Chapter 5: I Love Simple

Isla was stunned by the words that had slipped from her mouth, but come to think of it, she wasn’t going to lose anything if she married Gareth. In fact, she would finally be able to enjoy the kind of life she had never even dared to dream of.

“Sorry?” Priya asked, her voice laced with confusion.

Isla exhaled slowly. “I wish I could tell you more right now, but I’ve been told to keep things low. Priya, I promise you, I’m really fine. And you didn’t hear wrong—I’m going to get married.” She tried to explain, but Priya still couldn’t understand her.

“Isla, what are you saying? Who are you getting married to?” Priya’s tone wavered between disbelief and concern. She knew Isla would rather laugh and do something outrageous than admit she was going through a hard time.

“I truly wish I could tell you everything, but I can’t. Just know this, Priya—if everything works out, I promise I’ll repay every bit of kindness you’ve ever shown me,” Isla said softly.

Priya decided not to push further, knowing how stubborn Isla could be. “I’m glad you’re okay, but remember, you are never a bother to me. You don’t have to do everything alone. Just call me and I’ll be there, alright?”

“Okay,” Isla smiled.

They talked about other things before saying goodnight and ending the call.

Lying on the soft bed, Isla drowned in her thoughts. Was she really doing the right thing by meeting Graham tomorrow and telling him she was ready to accept the proposal?

Eventually, sleep claimed her, and when she woke up, it was with determination.

She was going to do it. She was going to get better and carve out a bright future for herself. She would build the promising life her mother never had, care for her nana, cherish her best friend, and create a future for her own family.

“Morning, Miss Isla. I won’t lie—I’m surprised to see you here this early,” Graham admitted, his stunned expression unguarded as Isla walked into his office.

“Good morning, Graham.” She greeted politely, her fingers growing cold with nerves, though she forced a smile.

“Please, sit down.” Graham quickly pulled a chair out for her.

“Thank you,” Isla whispered, lowering herself into the seat and releasing a quiet breath to calm herself.

“Talk to me,” Graham urged, his expression soft with concern, sensing her uneasiness. “Is it the penthouse? If you don’t like it, I can arrange—”

“It’s not the house, Graham,” Isla cut him off briskly. “I thought about what you said, and…I’m ready.”

Graham gave her a long, quiet look. “You’re ready? Meaning…you agree to everything?” His voice was almost hushed.

Isla nodded. “Hmm.”

“If that’s so, then that’s wonderful. I’ll prepare the contract and have it sent to you, okay?” Graham said gently, and Isla nodded again.

“Also, when will you be free to go out with Mr. Gareth? He just came back from the States yesterday. He was supposed to return next week, but he finished work earlier than expected. It’s fine if you’d rather wait until next week before—”

“Don’t worry. If Mr. Gareth isn’t too busy, we can meet tonight,” Isla said calmly, knowing exactly where Graham was heading. She was ready.

“I’ll inform him then,” Graham replied with a nod.

“Thank you.” Isla smiled as she left the office. She couldn’t help but pause and stare up at the huge building, fear creeping in at the thought of ruling a place as grand as this.

And this wasn’t all, apparently, Harold had properties planted across different parts of Singapore and even abroad. And they would all belong to her too.

“You’ll be fine, Isla,” she whispered to herself before stepping into the car.

Evening came quickly. A stylist, sent by Graham, arrived to help Isla get dolled up for her date. They dressed her in a floor-length, creamy white satin slip dress with a cowl neckline, paired with diamond stud earrings and nude heels.

Her hair was glossy and wavy, falling gracefully over her shoulders. Isla thought she looked unreal, almost as though she had stepped straight out of a Hollywood glam movie. She couldn’t shake the feeling that the dress wasn’t made for someone like her.

She was escorted to a car that drove her to a fancy restaurant. Everything felt like a dream—the sweet aroma of fine cuisine, the soft notes of piano music, the warm glow of chandelier light. She was lost in the magic of it all.

“You must be Miss Pereira,” a gentle voice said beside her, and she swore she turned to face an unreal being.

