The Extraordinary Bride Of The Wyndham Family (Isla and Gabriel) novel Chapter 155

**Extraordinary Bride 155**

The news of Anna Finley’s conviction had erupted into the public consciousness like a sudden storm, sweeping through every corner of the nation.

Every news outlet, from the most reputable to the most sensational, plastered her image across their screens.

Social media buzzed with fervor, gossip blogs churned out articles, and every celebrity gossip channel was ablaze with her story.

New, more grave charges had been leveled against her, far beyond what anyone had anticipated.

The abduction of one Miss Gladys Lambert, a case that had lain dormant for thirty-one years, was now at the forefront of the scandal.

The horrifying allegations included unlawfully detaining Gladys in a private mental institution for decades, and the theft of her newborn child.

The very hospital that had once taken Gladys in, under the misguided belief that Anna possessed legitimate documents, had come forward with damning evidence. They revealed the forged medical papers Anna had submitted, the false claims she made to paint her victim as mentally unstable, and the meticulous logs of Anna’s frequent visits over the years. The mountain of evidence against her was insurmountable.

In the courtroom, the gavel came down with finality as the jury found her guilty on three separate counts.

Her fate was sealed. The sentence was delivered, unyielding and absolute.

And true to his word, John managed the situation with a blend of calmness and chilling efficiency, just as he had promised his son.

The nation was left reeling from the shockwaves of the verdict.

The Wyndhams found themselves at the center of a storm of sympathy and support, especially poignant in the wake of their recent loss—their beloved patriarch, Alfred Wyndham. The community rallied around them, offering condolences and respect in their time of mourning.

Anna’s conviction had become the most sensational headline, dominating every gossip channel, every online news platform, and every celebrity update. The revelations of her heinous crimes left the public in disbelief.

***

In the aftermath of the chaos, friends and family enveloped the Wyndhams in a warm embrace of support, each in their own homes yet connected by invisible threads of love and solidarity.

Ben, Peter, and Isla’s family congregated at Gabriel and Isla’s residence, understanding the profound bond they shared with Alfred. To them, he was not merely a grandfather; he was their cornerstone, their guiding star, the very essence of the love that bound them together.

It was clear to all that Gabriel and Isla were bearing the heaviest burden of grief.

The estate buzzed with the presence of Isla’s family—her sisters, their husbands, and her parents filled the home with laughter and warmth. The atmosphere was alive with chatter, movement, and a comforting sense of togetherness.

Ben and Peter were ever-present, arriving early each morning and leaving late at night, ensuring that Gabriel and Isla were surrounded by loved ones at all times.

Sofie and Betsy were also there, contributing to the sense of community. It was a house brimming with life—a sanctuary of healing.

While the grief lingered in the air, the presence of cherished family and friends gradually replaced the weight of sorrow with flickers of joy.

Isla, in particular, felt a surge of happiness.

Having her family close by, enveloping her in laughter and gentle encouragement, reminded her that despite the trials she had faced, she was still surrounded by people who cared for her deeply.

That afternoon, everyone gathered in the garden. The men took charge of the barbecue, expertly grilling meats and pouring drinks, while the women collaborated in the outdoor kitchen, their laughter mingling with the sizzling sounds of cooking. Even the head chef and maids lent a hand, creating an atmosphere that felt more like a festive celebration than a household burdened by loss.

A long table was adorned with an array of grilled meats, vibrant salads, savory sauces, and an abundance of delicious dishes.

Little Jeff darted around, his laughter ringing through the air like music.

The fragrant aroma of smoke and spices wafted through the garden, wrapping everyone in a warm embrace.

Little Jeff, the son of Betty and Luke, settled between Isla and Gabriel, his cheeks stuffed with food as he animatedly chatted, oblivious to the world around him.

Couples sat together in harmony—Sofie nestled beside Peter, Ben beside Betsy, and Diana beside Charles. It was a moment of serene beauty, a snapshot of peace amidst the turmoil.

Then, Peter cleared his throat, breaking the comfortable silence.

“I have something to announce.”

“We’re sorry for springing this on you,” she said softly, her cheeks flushing with shyness. “With everything that’s been happening, we didn’t want to add to the chaos. And given the circumstances, we opted for a simple wedding.”

She cast her gaze downward, her shyness evident.

“Just a few friends at the registry… and a small reception at our place.”

Diana looked at her with a sense of pride swelling in her chest.

“We’re having a wedding in two days!” she declared, raising her glass high. “To Soph and Peter!”

Everyone lifted their glasses in unison.

“To Soph and Peter!”

They toasted, laughter echoing as they embraced the couple, celebrating this unexpected yet joyous news.

Yet, amidst the laughter and cheer, one person remained silent.

Ben.

Gabriel noticed immediately. Ben, usually the life of the party, had grown unusually quiet in recent days. His vibrant personality seemed dulled, overshadowed by an unspoken weight.

Gabriel leaned forward, ready to inquire about his friend’s silence—

But before he could speak, Ben dropped to one knee beside Betsy.

Gasps rippled through the garden, a wave of shock washing over everyone.

Even the maids froze, their eyes wide with surprise.

Once again, the garden fell into a stunned silence.