Masuk"Hu... Hunn," Isla found herself faltering as her gaze fixed on the image of her and Damien from eight years ago, sharing a bed. Her eyes batted repeatedly, wondering how Gareth had that picture in his phone."When were you ever planning to tell me about this?" His question came in; his voice was calm, but it carried firmness.Isla shook her head. "I... I was going to tell—""Bullshit!" he barked, and next came the sound of shattering glass. He had just pushed down everything that was on the dining table.Isla gasped, stepping back to avoid the glass pieces. She raised her wide, surprised eyes to him, hoping to see some sort of regret, but there wasn’t any. His eyes were bloodshot soulless, remorseless.He pointed his trembling finger at her. "We've been together for eight years, fucking eight years, Isla!" he roared. "And you can't even tell me this? I fucking told you everything about me!"Something was wrong with Gareth. He didn’t yell; he didn’t cuss. She was too shocked to respon
Gareth, on the receiving end, went silent for a few seconds before asking as though he didn’t already know the answer.“Who are you with?”Isla blinked twice. She stared quickly at Damien, catching his mischievous smile for a split second. “I’m with Mr. Da Silva. We’re working.”Gareth went silent for the second time, then cleared his throat. “Then I should leave you to work.”Isla gasped, wanting to speak, but Gareth had already hung up. She held the phone to her ear for a few seconds, as if he was still on the line with her.“Sheesh, he’s such a gentleman. He clearly wants to talk to you but must let you work,” Damien’s voice rang, immediately sending anger through her.She glared at him, her eyes sharp as a blade. “I don’t know what your intentions are, but get something straight, Damien. We have absolutely nothing to talk about. You’ve done more than enough, and you should thank your fucking stars that I haven’t sued you!” She hit the table as she stood up, angrily picking up her
"I feel like I haven't apologized enough about that dinner night. If I had known things were going to turn out like they did, I would have done everything I could to stop Dev," Priya apologized to Isla on the phone for the umpteenth time.A soft breath could be heard from Isla on the other end. "It's fine, Priya. I told you I'm not mad at you."Priya pouted her lips, folding herself on her couch. "I just feel like I should have done something to protect you. I'm your best friend.""Priya, you've basically spent all your life trying to protect me, and now I'm in a situation where I can return your favor, so you don't have to worry about that. Besides, it's just business," Isla responded."Really? Gareth isn't mad?" Priya carefully asked, and Isla was silent for a few seconds before answering."He's fine. We’re just very busy at this point."Priya sighed. The silence was enough reason to tell her that things weren’t fine between Isla and Gareth."I have to attend a meeting right now. Go
The morning sun was still hot, and the golden light reflected through the glass window of a spacious building where people dressed in fitness attire could be seen working out.A black pair of trainers followed by strong legs hugged in tight grey leggings and black gym shorts moved around the room. Alexios folded his muscular arms across the tank top that clung to his six-pack as he stared at a huge woman who struggled to lift weights while doing squats."Shoulders... steady your shoulders." He helped guide her hands before nodding. "Good job."He walked to a man lying on a bench and lifting heavy weights, then stood with his arms akimbo, watching him.The opening of the glass door distracted him. Elise walked in alone, which was strange because she usually came with her girlfriend. The reminder sent a small twist through his chest, and he turned his eyes away from her, focusing on the man in front of him."Five more, you can do it!" He clapped, counting down until the man dropped the
The dinner was over. Isla and Gareth stayed silent on the car ride back home. That tension was there again, and this time it was tighter than before. Gareth didn’t look at her; his strong gaze was fixed ahead, and he wasn’t trying to hide his unhappiness.“Hunn…” Isla called softly, but there was no response from him.“Are you going to ignore me like this? Shouldn't we at least talk?” Isla tried again, but it was in vain. Gareth pulled out his phone and started tapping the screen like she wasn't even there.Isla sighed. “Hunn, please…”Gareth finally looked at her, his eyes burning. “You couldn’t just say no, Isla?” His tone was cold and carried a hint of irritation.Isla? He just called her by her name. He’d never done that before.“I said yes, Gareth. What’s the big deal? It’s just business, and I was put on the spot!” Isla defended herself. She was getting offended, though her voice was still calm.“What’s the big deal?" Gareth looked at her almost unbelievably. " It’s just busines
The grand ballroom was decorated with glowing chandeliers and golden drapes. Everything about the room screamed wealth, from the shiny glass walls and marble floors to the crystal centerpieces glistening under the soft amber lights.The scent of champagne and expensive perfumes filled the space, while soft classical music drifted from the live orchestra.A massive banner stretched across the entrance: “Welcome to the Echelon Dinner.”Expensive cars rolled to a stop at the parking lot as some of the world’s most powerful names; CEOs, tycoons, investors, influencers, and celebrities, all dressed to impress, walked hand in hand to the entrance.Business chatter filled the room as seconds passed.Isla and Gareth arrived at the venue. Isla was dressed in an elegant silver gown adorned with crystals, while Gareth wore a tailored suit with a rose tucked into his chest pocket.They posed for pictures on the red carpet before Gareth gently led Isla inside. The women stunned in their silk dress







