The End of a Marriage (Colette and Matheo) novel Chapter 234

Chapter 234

CHAPTER 25

Isla stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her silk beige trousers and

the half–cut blouse tucked neatly under a fitted blazer. It wasn’t her

usual style, but it was the best she had–her attempt at looking a

little older, a little more refined. The combination was subtle,

sophisticated even, but still, there was a small knot of worry in her

stomach. Would it be enough?

The thought of standing beside Graham–so polished, so confident in

his perfectly tailored three–piece black suit–made her feel small in

comparison. Would she look too young, too awkward? She sighed,

running a hand through her hair, wishing she felt more at ease. She

wasn’t accustomed to these kinds of events. What would she even talk

about? The world of high society, with its polished elites and business

magnates, felt so foreign to her. She had no head for business, no

”

understanding of the complex conversations that likely swirled in

circles like that. She thought of the art world–maybe that was

something she could talk about–but even that seemed like a stretch.

The very idea of attending a party in New York, surrounded by

wealthy celebrities and influential people, made her pulse quicken

with a mix of nervousness and excitement. But it wasn’t just the idea

of the party that had her stomach fluttering–it was the man beside

1/4

Chapter 234

her. Graham, so composed and powerful, standing there with his

usual air of command. He was effortlessly charming, effortlessly

stylish. The way the suit hugged his broad shoulders and tapered at

his waist made her heart race. He was a picture of elegance and

confidence.

They stood side by side, waiting for the helicopter that would whisk

them away to New York. The hum of the helicopter’s blades could

already be imagined, cutting through the air like a promise of

adventure. The thought of the city, the bustling shops, the glamour of

it all… Isla couldn’t help but feel a rising excitement in her chest.

Shopping. That one word was enough to distract her from her worries.

She would have the chance to pick out a dress, to finally embrace the

world that Graham was opening up to her.

As she glanced over at him, she felt a rush of warmth. There was

something intoxicating about being close to him, the way he always

seemed so in control, so unshakable. She wondered what it would be

like to live in his world, to be by his side. She shook off that thought.

What a silly thing to think about.

Isla’s mind raced with excitement as she thought about the dress. A

red dress. Sexy. The kind that would hug her body like a second skin,

slinky and alluring. She imagined it slipping over her curves, the

fabric smooth against her skin. Off–shoulder, she mused, with just

enough of a neckline to hint at something more. Her smile was

unbidden, a small grin playing at the corner of her lips as she

214

Chapter 234

imagined herself in the dress. Little did she know, Graham had been

watching her, the silent observer of her daydreams. He had caught

the look in her eyes, the subtle spark of joy as she imagined the

transformation she was about to undergo.

She didn’t even realize she had been lost in her thoughts, her mind

wrapped around the excitement of what was to come. The dress, the

hair, she thought. She envisioned her curls cascading down her back,

the rest of it pinned back in soft, elegant waves. A touch of makeup, a

hint of shimmer, and she’d feel like a completely different woman–a

woman who belonged in the world Graham moved in.

eyes lit up

Graham, meanwhile, couldn’t help but notice the way her

when she thought about the evening ahead. It wasn’t just about the

party or the dress. No, it was the first spark of excitement he’d seen

from her that wasn’t related to Thornfeild Manor. For all the beauty

and the history of the place, he knew that his home wasn’t enough to

keep her there forever. Isla needed something else. She needed the

world outside, the pulse of the city, the energy that surrounded it.

And as much as he loved the sprawling countryside, the endless green

of the fields and the quiet of the small towns, Graham couldn’t

imagine staying there long–term.

3/4