When news breaks of Isla Ainsworth caught in a scandalous one-night stand with the dangerously handsome billionaire, Gabriel Wyndham, it quickly becomes headline news. To protect both Isla’s reputation and the Wyndham family name, Gabriel’s powerful grandfather forces them into an unexpected marriage. But there is one problem. Gabriel is in love with another woman, Delphine Winthrope, his childhood sweetheart. He agrees to marry Isla only to silence the scandal and restore his public image. His relationship with Delphine remains unchanged. Now, Isla is trapped in a loveless marriage and judged by a family that sees her as nothing more than a stain on their legacy, Isla struggles to survive. She tried to make her marriage work. But slowly, she begins to adjust, choosing to focus on her career rather than a love she believes will never be hers. She loves Gabriel with all her heart, but he never returns that love. He gives her everything. His name, his wealth, and his protection, but never his heart. To him, she is only a friend. She finally set to divorce him. But he will not divorce her. Never. Yet when hidden truths come to light, Gabriel begins to see Isla differently. For the first time, he develops real feelings for his wife and ends his long relationship with Delphine, the woman everyone thought he would marry. But just as love begins to grow between Isla and Gabriel, enemies rise, and danger closes in around them… In a web of family feuds, betrayal, and buried truths, Isla might be the only key to making things right in the family or tearing them apart forever. Fall into this gripping story of love, passion, secrets, and redemption
View More“We’re here, sir,” the driver said politely. “Thanks, Thomas,” Gabriel replied flatly. He opened the door and stepped out without even glancing at Isla. It was as if she wasn’t even there. Isla remained in the back seat, frozen for a moment. Her lips pressed together. Her mind was still spinning from his earlier words, from the way he had demanded that she give Delphine the lead runway job. She let out a long, shaky sigh before finally stepping out of the car. When they reached the penthouse, Gabriel disappeared upstairs. A while later, he returned to the sitting room, no longer in his business suit. He had changed into something softer yet beautiful. A black trousers with fitted black shirt, and a brown jacket that gave him an effortless authority. Isla was seated on the couch, her tablet in her lap. She scrolled through new earring designs, checking preorder lists, trying to lose herself in her work. When Gabriel stopped in front of her, she looked up at him. “There’s no
“Stop right there, Isla.” Gabriel yelled and his voice filled the quiet room. She stopped walking and she stiffened. When she turned, her eyes were filled with anger. Her chest rose and fell as if she had been holding back too much for too long. “Gabriel, I can’t do this with you any longer,” she said as her voice trembled. “We need to end this now. I want a divorce.” He moved forward with deliberate steps until he was standing directly in front of her. His eyes were cold, as if that could make her change her mind. “Do I need to remind you,” he said in a low, threatening tone, “that your father’s career will suffer if you even dare to move forward with this divorce?” Isla's brows furrowed with shock written across her face. “What are you talking about, Gabriel?” His hands remained tucked neatly inside the pockets of his tailored trousers, his posture straight and proud. “Exactly what I said,” he replied calmly. “You can’t do that!” she said as her fists clenched tightly at
The moment Isla stepped out of the airport, her phone buzzed. She checked it and her heart cut immediately. It was Gabriel calling. She scoffed. She had just seen him with Delphine just a few hours ago. What does he want now? She declined the call and walked forward. A message chimed on her phone and she refused to check it. If there was anything she wanted. She wants to finalise the divorce so she can move on with her life. She thought of going to Betsy’s place to change before heading to her parents’ place. But as she lifted her hand to stop a taxi, a familiar voice stopped her. “Isla.” She turned, almost immediately. She saw Gabriel was walking toward her, bodyguards clearing a path as they always did. Her pulse quickened. Just hours ago, she had seen him with Delphine in Teriporto. How was he standing here now? Did he follow her from Teriporto? The question tumbled through her mind, but she kept her face calm and unreadable. Gabriel reached her and spoke without hesitatio
Gabriel could not give Isla his heart. He knew it, and she knew it too. Yet, he could not let her go either. It was not love that chained him to her, but fear. Fear of the one man everyone in the Wyndham family feared: his grandfather, Alfred Wyndham. Alfred might have been old, but age had not softened him. He was powerful, and terrifying. Even Gabriel’s father, John, bowed before him. And, just like his grandson, Alfred loved Isla deeply. To him, she was the perfect wife for Gabriel—the only woman who had managed to win his affection. If Alfred ever found out that Isla had filed for divorce, Gabriel did not even want to imagine what the old man would do. That night, after work, Gabriel rushed home and went straight into Isla’s bedroom. But the room was empty. Her suitcase was gone. A knot tightened in his chest. He pulled out his phone and dialed her number. “Switched off.” He ran a hand through his hair, pacing the room. “Where are you, Isla?” he muttered under his breath.
The celebration was over. The guests had left. Ainsworth's home was quiet now. Gabriel and Isla had also gone back home. As always, they went into their separate rooms. No words were spoken. Just silence. But Isla did not sleep. Instead, she pulled out two large suitcases from her closet. She began to pack her things. She folded her clothes, her shoes, and every other item into them. Tonight, there were no tears left. Only determination. At twenty-five, she told herself that her life was not over. She had dreams, goals, and so much ahead of her. She could not keep wasting herself in a loveless marriage, trying to please everyone else while punishing herself. In the morning, Gabriel prepared for work as he always did. His routine never changed. Before leaving, he went to the kitchen for the one thing he never missed—Isla’s chicken consommé. He had grown addicted to it. No matter what was happening between them, he always looked forward to that soup. When he entered, the houseke
Gabriel walked forward with his usual calm sophistication, the kind that always made heads turn. Isla’s heart pounded inside her chest. She didn’t know what he was about to do. And then he surprised everyone. His hands wrapped firmly around her waist, pulling her close. Before she could react, his lips pressed against hers. He kissed her deeply, passionately, right there in front of everyone. Gasps rose from the crowd. Even Isla froze, her eyes wide. She had loved him for years, but she also knew the truth—this kiss was not love. It was not meant for her heart. It was only a show. Gabriel was playing his role once again, the perfect husband before family and friends. Still, Diana, her mother, looked overjoyed. She smiled brightly, her eyes soft with relief. All she had ever wanted was happiness for her daughter. To her, this kiss meant hope. “Happy anniversary, Diana, Charles,” Alfred Wyndham said with a warm smile as he stepped forward. The rest of the Wyndham family followed
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