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.

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