Gabriel confronts Isla with a mix of disbelief and admiration, impressed by something she has accomplished for him. Their interaction quickly turns tender and passionate as Gabriel embraces her, expressing deep affection and pride. They share a heartfelt kiss, conveying their longing and connection, until a knock interrupts their moment.
Gabriel, though frustrated, prioritizes spending time with Isla by canceling his board meeting and arranging a private lunch for just the two of them. Isla expresses her love quietly, but Gabriel’s brief response leaves her feeling vulnerable and uncertain. He notices the subtle change in her demeanor and gently encourages her to share what’s troubling her, showing his desire to understand and support her.
As they move to the lounge, Gabriel admits his difficulty with words but reassures Isla that he truly likes her. Although it’s not the full confession she hoped for, Isla finds comfort in his honesty. Their mood lightens with playful teasing and laughter, momentarily dissolving the tension between them. Gabriel reflects on his past mistakes and Isla’s patience, deepening the emotional complexity of their relationship.
However, the moment is shattered again when Suzanne arrives with more interruptions. Gabriel insists on canceling all appointments, intending to focus on Isla, but the arrival of his brother Wyatt brings a sudden shift. Wyatt demands to speak with Gabriel immediately, creating a tense atmosphere that disrupts the warmth and intimacy they had just shared. Isla senses the impending conflict as the brothers face off, leaving the scene charged with unease.
“What have you done to my wife?” Gabriel demanded, rising abruptly from his chair. His eyes shimmered with a mixture of disbelief and admiration as he approached Isla.
Isla chuckled softly, her confidence glowing as she stepped forward to meet him halfway. Without hesitation, Gabriel’s arms encircled her waist, pulling her close until she was pressed against his chest. He looked deeply into her striking electric blue eyes, a tender smile playing on his lips.
“You are the most beautiful and supportive wife a man could ever hope for,” he murmured, pride lacing his voice. “You just accomplished something I’ve been struggling with for so long… and you did it in an instant.”
Isla’s smile widened, her fingers resting gently on the nape of his neck. “Well,” she teased lightly, “you’re welcome.”
Before either could say more, Gabriel captured her lips in a passionate kiss, filled with longing and desire. One hand slid to the back of her head, fingers tangling softly in her blonde hair, while the other held her waist firmly. Their breaths mingled, the chemistry between them electric, as if the rest of the world had melted away.
A soft groan escaped him as his tongue brushed hers, savoring every taste, every moment. Isla melted into his embrace, pressing her body closer until her chest met his, desperate to feel completely enveloped in his warmth and protection.
Just as their kiss deepened, a sharp knock interrupted the moment.
Gabriel groaned in frustration, resting his forehead against hers for a brief second before reluctantly pulling back. Still holding her close, he turned toward the door.
“Who is it?” he called out, his voice firm.
“Sir,” Suzanne’s voice came from outside, “I just wanted to remind you about the board meeting—”
“Reschedule it for next week,” Gabriel cut her off sharply. “And Suzanne—close down Tropicana for a private lunch for me and my lovely wife. Just the two of us. Do it now.”
“Yes, sir. Right away,” she responded promptly.
As the footsteps faded, Isla couldn’t help but chuckle softly. “What are you doing?” she asked, half amused, half surprised.
Gabriel’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “What do you think I’m doing? Canceling everything so I can spend the rest of the day with my wife.”
Gently, he took her hand and lifted it to his lips, pressing a slow, tender kiss to her knuckles without breaking eye contact. His gaze softened as he looked at her, full of quiet affection.
“I love you,” Isla whispered, her voice barely audible, filled with vulnerability and hope. Her eyes shone with tenderness, as if she were offering him her heart once again.
Gabriel smiled faintly, his thumb caressing her skin gently. “I know,” he replied quietly.
The warmth that had blossomed in Isla’s chest a moment before suddenly dissipated. His words—their brevity—weren’t what she had longed to hear. She wanted him to say it back, to tell her he loved her too. But he never did.
The silence stretched between them, heavy and uncomfortable. Gabriel noticed the subtle shift in her expression—the way her smile faltered, the slight dimming of her bright eyes.
“Love,” he said softly, concern threading his voice, “what’s wrong?”
Isla shook her head quickly, forcing a faint smile. “Nothing,” she whispered, though her tone betrayed her true feelings.
Gabriel’s face darkened immediately. “Tell him I can’t see him now. I have somewhere to—”
Before he could finish, the door swung open abruptly.
Wyatt strode in without knocking, his tall figure filling the doorway. “You will see me, Gabriel. Whatever you have to do can wait. We need to talk.”
Gabriel’s composure cracked, irritation flashing in his eyes. Isla’s gaze flickered nervously between the two brothers, sensing the brewing storm. The warmth in the room vanished in an instant, replaced by a chilling tension.
This chapter delicately explores the fragile balance between love and vulnerability, highlighting the quiet yet profound moments that define Isla and Gabriel’s relationship. Their tender exchanges and subtle gestures reveal a deep connection, even as unspoken feelings and past wounds linger beneath the surface. The warmth of their intimacy contrasts sharply with the tension introduced by the unexpected arrival of Wyatt, reminding us that love often exists amidst challenges and uncertainties.
Despite the emotional complexity, there is a sense of hope woven through their interactions—Isla’s laughter and Gabriel’s gentle affection hint at the possibility of healing and understanding. Yet, the chapter closes on a note of unresolved conflict, underscoring the reality that their journey together will require patience, honesty, and courage. In this delicate dance of hearts, every word and silence carries weight, setting the stage for the next chapter in their extraordinary story.
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the fragile dynamics between Gabriel and Isla, as well as the unresolved tensions with Gabriel’s brother, Wyatt. The sudden intrusion of Wyatt hints at conflicts that could challenge the delicate peace Gabriel and Isla have just begun to enjoy. Emotional undercurrents will likely rise to the surface, testing loyalties and revealing hidden wounds that neither Gabriel nor Isla can easily ignore.
As the story unfolds, readers can anticipate a mix of heartfelt moments and simmering confrontations, where the characters’ vulnerabilities and desires collide. Isla’s bittersweet acceptance of Gabriel’s hesitant affection may be put to the test, while Gabriel’s struggle to balance his personal and family obligations grows more intense. The chapter sets the stage for a compelling exploration of love, trust, and the complexities of family ties.
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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