t think this is

over. I’ve got plenty to say to you later.”

Isla nodded mutely, avoiding Graham’s gaze as she turned toward the

manor. Her steps were quick, but the weight of his words followed

her, heavy as a chain around her neck.

Graham watched her retreating figure, his expression unreadable. He

hadn’t missed the way her shoulders tensed at his comment or how

she avoided meeting his eyes. He wasn’t sure if his message had sunk

in–or if it had only driven her further away.

Home. Isla doubted she’d ever be able to call Thornfield Manor her

home again. The warmth and laughter that had once filled its grand

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