Chapter 253
CHAPTER 34
The words hit Isla like a punch to the gut. She wanted to collapse, to scream, “He’s never coming back!”
But the storm of emotions threatening to drown her was too overwhelming, too raw to let anyone else see. She bit her lip hard, forcing herself to stay composed.
“He… he has a lot to do in New York,” she managed, her voice cracking despite her efforts to sound casual. She avoided Maggie’s gaze, knowing full well the older woman could read her like an open
book.
Maggie’s eyes narrowed slightly, her concern deepening, but she didn’t push. “Alright then,” she said, though her tone carried a note of doubt. “You look exhausted, love. Why don’t you go rest for a
while?”
“Thank you, Maggie. I think I will,” Isla murmured, already moving toward the staircase. She could feel Maggie’s eyes on her back, heavy with unspoken questions and worry. But Isla didn’t stop. She climbed the stairs quickly, her legs trembling with every step, and finally reached the sanctuary of her room.
1/5
Chapter 253.
The door clicked shut behind her, and she leaned against it, her breathing shallow as she tried to collect herself. The walls of her bedroom seemed to close in, the weight of everything–Graham, the house, her own fears–pressing down on her.
She sank onto the edge of the bed, her hands gripping the soft fabric of the quilt. It’s not over, she told herself firmly. I just need to talk to him. That’s all. No need to panic.
When Isla descended the stairs that evening, the comforting aroma of freshly brewed tea and something savory greeted her. Maggie was waiting in the living room, a tray in hand with tea and a plate of snacks carefully arranged. She placed it on the coffee table with an encouraging smile.
“Here,” Maggie said gently. “Thought you could use this after your rest. Feeling better now?”
Isla managed a halfhearted smile, settling onto the couch as Maggie took a seat across from her. “Thanks,” Isla murmured, reaching for the cup. The warmth seeped into her cold fingers, but it did little to ease the storm inside her.
“I’m making your favorite for dinner tonight,” Maggie said, her tone conversational, as if trying to lift the weight in the room. “Oh, and Master Graham called about an hour ago. I told him you were back safe and sound. Such a pity he won’t be here for the festivals…”
2/5
Chapter 253
“What?” Isla’s voice came out sharp, cutting through Maggie’s words. She sat upright, her teacup trembling slightly in her hands. “Graham
called?”
Maggie blinked, startled by the sudden shift in Isla’s demeanor. “Yes, just an hour ago,” she said, her brows lifting in surprise.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Isla demanded, her voice rising with urgency. “Why didn’t you wake me up?”
Maggie tilted her head, her expression a mix of confusion and concern. “I didn’t know you’d want to talk to him,” she said slowly, as
if Isla had sprouted horns. “You were resting, and you seemed like
you needed it.”
Isla shot up from her seat, her mind racing. “I need to talk to him, Maggie!” she cried, pacing the room now, her nerves fraying with
every step.
Maggie frowned, her tone turning practical. “Then why don’t you call him?” she suggested.
Her feet moved before her brain caught up, carrying her out of the room and toward the side table where her phone sat. Her hands fumbled as she grabbed it, her fingers trembling as she swiped through her contacts to find his number.
3/5
Chapter 253
Her heart pounded in her chest, a wild drumbeat of fear and anticipation. She had no plan, no rehearsed words. She didn’t even know how to start the conversation. All she knew was that she couldn’t live like this anymore–adrift in a sea of uncertainty, unsure of where her life was heading or whether she was about to make the
biggest mistake of it.
She tapped his name, the phone ringing in her ear as her throat went dry. Her breaths came shallow and fast as she waited, every second stretching into eternity.
But then, the call didn’t connect. Instead of Graham’s voice, she was met with a flat tone and a robotic message. The number you have dialed is currently busy. Please leave a message after the beep.
For two agonizing weeks, Isla dialed Graham’s number relentlessly- morning, afternoon, and night–holding on to a fragile hope that one of those times, he would answer. But every attempt ended the same way: a busy signal or a voicemail. Each ring that went unanswered chipped away at her resolve, until one quiet afternoon, the truth settled over her like a suffocating weight.
4/5
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.
