The End of a Marriage (Colette and Matheo) novel Chapter 242

pter 242

In Willow Creek, the days had been quiet, slow, and unchanging. The same hundred faces, the same routines, and endless stretches of empty land. There was comfort in it, sure, but it wasn’t enough. She had always felt like she was meant for something more, something bigger than the fields and the familiar. She didn’t want calm and sleepy anymore–she wanted the chaos, the thrill, and the promise of a city that never stopped moving.

But that dream came with a catch: Graham Lancaster. His proposal hung over her like a shadow, tying her dream to his terms. The life she yearned for seemed inseparable from him and the deal he was offering. And Isla hated that too. Because even as she dreamed of skyscrapers and city lights, she couldn’t shake the feeling that accepting his proposal would mean trading one kind of trap for

another.

Isla sighed deeply, her shoulders slumping as she decided to find Nella. Maybe Graham’s assistant could help her discreetly arrange a taxi to take her back to the penthouse. The party, which had felt like a slice of paradise just moments ago, now felt suffocating, the glitter and glamour dimmed by her growing discomfort. The weight of her emotions pressed against her chest, making her feel on the verge of tears. She couldn’t stay here, not like this.

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At the bar, she spotted Nella sitting with the same man she had seen

earlier, speaking with Graham. They were leaning close, engaged in conversation, but as Isla approached, Nella straightened abruptly, putting a noticeable distance between herself and the man. A flush of color crept across her cheeks, her expression one of barely concealed

embarrassment.

“Ms. Isla,” Nella greeted, her tone polite but laced with a hint of

surprise.

“I’m sorry to bother you, Nella,” Isla began, trying to keep her voice steady. “Could you call me a cab, please? I think I’d like to leave now.”

There it was again–the feeling that she sounded like a whiny, petulant child. She hated it. But Nella, ever composed, looked puzzled

rather than annoyed.

“Of course, Ms. Isla. But why would you take a cab? Mr. Lancaster’s driver is on standby. He can be here in five minutes, at most,” Nella replied, her brow furrowed in confusion.

Isla’s stomach sank. Now she felt not only like a child but a foolish one. What could she say to this? Admit that she was trying to avoid Graham altogether and explain why? Or swallow her pride and let herself be escorted home in the very car Graham had arranged for

her?

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She forced a weak smile. “I just wasn’t sure when Graham would be

ready to leave. It’s okay. I’ll ask him myself.”

Nella’s confusion turned to amusement, a knowing smile tugging at

the corners of her lips. “I’m sure Mr. Lancaster would leave with you

whenever you’re ready. After all, the party is in your honor,” she

added cheerfully.

Isla froze. Her mind blanked for a moment as the words registered.

The party… in my honor? Her fingers tightened around her clutch,

the pressure building until she felt her nails digging painfully into

the fabric. Her heart pounded in her ears, her mind racing to make

sense of what she had just heard.

“For me?” Isla managed to ask, her voice strained, her jaw tight as she

fought to maintain composure.

Nella nodded enthusiastically, missing Isla’s growing tension. “Yes! I

mean, I didn’t have much time to plan, with only half a day’s notice.

Mr. Lancaster only told me yesterday that he was hosting this party

for you, so I tried to-”

A deliberate cough interrupted Nella’s words, and both women turned

to the man she had been speaking with earlier. He wore a smug,

knowing smile that instantly grated on Isla’s nerves.

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“Nella,” he interjected smoothly, “I think you’ve said enough. I’m not

sure Graham has made the surprise public yet.”

Nella blinked, her brows furrowing in confusion, before realization

dawned on her. Her face turned crimson, her earlier cheer giving way

to mortification. “Oh! Oh no, I’m so sorry! I didn’t know it was

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