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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 hesitation.

“Why didn't you answer your call?

She was about to give a reply when Gabriel's phone rang. He picked up immediately. “Yes, love,” his tone changed and was soft to the other person on the phone and his choice of words irritated Isla.

“Just give me three hours. I will be with you.” Then he hung up.

His gaze never left Isla, not even for a minute. His piercing green eyes pinned her in place through his phone conversation.

Isla blinked. That was all he had to say? No question about where she’d been for the last two weeks. No mention of the divorce papers she sent him. Nothing.

Was she truly this insignificant to him?

Anger rose in her chest, combined with hurt. How had she allowed her life to become so twisted around a man who did not care if she lived or died?

“Anyway, I don't have time to waste. Get in the car.” He wasn't just telling her, he was instructing her. “Grandfather wants to see us.” He added.

Oh, so that was it? Isla thought. Now she understood what was happening. No wonder he was back to Carminton.

A car was already waiting. Isla wanted to refuse, but then she thought, Why not? Maybe this was her chance to tell his family the truth. She was done pretending.

She nodded once and slid into the car. A bodyguard took her suitcase, placing it in the trunk, while Gabriel settled beside her.

On their way, Isla glanced at him. His head was bent, his fingers moving over his phone. She leaned slightly, just enough to get a glimpse of what he was doing. She saw that he was texting Delphine.

Her chest squeezed. The pain was too sharp. That was the moment she knew that without any doubt, her marriage was over. She would go through with the divorce. She had endured enough humiliation.

Gabriel never looked at her during the ride. Not once. But as they arrived at the Wyndham mansion and stepped out of the car, his hand slid around her waist. A public show and performance he was used to.

Isla didn’t flinch. She expected it to happen. Even though it's still against her will, a small spark rushed through her at his touch, a reminder of how much she loved him. But she let it go.

“Let’s get this done,” Gabriel murmured. “I have a flight at two.”

She didn’t bother to respond. Her mind was set.

Maids lined up at the porte-cochère of the mansion. Their heads bowed as they greeted the couple.

“Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Wyndham,” Stephen, the butler, said smoothly. “Mr. Wyndham is expecting you. Please, follow me.”

The grand doors opened, and Stephen announced loudly, “The junior master and his beloved wife are here.”

Gabriel walked inside, smiling brightly as though everything were perfect. Isla followed, with a blank expression and heavy heart.

“Come, my son!” Anna, Gabriel’s mother, rose quickly, spreading her arms wide to embrace Gabriel.

Isla greeted the family politely, leaning down to kiss Alfred Wyndham on the cheek before taking her seat beside Gabriel.

***

The family ate in silence. Plates were cleared, dessert was served, and then Alfred Wyndham finally spoke.

“Gabriel,” he said, “Today marks two years of your marriage to Isla. Happy anniversary to you both.”

The family stirred with surprise. Everyone had forgotten—everyone except Alfred.

Isla’s face remained still. She was far too tired for this game.

“Congratulations to us,” Gabriel said, glancing at Isla. She let out a sharp scoff. Was he serious?

Alfred cleared his throat. “To celebrate your anniversary, I have decided to make your wife the new—”

“Please stop, grandfather.”

Gasps rippled around the room as Isla stood up. No one dared to interrupt Alfred Wyndham. No one.

“Isla!” Anna snapped, her eyes sparkling more than usual. “How dare you? Do you know who you are speaking to? You should be grateful to be married to my son. If you forget your place, I will remind you.”

Isla lifted her chin. Her voice was calm and gentle. “I apologize if I sound rude, but I don’t think I deserve any more of grandfather’s kindness.”

“And what exactly are you saying, Isla?” Alfred asked, his piercing gaze was now fixed on her.

Gabriel stood abruptly, grabbing her hand. “Babe, what are you doing?”

Isla looked into his eyes and spoke. “We need to talk. And now.” She turned to the family. “I am sorry grandfather, father, and mother. Please, excuse us. We'll be right back.”

Isla and Gabriel left the dining hall and entered a painting room.

“Isla, what is wrong with you?”

She tried to control her temper before she spoke. “Have you signed the divorce papers?” Was her reply.

Gabriel was shocked that she was still asking for a divorce. His mouth opened but no words came out. His hands rake through his silky hair. This was something he does whenever he has a troubling heart. But Isla's next words did a lot more damage.

“We are done, Gabriel. I told you already. I will just tell the family the truth. We're getting a divorce.”

And then, she turned to leave.