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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 one after another, greeting Isla’s parents and showering them with wishes for many more years together.

Though the celebration was supposed to be for Isla’s parents, everyone’s attention remained fixed on her and Gabriel. Their kiss had lasted longer than anyone expected. Isla finally pulled back to catch her breath, her face flushed. She quickly stepped out of Gabriel’s embrace, feeling the weight of dozens of eyes on her.

She smoothed her dress and quietly walked toward Alfred Wyndham, her grandfather-in-law, the richest and most powerful man in Richbouph. Everyone in the city respected him, feared him even.

“Grandfather,” she said softly.

The old man leaned down and kissed the top of her head. Alfred knew her struggles. He had been the one to push Gabriel into marrying her despite Gabriel’s obsession with Delphine. Alfred had always made it clear he would never approve of Delphine. He had chosen Isla for Gabriel—and that was final.

As the guests settled back into their laughter and chatter, Gabriel presented his in-laws with an extravagant gift. A brand-new luxury car gleamed under the lights.

Diana gasped, clapping her hands in delight. Charles, though smiling, looked uneasy.

“Gabriel,” Charles said carefully. “This is too much. You didn’t have to give us something so expensive.”

Gabriel opened his mouth, but Alfred cut in smoothly. “You deserve it, Charles. And my daughter-in-law deserves even better. Here, a small token from the Wyndham family.”

He handed Diana a cheque. Her eyes widened. She stared at the number written there as if she could not believe it.

The music was still playing, and laughter filled the garden. Gabriel turned to Isla and stretched his hand toward her. “Dance with me.”

Her stomach sank, but she nodded politely and placed her hand in his. They moved onto the dance floor, their steps graceful and in perfect rhythm. To everyone watching, they looked like a couple deeply in love.

But inside, Isla was crumbling.

Every spin, every touch of his hand on her waist, only reminded her of last night—the video call. She was tired of this performance, this endless act. She loved him truly, yet he offered her nothing.

“I’m sorry I missed your calls,” Gabriel said suddenly, his lips near her ear as they danced. “I was busy with work. I hope you understand.”

Her chest squeezed. She raised her head slowly and looked into his green eyes.

“I know that you were with Delphine. I got the message, and I understood it very well.”

The words hit him like a rock. He froze mid-step, his eyes wide with shock. Without a word, he grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the garden, past the guests, and into her bedroom upstairs.

He shut the door firmly behind them.

“Repeat what you just said,” he demanded, his eyes flashing.

“I meant every word,” Isla said, her voice trembling. “You don't need to tell a lie. I know everything. You were with Delphine last night. So don't bring work into this.”

Gabriel raked his fingers through his silky hair, pacing across the room. His jaw clenched. “Let's get something straight. You know about me and Delphine. So, what is the matter now?”

Gabriel's voice was a little too loud. But he continued. “You know what this marriage is all about from the beginning. So stop being childish and be reasonable for once.”

Isla’s tears glittered in her eyes. “It doesn't matter anymore. But you're right about one thing. I am being childish. I think it is time I face reality.”

He stopped pacing. His voice lowered, calmer now. “Look. I’m sorry. But nothing changes the truth—I was with Delphine, and you knew that when you married me. What I need from you is simple. Let us keep playing our role, Isla. Let’s not disappoint my grandfather or your parents. They don’t need to know what happens between us in private. You need to understand that.”

Her chest rose and fell heavily. She shook her head. “I can’t live like this anymore. Pretending, hiding, and crying every night. I can’t.”

Gabriel reached for her, his lips pressing to her neck, his hands sliding over her body. But when his lips brushed near hers, Isla shoved him back with trembling hands.

“No.” Her voice cracked. “Not anymore. I am done doing these things with you. I want a divorce.”

The word hit him hard.

“Youre hurting. It is normal for you to feel that way. But you know that that's not possible.” He didn't flinch at her request.

She stared at him, her tears falling freely now. “I mean it, Gabriel. I can’t do this with you any longer.”

His jaw tightened. His fists balled. He was losing his cool. “And for the last time. There won't be a divorce. I suggest you put yourself together and stop this childish behaviour.”

He took a step closer, his green eyes fierce. “I gave you my name, my wealth, protection—everything a man is supposed to give his wife.”

He spread his arms wide, his voice breaking with frustration. “You were my best friend before all this, Isla. Why can’t you just accept what we have?”

Her shoulders shook. “Because what we have isn’t real. It’s just sex when we need to convince your grandfather. But there’s no love, Gabriel.” She paused. Her eyes met his. “I love you, Gabby.”

His expression changed in an instant. His voice hardened. “Don’t call me that. You don’t have the right. Only one—” He paused, and exhaled. “Just. Don't. Call me that.” He quietly said.

The words cut her deeper than any blade could. Isla nodded slowly, wiping her cheeks with the back of her hand. Her voice came out in a whisper.

“Fine. You don’t love me. And you never will. That I know. Tomorrow morning, you’ll see the divorce papers on your desk. Please… just sign them. I’m done with this. Goodbye, Gabriel,”

She walked to the door, her body trembling but her steps firm. With one last glance at him, she left the room, closing the door softly behind her.

Gabriel stood alone, stunned, the echo of her words filling the silence.