Chapter 246
Yet his conscience reminded him of the truth: if he wanted her, truly wanted her, there was only one way. He would have to marry her. Not because it was the honorable thing to do–though it was–but because it was the only way he could have her without guilt. And God help him, he needed her more than he’d ever needed anything in his life.
Graham raked a hand through his hair, his jaw tightening with resolve. There would be no more waiting, no more excuses. He would make her his–soon. Because if he didn’t, he was certain he’d lose himself completely.
Isla broached the topic over breakfast once again, her voice tentative as she voiced her desire to return to Willow Creek. Graham, weary of her persistent obstinacy, simply sighed, his expression unreadable as he casually sipped his coffee. He maintained an air of calculated indifference, not bothering to meet her eyes, knowing that his demeanor needed to be perfectly calibrated for what was to come.
“Yes,” he replied slowly, his tone casual, almost dismissive. He shrugged nonchalantly, as though her departure held little consequence to him. It was crucial that he appeared completely detached at this moment. “Let me know whenever you are ready to leave and I will alert the pilot.” He sipped his coffee once again.
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Isla, surprised by his immediate acquiescence, hesitated for a moment, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. She hadn’t expected him to agree so readily, and his apparent indifference unsettled her. Was this a test? A ploy to gauge her reaction? She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, fidgeting with her spoon as she searched his face for any hint of underlying motives.
“Okay,” she finally managed to say, her voice tentative.
“One more thing,” Graham said, his tone measured, as he set his coffee mug down with a deliberate clink. He finally looked at her, his expression unreadable but sharp, as though gauging her reaction was part of a calculated move. “Now that you’re going back to Willow Creek, I want you to choose one of the cottages on the property that are currently rented out.”
Isla blinked, her brow furrowing deeply. Suspicion flickered in her wide eyes. “For what?” she asked, her voice tentative, the beginnings of unease creeping into her tone.
“For yourself,” Graham replied smoothly, shrugging as though they were discussing something as trivial as the weather. “Choose one of the larger ones on the east side. They’re a bit high–maintenance, but they’ll suit you better in the long run.”
Her confusion deepened. “I thought I would be going back to Thornfield Manor.” Her voice trembled slightly, the words faltering as
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though she were trying to convince herself as much as him.
“Yes, for now,” he said, nodding as if her concern was of little importance. He reached for his empty mug and placed it back on the table with a soft thud. “But soon Thornfield Manor will be sold. And since I know how much you love that place, I couldn’t, in good conscience, leave you without somewhere to go. Pick the house you like best on the property, and I’ll ensure the deed is transferred to your name before the estate is sold.”
He continued, his tone devoid of emotion, as if he were outlining a business transaction. “It’s mid–January now. I’d say three months should be sufficient. I haven’t spoken to my lawyers yet, but the next two months are packed for me. I’ll be in Luxembourg next week, then handling matters in London, and after that, a month in Washington, D.C. I’ll be busy until April, but I can come to Willow Creek then. By that time, you should have chosen a cottage, and I’ll finalize the arrangements for the rest of the property to go on the market.”
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The End Of a Marriage
Chapter 247
Chapter 31
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
