Gabriel and Isla arrived at the site of the new city she had started building before she left. The car slowed to a stop, and before Isla could even ask questions, Gabriel made sure that the thin black cloth he tied over her eyes blocked her sight completely.
When the car door opened, Gabriel stepped out first and then carefully helped Isla down. He stayed close to her, his hand firm around hers, his other arm resting securely around her waist.
Six bodyguards stood around the area, spread out in a careful formation. Their eyes moved constantly, scanning the environment, checking every angle, every movement, making sure there was no threat nearby. The place was quiet, but their alertness never dropped.
“Easy,” Gabriel said softly as Isla took a step forward.
At that moment, Gabriel was her guide and her sight. His grip on her hand tightened slightly, and his arm around her waist became firmer. He was doing that so she doesn’t trip or lose her balance, not even for a second.
A cold breeze suddenly blew in from the ocean. Isla’s long hair was lifted by the wind, strands flying everywhere.
Gabriel tried to smooth them down with his fingers, though the breeze made it difficult.
“Gabriel,” Isla said slowly, breathing in deeply. “I can feel the ocean breeze. I think we should stop here.”She smiled as she spoke, but Gabriel only smiled to himself.
He had a plan.
Two of the bodyguards moved ahead of them quietly.
They checked the perimeter carefully, walking farther out, making sure there were no hidden dangers. When they were satisfied, they signaled back to Gabriel.
Gabriel nodded and continued guiding Isla forward.
After a while, he noticed her steps slowing down. He knew she was getting tired. Without warning, he scooped her up into his arms. Isla gasped softly, then laughed as he carried her closer to the ocean.
He walked carefully until they reached the beach area.
The sound of the waves became louder and stronger.
When he was sure they were close enough, Gabriel gently Lowered her back onto her feet, making sure she was standing properly before letting go.
Isla giggled softly.
Gabriel had not told her where he was bringing her after they left her parents’ place. But now, between the sound of the water, the strong ocean breeze, and the soft sand beneath her feet, she knew.
Her heart swelled with emotion.
“I am taking off the blind now,” Gabriel said gently. “Try not to scream.””I will try my best,” Isla replied with a playful laugh. “But no promises.”
Gabriel smiled. He carefully untied the cloth and slowly removed it from her eyes.
Isla blinked several times as her vision adjusted. At first, all she saw was the ocean. The waves rolled calmly, stretching endlessly before her. The sight was peaceful and familiar.
Then she turned around.
And she froze.
All the playfulness drained from her face. Her lips pressed together tightly, trembling. Her eyes filled with tears almost instantly. Before she could stop herself, sobs broke free.
She cried. She really cried hard.
Gabriel was caught completely off guard. He had expected excitement. Maybe shock. Even screams of joy. But he did not expect tears.
Without hesitation, he pulled her into his arms and held her tightly. His hands wrapped protectively around her body, pulling her close. He pressed his lips gently against the top of her head.
He did not speak, he did not rush her. All he did was to hold her.Gabriel understood her too well. Over time, especially since her pregnancy, he had learned Isla’s emotions, her patterns, her silences. Alfred was always in her thoughts.
This place carried memories of the man who believed in her. He had started the project by himself, but he never got to see it completed.
Being here reminded her of him.
That was the pain.
Gabriel stayed patient. He allowed her to cry. He allowed her to feel. He stayed still until her sobs slowly faded.



VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Extraordinary Bride Of The Wyndham Family (Isla and Gabriel)