Chapter 1541
No.1
Oliver stirred slightly in his sleep, mumbling incoherently. His small hand tightened around Isabella's fingers.
Nathaniel leaned forward slightly, his movement drawing her immediate attention. "He needs a mother figure."
Isabella's pulse quickened. "Many children grow up fine without one."
"Not like this," Nathaniel persisted, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "Not with this emptiness."
The gondola began its descent, the downward motion feeling strangely symbolic. Isabella remained silent, processing his words.
Oliver sighed contentedly in his sleep, snuggling closer to her side. The innocent gesture tugged at something deep within her.
Nathaniel watched the interaction, his expression unreadable yet intense. "He's chosen you, Isabella."
The use of her full name sent an unexpected shiver through her. She finally met his gaze, finding raw sincerity in those深邃 eyes.
The gondola reached the base, the attendant preparing to open the gate. Oliver woke abruptly, blinking confusion away. "Did I miss it?"
No.2
Isabella smoothed his hair gently. "You slept through the best part, sweetheart."
Nathaniel's eyes never left her face, a silent message passing between them. The attendant opened the gate, breaking the moment.
Oliver jumped up, energy miraculously restored. "Can we go again? Please?"
Nathaniel stood, offering his hand to Isabella. His palm waited, open and inviting.
The city lights reflected in his eyes, creating constellations of gold. The noise of the amusement park faded into background static.
Oliver tugged her other hand impatiently. "Please, Isabella? One more time?"
Nathaniel's hand remained extended, his gaze holding hers captive. The choice hovered between them, weighted with unspoken implications.
The Ferris wheel continued turning behind them, its cyclical motion mirroring the patterns of fate. Each rotation brought new beginnings, new possibilities.
Oliver's hopeful eyes. Nathaniel's patient hand. The lingering warmth of the gondola seat.
No.3
Isabella hesitated at the threshold, suspended between past and future. The evening air carried the scent of candy floss and destiny.
Nathaniel's fingers twitched slightly, a barely perceptible movement. "The night is still young."
Oliver bounced on his toes, his mask slightly askew. "We can try the spinning cups next! Daddy gets dizzy on those!"
A faint smile touched Nathaniel's lips. "Only when you spin too fast."
The ordinary father-son banter felt strangely endearing. Isabella found her hand moving almost involuntarily.
Her fingers brushed against Nathaniel's palm, sending electric sparks up her arm. His hand closed around hers, firm and warm.
Oliver cheered triumphantly, pulling them both toward the ticket counter. "Next ride! Next ride!"
Nathaniel kept her hand securely in his, his thumb tracing subtle circles on her skin. The simple contact felt more intimate than any embrace.
The Ferris wheel continued its endless cycles behind them, each cabin carrying its own stories, its own potential romances.
No.4
But for now, three figures moved toward new adventures, their joined hands forming an unbreakable chain under the starlit Westchester sky.
Isabella attempted to distract Oliver with conversation. He slumped against the armrest and fell asleep instantly.
The boy who’d been begging to ride the Ferris wheel was now completely conked out.
She felt tricked. She considered shaking him awake, but Nathaniel stopped her.
“Let him rest. His seizures drain all his energy.”
Nathaniel was even making excuses for him now.
Isabella sat back, saying nothing.
The Ferris wheel climbed steadily, offering a sweeping view of Westchester.
Pairs of birds swooped past the windows, setting a romantic scene.
No.5
Isabella barely glanced at the view. She focused on her phone, ignoring Nathaniel completely.
He frowned, watching her. “Ms. Montgomery, you’re missing the stunning cityscape. Staring at your screen that long strains your eyes.”
“It’s just a standard city view. Nothing special,” she replied without looking up.
His brows furrowed. Weren’t women supposed to love Ferris wheels? Why was she so uninterested?
“What does interest you, then?” he murmured.
“Drifting. Skydiving,” she answered, crossing her legs while still scrolling.
His heart jumped. Those were extreme sports he’d never tried.
The conversation died there.
As the Ferris wheel rose, other couples were cuddling or kissing. But him?
No.6
Oliver, pretending to sleep, mouthed silent words to Nathaniel. “Daddy, fifteen minutes left! Fix this! Now!”
Nathaniel’s expression darkened. He refused to waste this chance. Watching Isabella ignore him for her phone, what could he do?
Then an idea struck. He pulled out his phone and texted Sebastian after a quick wink at Oliver.
“Execute the Ferris wheel plan.”
Isabella was reviewing the Phoenix Hotel report from Maxwell. Suddenly, the carriage jolted violently. “Aah!”
Screams erupted as women clung to their partners.
Nathaniel braced to catch Isabella in the panic. But she remained perfectly calm. Instead, she pocketed her phone and shielded the sleeping Oliver on the seat.
Is she even human? He stared, stunned.
The carriage shook again.
No.7
More terrified screams followed. But Isabella stayed composed.
Nathaniel’s face fell. Is she always this unshakable? Was this all for nothing?
He never failed.
During another shake, he moved beside her. “Don’t be scared. I’m here.”
He wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close.
“Who said I was scared?” She recoiled at his touch, startled.
“I can see you’re struggling with fear, but don’t be. I won’t make fun of you.” Nathaniel pressed his chest firmly against hers.
Their bodies were nearly fused. She was fully enveloped in his arms.
She wore a tight red dress today. Now she could feel the heat of his skin through the fabric. Her heart hammered wildly against her ribs as they pressed together.