The Tycoon's Secret Wife's Escape

Gabriel's call wasn't something I planned on answering, but after reading the messages I had received, frustration got the

better of me.

"Gabriel..." His name slipped out as I picked up the phone.

“Issa, I've already contacted the wedding suppliers. They'll be reaching out to you soon. I want the ceremony to happen as soon as possible-"

I interrupted him. "There won't be a wedding, Gabriel. We're done."

My voice was firm, even as my hands gripped the phone tighter.

"My mom heard from the social circle that your parents arranged for you to marry

a business partner. Charlotte told Leo that is the reason why you were so eager to marry me-to escape that arrangement. I'm doing this to help you.

What more do you want?" he asked.

Sitting on the plush bed, I gazed out at the sky outside Grayson's villa.

Just last month, I dreamed of marrying Gabriel. But now, after all the pain he's put me through, I can't bring myself to chase that dream anymore.noveldrama

"What I want, Gabriel, is for you to stop bothering me. Stop having those wedding suppliers contact me."

"This isn't like you, Issa. You've never been this difficult." His tone sharpened, that familiar edge creeping in. "Sabrina assured me it was a mistake and that she wouldn't cause any more trouble. She promised it wouldn't be an issue moving forward. I'm not agreeing to our breakup! We've been together for five years."

The line went dead, and frustration knotted in my chest.

Gabriel was making this so difficult. His mention of Sabrina not "causing more issues” was almost laughable. Doesn't he realize that Sabrina has been complicating things for us for two years?

I'm unsure how to make Gabriel understand that I genuinely don't want this anymore.

It's exhausting.

I tried to push aside my frustration and scrolled through the messages. Amid them all, I chose one from Sophia.

Sophia: 'Golden Stage announced last night that you were unprofessional, which is why they've cut ties with you. Now, they're using social media bloggers and news outlets to destroy your reputation.

Another message from Sophia flashed across my screen:

'Bloomify wants to speak with you, Isabella. Since the products you're endorsing are still in development, the company is now hesitant to release the promotional clips and photos we shot last month. As a startup, they've clarified they can't weather any PR storms right now.'

My stomach twisted. Bloomify is the beauty brand Sophia and I worked so hard to secure months ago. We landed the endorsement deal, and I thought my termination from Golden Stage wouldn't affect it. But now, thanks to the rumors Charlotte spread about me, Bloomify is reconsidering its position.

I'm considering compensating Bloomify for the damages and promotional costs per the contract, but throwing money at the problem wouldn't restore my reputation. Also, the thought of asking Grayson for help again made me wince; he'd already covered the staggering multi-million contract settlement with Golden Stage. I couldn't keep leaning on him like this.

In the past, I wouldn't have done anything because Charlotte threatened to destroy Gabriel's career.

But now? A cold clarity settled over me no more playing defense.

I replied to Sophia: 'Let me meet Bloomify's chairman.

As I was about to set my phone aside, I saw a new notification-Sabrina's status on social media.

'Isn't this necklace beautiful? Thank you, Gabriel! You are the best!'

My finger trembled as I stared at it. It was the first jewelry design I had ever created in college. I never imagined it would become a piece of jewelry-and how did it end up with Sabrina?

68)

That's when it hit me-the recorded file the witch had sent me at the wrap-up party. I opened it, and what I heard shocked

1. me.

***

Gabriel lay in the sterile hospital room, an IV drip steady beside him-a reminder of his alcohol poisoning from last night. Despite his condition, he kept in touch with the wedding suppliers to ensure Isabella would get the wedding she dreamed of.

"Brother Gabriel, maybe Isabella is serious about the breakup. It's been almost a month already," Leo said, his voice tinged with concern.

A flash of defiance crossed Gabriel's pale face.

"If she's really done with me, why did she push Sabrina into the pool?" he retorted stubbornly.

He knew Isabella was punishing him for one night of mistakes. He had already spoken to Sabrina, offering to make amends for whatever had happened between them. Still, her response was clear-she didn't want him distancing himself from Sabrina, insisting it would harm both of their careers.

After the pool incident, he sent Sabrina the necklace she had chosen as compensation, hoping to keep the peace.

It was one of Isabella's designs from college, which he had sent to a jeweler to be made into a necklace. He had initially planned to give it as a surprise to Isabella, a suggestion Sabrina had made months ago. However, Sabrina wanted it as compensation, so he believed it was fine. He chose another design for Isabella.

She was helping Isabella, yet she couldn't see his true intentions.

"But Isabella can't help your career, Gabriel," Leo continued, "Not with everything she's facing now."

Gabriel's expression darkened. "What do you mean?”

Leo hesitated, scratching his head. "Well... some bloggers have been sharing negative experiences about Isabella. They didn't mention her by name but referenced someone from Golden Stage. You see, Isabella can't help your career, and maybe letting her go is best for you."

Gabriel shook his head, the weight of Leo's words sinking in, but his heart wouldn't let him accept it. "I can't, Leo! Living without Isabella... I just can't. I love her too much."

If only he'd been more careful, more honest with her. If only he'd shown her the depth of his feelings...

With trembling fingers, he dialed the reporter who'd broken the story about him and Sabrina.

"I know you were eager to dig up my dirt," Gabriel said nonchalantly. Leo, inside his room, widened his eyes upon hearing

his words.

"Heh... and of course, you weren't calling me just to reminisce?" the reporter's voice dripped with sarcasm.

"Unfortunately, that's exactly my intention. Call these wedding suppliers..." He listed the names methodically. "You'll find

22:52 Fri, 11 Apr

quite the story there."

"Brother Gabriel!" Leo snatched the phone, ending the call. "Have you lost your mind?"

"I have to help Isabella!"

Before Leo could argue further, they heard the preset message tone from Isabella.

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68)

Gabriel snatched his phone back, his heart racing as he opened her message. But as he pressed play on the attached audio file, all color drained from his face.