He stood tall, his designer suit hugging the sculpted lines of his body. His slicked, polished black hair gleamed beneath the neon lights, and his face—flawless. His green eyes shone brightly, and the hint of stubble along his jaw only made him more breathtaking.

Isla was at a loss for words, her breath caught as she stared at the man in awe.

“I am Gareth Khan. It’s nice to meet you.” His smile was warm as he stretched out his perfect hand for a handshake.

Gareth Khan? Isla couldn’t believe this Greek god was the man she was supposed to marry.

“I…I’m Isla Pereira.” She hated how shaky her voice sounded. She was supposed to act bold. She accepted his handshake, his large palm easily enveloping hers.

A light chuckle escaped Gareth. “I know.”

He pulled a chair out for her. “Please, have a seat.”

“Thank you.” Isla pressed her lips together as she sat opposite him. It wasn’t as easy as she thought—it made no sense why she was so nervous. She couldn’t even bring herself to meet his striking green eyes.

“You don’t have to be nervous around me. We’re in this together. I understand how overwhelming it must feel to be pushed into a world like this, but I promise—you’ll love it here.” His voice was smooth, velvety, comforting.

Slowly, Isla lifted her head. His gaze didn’t waver. There was no trace of irritation or disdain, only warmth.

She nodded lightly, forcing herself to relax.

Gareth softly called for the waiter, requesting they bring Isla’s order first and that he would have the same as her.

Isla’s cheeks turned a dusty pink as she scanned the menu, unfamiliar with most of the dishes. She worried Gareth might find her choice strange, so she handed the menu back to him.

“Order for us, please. I can be very indecisive,” she admitted, almost pleading.

“It’s okay. Take as much time as you need—I’ll wait.” Gareth gave her a reassuring smile. She could feel his gaze on her as she debated what to choose before finally settling on a dish.

“Thank you for your order, ma’am. Dinner will be served shortly,” the waitress said with a polite smile before leaving.

Isla fidgeted with her fingers, nervousness still weighing on her.

“Graham told me you grew in a small town of the West side of Singapore. I’ve heard many stories about that place. If you don’t mind, tell me about your experience there,” Gareth asked gently, breaking through her nervous silence.

“It was a really simple place,” Isla said with a shrug, a small smile tugging at her lips as memories surfaced. “Even though life there was hard, it’s still a huge part of me—and I find it fascinating.”

Gareth’s smile didn’t falter. “I love traveling. My next stop will be that town, and I’d like you to be my tour guide.”

“Are you sure? Isn’t it too simple for you? You won’t find fancy houses like the ones here,” Isla said, her brows knitting with concern.

Gareth’s smile widened. He leaned in slightly, their eyes locking, though not enough to scare her. “I love simple,” he whispered softly.

Isla’s words failed her again. Just his eyes alone could keep her captivated. The waiter’s arrival broke the tension as he arranged their food on the table.

“Come on, eat,” Gareth encouraged, leaning back.

Isla took a tiny bite to taste.

“Do you like it?” he asked, concern flickering across his face.

“It’s actually not bad,” Isla admitted with a smile, taking another bite. She almost forgot she wasn’t alone, sneaking a stylish glance at him. He was watching her, his smile gentle.

“I’m glad you’re enjoying the food. Seeing women eat makes me happy,” he said softly, as though reassuring her she didn’t need to feel self-conscious.

“You don’t see women eat?” Isla chuckled.

“Not like that. My past dates were always hesitant to eat around me—or anyone. I love that you’re comfortable.” Gareth shrugged, taking a bite of his own food.

Isla pressed her lips together, uncertain why hearing about his past dates gave her a strange feeling.

“I hope the news of our marriage didn’t ruin anything you had going on,” Gareth asked suddenly, his tone concerned and curious.

Isla sipped her soup. For a moment, her mind flashed to Damien, but she quickly shook it off. That had been a regretful mistake, one never meant to happen. She gave Gareth a bittersweet smile.

“No, it didn’t.”