The End of a Marriage (Colette and Matheo) novel Chapter 232

Chapter 232

CHAPTER 24

Graham opened his mouth to speak, the words hanging in the air before he could even form them fully. “Isla, about New York…” But

before he could say anything more, Isla’s sharp response interrupted

him.

“Not going,” she said, her voice firm, a clear and resolute rejection.

“But you didn’t let me finish,” he replied, his tone teasing, but with

an edge of persistence.

This time, though, Isla didn’t cut him off again. She gave him a

sidelong glance, her eyes narrowing with suspicion, though curiosity

was slowly beginning to creep in. “I’ve been invited to a party

tonight, in New York,” Graham continued, watching the subtle shift in

her expression. He didn’t need to look away from her to know the

precise moment her interest piqued.

“A party?” Her voice wavered just enough for him to catch it-

suddenly all ears, as if she couldn’t quite hide her excitement at the

very mention of the word. Her gaze locked onto his, wide–eyed and alert, her entire attention now captured by the prospect of it.

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Chapter 232

Graham felt a sharp, almost painful twist in his chest. It wasn’t the

idea of the party itself–it was the realization of how much he could give her, how much he could offer her if she were just willing to step into this world with him. The thought of her sitting in a cramped,

empty house while he lived out this life made him ache in a way he

couldn’t quite explain. He wanted more for her. More than this small

town. More than the limits she had placed on herself.

“Like I said,” he went on, his voice softening just slightly, “I’ve been

invited to this party in New York, and since Vanessa left, I don’t have

anyone to go with. I was thinking… if you might consider

accompanying me.”

Isla froze, her eyes still locked on him, no words escaping her lips.

There was a flicker in her expression–a subtle, but unmistakable

excitement hidden beneath her feigned indifference. Graham could

see it, though. The way her fingers began drumming lightly against

the table in rhythm, tapping out a quick beat, betraying the careful

calm she was trying to project.

She pretended to pause, as though she were mulling it over, but he

could see right through it. Her eyes–bright, sparkling with

anticipation–told him everything. She was excited. Her body was practically humming with the thought of it. She wanted to go.

And yet, Isla wasn’t willing to admit it just yet. She was playing it

cool, trying to maintain control, but the joy in her gaze was

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Chapter 232

undeniable.

Graham couldn’t help the faint, satisfied grin that curled at the

corner of his mouth, seeing the way her usual reserve faltered under

the weight of his offer. There was something endearing about her

innocence,

Isla’s voice trembled slightly as she asked, “I–I… Is it really

important?” Her uncertainty was palpable, but there was something

else in her eyes too–curiosity, hesitation, perhaps even a spark of

excitement.

Graham, for a moment, couldn’t quite understand where she was

coming from. “What?” he asked, his gaze narrowing as he tried to

read the flicker of emotion in her eyes.

“I mean… is it really important for your business, or anything?” she

clarified, her voice trailing off. “If so, I wouldn’t want you to go

alone… That could look bad.”

Something that shone through her gaze–an eagerness she couldn’t

entirely mask. She wanted to go. She needed to go, though she didn’t

want to admit it.

A mischievous grin curled at the corners of Graham’s lips, but he concealed it quickly. “Oh, sure. Very important business party,” he

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