Chapter 234
CHAPTER 25
Isla stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her silk beige trousers and
the half–cut blouse tucked neatly under a fitted blazer. It wasn’t her
usual style, but it was the best she had–her attempt at looking a
little older, a little more refined. The combination was subtle,
sophisticated even, but still, there was a small knot of worry in her
stomach. Would it be enough?
The thought of standing beside Graham–so polished, so confident in
his perfectly tailored three–piece black suit–made her feel small in
comparison. Would she look too young, too awkward? She sighed,
running a hand through her hair, wishing she felt more at ease. She
wasn’t accustomed to these kinds of events. What would she even talk
about? The world of high society, with its polished elites and business
magnates, felt so foreign to her. She had no head for business, no
”
understanding of the complex conversations that likely swirled in
circles like that. She thought of the art world–maybe that was
something she could talk about–but even that seemed like a stretch.
The very idea of attending a party in New York, surrounded by
wealthy celebrities and influential people, made her pulse quicken
with a mix of nervousness and excitement. But it wasn’t just the idea
of the party that had her stomach fluttering–it was the man beside
1/4
Chapter 234
her. Graham, so composed and powerful, standing there with his
usual air of command. He was effortlessly charming, effortlessly
stylish. The way the suit hugged his broad shoulders and tapered at
his waist made her heart race. He was a picture of elegance and
confidence.
They stood side by side, waiting for the helicopter that would whisk
them away to New York. The hum of the helicopter’s blades could
already be imagined, cutting through the air like a promise of
adventure. The thought of the city, the bustling shops, the glamour of
it all… Isla couldn’t help but feel a rising excitement in her chest.
Shopping. That one word was enough to distract her from her worries.
She would have the chance to pick out a dress, to finally embrace the
world that Graham was opening up to her.
As she glanced over at him, she felt a rush of warmth. There was
something intoxicating about being close to him, the way he always
seemed so in control, so unshakable. She wondered what it would be
like to live in his world, to be by his side. She shook off that thought.
What a silly thing to think about.
Isla’s mind raced with excitement as she thought about the dress. A
red dress. Sexy. The kind that would hug her body like a second skin,
slinky and alluring. She imagined it slipping over her curves, the
fabric smooth against her skin. Off–shoulder, she mused, with just
enough of a neckline to hint at something more. Her smile was
unbidden, a small grin playing at the corner of her lips as she
214
Chapter 234
imagined herself in the dress. Little did she know, Graham had been
watching her, the silent observer of her daydreams. He had caught
the look in her eyes, the subtle spark of joy as she imagined the
transformation she was about to undergo.
She didn’t even realize she had been lost in her thoughts, her mind
wrapped around the excitement of what was to come. The dress, the
hair, she thought. She envisioned her curls cascading down her back,
the rest of it pinned back in soft, elegant waves. A touch of makeup, a
hint of shimmer, and she’d feel like a completely different woman–a
woman who belonged in the world Graham moved in.
eyes lit up
Graham, meanwhile, couldn’t help but notice the way her
when she thought about the evening ahead. It wasn’t just about the
party or the dress. No, it was the first spark of excitement he’d seen
from her that wasn’t related to Thornfeild Manor. For all the beauty
and the history of the place, he knew that his home wasn’t enough to
keep her there forever. Isla needed something else. She needed the
world outside, the pulse of the city, the energy that surrounded it.
And as much as he loved the sprawling countryside, the endless green
of the fields and the quiet of the small towns, Graham couldn’t
imagine staying there long–term.
3/4
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.
