Gabriel confesses to Ben that he has been trying to repair his marriage with Isla, but she refuses to give him a chance. He takes full responsibility for the problems between them and deeply misses her presence and trust. Despite his efforts, Isla no longer believes in their relationship, leaving Gabriel feeling broken and desperate to make things right.
Ben observes Gabriel’s vulnerable state and confronts him about his lingering connection to Delphine, a woman who betrayed Gabriel three years ago. Ben urges Gabriel to let go of the past and focus on his marriage, reminding him that he should have moved on after marrying Isla. Gabriel admits he still feels a sense of responsibility toward Delphine but no longer loves her, and he plans to close that chapter soon.
The conversation turns to Gabriel’s feelings for Isla, and he admits he is unsure if what he feels is love, but he wants to grow old with her. Ben encourages him to fully commit to Isla and fix their relationship. The friends share a moment of lightness as they joke about settling down and finding love, but Ben’s serious advice about valuing what Gabriel has lingers.
Just as their talk ends, Gabriel receives a surprising call from his brother Landon, who informs him that Isla, her friend, and assistant are at his club, and he refuses to babysit them. This news shocks Gabriel and prompts Ben to question why Gabriel is still lingering when he should be with Isla. The chapter closes with Gabriel faced with the urgent need to act.
“Alright, if you put it like that,” Gabriel murmured softly, “then yeah—things have definitely shifted a lot recently. I’ve been trying to mend my marriage, but Isla… she’s just not giving me the chance. Honestly, I don’t blame her. Every mistake, every fault—it’s all on me.”
The room grew quiet, the weight of his words hanging heavily in the air. Gabriel slumped back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the floor as if searching for answers in the cracks. He missed Isla terribly—the warmth of her presence, the sound of her laughter echoing through their home, the way her eyes used to light up when she looked at him before everything started to crumble. All he longed for now was to earn back her trust, to have her believe in him once more. That was the only path to healing between them. But she didn’t believe anymore. Not now.
Ben observed him silently, surprised to see this vulnerable side of Gabriel—worn down, fragmented, caught painfully between two women. What struck him most was that Gabriel was still entangled with Delphine despite all that had happened.
“That woman betrayed you three years ago,” Ben said bluntly, breaking the silence with a sharp edge. “Then she just walked away. I get that maybe you felt something strong for her back then—maybe guilt, maybe loyalty. But come on, man. You’re married now. Isn’t it time to settle whatever unfinished business you think you have with Delphine and finally let her go?”
Ben’s words were direct, perhaps even a little harsh, but Gabriel absorbed every syllable. He knew deep down he should never have let Delphine back into his life after marrying Isla. He should have simply thanked her properly, helped her find a fresh start, and walked away for good. Instead, he’d allowed his past to poison the present, dragging old wounds into his marriage.
Ben leaned forward slightly, his tone softening. “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure,” Gabriel replied, shifting uneasily in his seat.
Ben studied his face for a long moment. The exhaustion was etched deeply—dark circles under tired eyes, a jaw clenched tight from stress, restless movements betraying inner turmoil. Yet Ben managed a faint smile and asked, “Do you love Isla?”
Gabriel froze, caught off guard by the question. Love? He wasn’t even sure what word fit what he felt for her. He wanted her—that much was clear. He couldn’t picture a life without her. But was that truly love?
“I don’t know what your definition of love is, Ben,” he admitted honestly. “But I like her… a lot. She’s beautiful, strong, kind. I see myself growing old with her. That’s what I want.”
“Hmm,” Ben murmured thoughtfully, leaning back. That answer didn’t surprise him. Gabriel and Isla’s marriage had always been complicated, tangled with pain and hope alike.
“What about Delphine?” Ben asked suddenly.
Gabriel frowned. “What about her?”
Ben cocked his head, narrowing his eyes slightly. “Do you love her?”
Gabriel remained silent for a moment, reflecting deeply before answering. “Not anymore. I used to—at least, I thought I did. But now… no. What I feel for Delphine isn’t love. It’s responsibility. And I’m planning to close that chapter soon.”
Relief spread across Ben’s face. That was the answer he’d been waiting for. “Good,” he said quietly. “I hope you really do grow old with your wife, just like you said.”
Ben raised an eyebrow, amusement and concern mixing in his expression. “Then what are you still doing here?”
The chapter closes on a poignant note, revealing Gabriel’s deep inner conflict and his earnest desire to mend the fractured bonds of his marriage. His vulnerability and honest admission about his feelings for Isla highlight the complexity of love entwined with responsibility and regret. Through Ben’s candid advice and unwavering support, Gabriel is gently pushed to confront his past mistakes and recognize the urgency of choosing a clear path forward—one that honors the woman he truly wants to grow old with.
As the unexpected news about Isla’s whereabouts arrives, the tension between hope and uncertainty intensifies, underscoring the fragile state of their relationship. This moment captures the emotional crossroads Gabriel faces, reminding us that healing requires courage, presence, and timely action. The chapter leaves us with a quiet anticipation, hopeful that Gabriel will rise to the challenge and embrace the love that still lingers, even amid the shadows of doubt.
Tensions simmer as Gabriel faces the harsh reality of his fractured marriage and the shadows of his past. The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the emotional complexities between Gabriel and Isla, especially as external pressures mount. With Isla at Landon’s club, unexpected confrontations may arise, forcing Gabriel to confront not only his feelings but also the consequences of his choices. The delicate balance between hope and despair hangs by a thread, and readers will be drawn into the unfolding drama, eager to see if Gabriel can bridge the growing divide.
Meanwhile, the arrival of Peter adds another layer of intrigue, hinting at potential shifts in family dynamics or unresolved issues waiting to surface. As Gabriel navigates these intertwined relationships, the story will explore themes of loyalty, forgiveness, and the struggle to reclaim love. The emotional stakes are high, and the characters’ vulnerabilities will be laid bare, setting the stage for moments of tension, revelation, and perhaps, unexpected alliances. Readers should prepare for a chapter rich in emotional depth and subtle power plays that will keep them eagerly turning the pages.
Florence is a passionate reader who finds joy in long drives on rainy days. She’s also a fan of Italian makeup tutorials, blending beauty and elegance into her everyday life.

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