Chapter 1375
No.1
He sat on the edge of the mattress, watching her with concerned eyes. What was he to do with this little wildcat?
Isabella slept restlessly, haunted by dreams of that night five years earlier. A powerfully built body pressed against hers, mountainous and unyielding. She struggled to open her eyes, to see his face, but exhaustion overwhelmed her.
"No...! Stop...!"
A agonized whimper escaped her lips, fragile as a kitten fallen into a well.
Nathaniel's expression darkened. What trauma caused her such pain? His mind connected the fragments he knew: Victoria's attack on Isabella five years ago; Victoria facing prison because of it; the scandal that would ruin them all if exposed.
Unless...
A terrible suspicion formed in his mind.
Isabella moaned in distress, "Don't... release me...!"
Nathaniel's face grew stormy. He lay beside her, wrapping her in his arms while gently stroking her back. With his free hand, he retrieved his phone and texted Dominic. "Investigate what happened to Isabella five years ago."
No.2
Though he'd promised not to interfere, witnessing her torment made inaction impossible. He prayed the investigation wouldn't confirm his fears.
Cradling her head against his chest, he murmured soft assurances. "Don't be afraid, Isabella. I'm here."
His deep voice resonated through her, gradually soothing her back into calm sleep. Nathaniel remained awake all night, his mind racing through possibilities. With Dominic's efficiency, results would arrive by morning, revealing Isabella's past.
If his suspicions proved true...
Isabella Montgomery slept deeply for what felt like an eternity.
Her eyes fluttered open to an opulent ceiling.
What was she resting against?
She turned her head.
Nathaniel Blackwood lay beside her.
No.3
Her head had been pillowed on his right arm.
How did this happen?
She remembered playing games last night.
Why was she in Nathaniel’s embrace?
He noticed her stirring.
Nathaniel set aside his phone.
His voice was a low rumble. “Are you feeling alright?”
Isabella shook her head slowly.
Her gaze caught the time on his phone screen.
No.4
Six in the evening.
She had slept straight through to the next evening.
She sat up abruptly. “You stayed here all day?”
“Mhm.” He attempted to rise.
A flicker of discomfort crossed his features.
His right arm remained motionless.
Isabella’s eyes dropped to his numb limb.
Her hands moved instinctively.
She began massaging his arm. “You’re insane. You could have moved me.”
No.5
“I didn’t want to.” His words were simple yet carried profound weight.
Her heart stuttered.
Didn’t want to?
Didn’t want to disturb her? Or didn’t want to let her go?
This warmth was foreign to her.
Even in her youth, she’d never known such care.
Alexander Whitmore had never feigned this level of devotion.
When Lawrence Chamberlain had poisoned her, Nathaniel stayed the entire night.
Now, he gave her a full day.
No.6
He had every opportunity to take advantage.
Yet he did nothing.
She narrowed her eyes slightly.
Her fingers worked his arm, encouraging circulation.
After a moment, she asked, “Better now?”
He attempted to flex his fingers. “Still numb.”
She had no choice but to continue.
She didn’t realize how domestic she looked.
Pajama-clad, tending to him beside the bed.
No.7
Nathaniel watched in silent appreciation.
Her gentleness was a rare sight.
His phone screen lit up with a new message.
The notification preview flashed.
[Mr. Blackwood, I’ve hit a wall. Someone else is investigating Ms. Montgomery. No leads.]
Nathaniel’s brow furrowed.
He moved to shut off the screen.
Too late.
Isabella had seen it.