THE EXTRAORDINARY BRIDE OF THE WYNDHAM FAMILY novel Chapter 15

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Isla froze when she heard Delphine call her “bestie.” The word felt like poison dripping into her ears.

Her heart burned with anger, and her lips itched to fire back with a befitting reply. She wanted so badly to put Delphine in her place, to show her she was not weak. But she held herself back. She knew that one careless word in public could hurt

Gabriel’s reputation.

If she made a scene, it wouldn’t be good for any of them. She understood the game Delphine was trying to play. But she won‘

give her the satisfaction..

So Isla straightened her back, lifted her chin, and without giving Gabriel or Delphine another glance, she walked away.

A hostess welcomed her and led her to the private room she had reserved. Isla followed calmly, hiding the ache in her chest.

Delphine, meanwhile, was fuming. She had done it on purpose, just to sting Isla, just to spark a fight. She wanted Isla to lose control, to cause a scene, so that Gabriel would hate her even more. But Isla had not taken the bait. She had chosen silence.

That made Delphine feel even more small.

“Shall we?” Delphine said sweetly, tugging Gabriel’s arm.

Gabriel, however, was unsettled. He still couldn’t figure out Isla’s intention. How can she follow him down here and yet, she simply works away? Her calmness troubled him a lot and he doesn’t like it one bit. As much as he should have been pleased that she had handled things with maturity, it did not give him satisfaction. Instead, it gnawed at his mind. What was she

planning? Why was she so quiet?

He only gave a nod and allowed Delphine to lead him into their private room.

When Betsy arrived, she found Isla already sitting at the table, her face hidden behind a tissue. Tears streaked down her

cheeks.

“What happened to you?” Betsy gasped and rushed to her side. She bent low and wrapped her arms around Isla.

Isla wiped her eyes quickly and forced a smile, though her lips trembled. “It’s nothing. I just remembered something.”

Betsy’s eyes narrowed She knew Isla was lying, but she respected her enough not to press further. Instead, she tried to lighten the mood, filling the room with her cheerful chatter.

They ate their food and discussed business. Betsy clapped her hands together in excitement when Isla told her about the new appointment. “This is amazing! I can’t believe everything is finally working out for you.”

Isla smiled faintly Outwardly, she nodded and agreed. Inside, though, her heart was heavy, weighed down by the image of her husband’s hand locked with Delphine’s.

Later that evening, Isla returned home. She knew Gabriel would not be coming back soon. He was probably still with

Delphine. Still, she cooked dinner for two, just as she always did. It was a habit she could not break.

When the food was ready, Magdalene came in and quietly cleaned up after her. Isla ate alone at the long dining table, her mind wandering She did not allow herself to cry. Not tonight. When she was done, she washed up, changed into her nightwear, and

climbed into bed with her tablet

She opened her new job description again. Trying to study her role. It was a big responsibility, and she needed to prepare herself But what struck her the most was knowing she would now be forced to see more of Delphine. That thought sent a

dull ache into her chest.

When she finished, she checked her emails. Afterwards, she reached for the water jug by her bed, only to find it empty. With a sigh, she stood up and padded softly toward the kitchen.

But then she stopped in her tracks.

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Gabriel was there.

He was seated at the counter, eating alone. His suit jacket was off, his sleeves rolled up. He looked calm, almost too calm, as

he lifted each spoonful.

Isla’s breath caught. She hadn’t expected him back tonight.

Without turning, Gabriel spoke. “Stop staring. I know you’re there.”

Isla sighed, stepped into the kitchen, and grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here. If

you’ll excuse me–good night.”

She walked past him, and back into her room. She drank her water, and a few minutes later, she drifted into sleep.

The next morning, Isla was already dressed when she came downstairs. Magdalene was cleaning dishes in the kitchen.

“Good morning, Mrs. Wyndham,” Magdalene said with a soft smile. “Mr. Wyndham will join you soon.”

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