Chapter 1574
No.1
Instead, he feared it was temporary.
Nathaniel studied her intently. "Ms. Montgomery. I have a request."
Nathaniel’s gaze was intense and unwavering. “I need you to be my girlfriend for six months.”
Six months. Girlfriend.
Isabella’s expression tightened with immediate disapproval. “Nathaniel, how can you even suggest something like this right now?”
“Ms. Montgomery, I’m doing this for Oliver. He’s always longed for a mother. You’re the only person he’s truly connected with in years. If you agree, I believe he can recover fully within six months. After that, you’re free to go,” Nathaniel stated, his voice low and serious.
Isabella frowned deeply. Half a year pretending to be Nathaniel’s girlfriend? Playing the role of Oliver’s mother?
“Lying to a child is wrong. When I eventually leave, the hurt will be even greater for him.”
“It’s a necessary deception. Can you honestly stand by and watch Oliver suffer like this?” Nathaniel pressed.
No.2
The image of Oliver’s pained face flashed in her mind. It felt like her heart was being shredded.
Why did such an innocent child have to endure so much agony?
She desperately wanted this to be the last time he ever experienced such a seizure. The thought of him in that state again was unbearable.
Sebastian noticed her hesitation. “Ms. Montgomery, Oliver’s condition is highly unusual. A compassionate lie is forgivable. My recent examination revealed his situation is deteriorating. Without intervention, these seizures could cause permanent brain damage. Each episode pushes him dangerously close to… not waking up.”
Not waking up.
Isabella knew Sebastian wasn’t exaggerating. She had seen the difference. When Oliver was merely upset or feigning illness, he remained responsive. Today, he was completely lifeless.
Her resolve was crumbling, all for Oliver’s sake.
But was it reason enough to spend six months entangled with Nathaniel? To pretend to be his partner?
“Ms. Montgomery, you have my word,” Nathaniel assured her. “Our arrangement will remain private. I won’t interfere with your life or plans. I will compensate you generously—name anything you desire. I will strictly respect your boundaries.” His tone was earnest and respectful.
No.3
Isabella fell into deep thought. Nathaniel was practically pleading. Oliver’s life was at stake.
It seemed she had no real alternative.
After a heavy silence, she finally spoke. “Fine. I’ll do it. But I don’t want your money. I want a contract.”
“Of course,” Nathaniel replied, glancing at Dominic.
Dominic immediately produced a laptop and opened a document. “Please state your terms, Ms. Montgomery.”
Isabella considered carefully. “First, you must commit every possible resource to curing Oliver within these six months. Spare no effort. Second, this relationship is a facade. Neither party interferes in the other’s personal life. Third, absolute confidentiality. No one else can know the truth. Fourth, no inappropriate physical contact. Finally, regardless of Oliver’s condition, I leave after six months. Nathaniel cannot invent any reason to extend this. Violation of any term results in a penalty of one hundred billion dollars.”
One hundred billion. Dollars.
Even a family as powerful as the Blackwoods had a net worth estimated around one hundred and fifty billion. This penalty would strip away two-thirds of their entire fortune.
Every clause, except the first, was designed to build a fortress between her and Nathaniel.
No.4
Men usually drafted contracts to protect themselves from women’s claims. Here, Isabella was the one building walls against him.
A billionaire with immense power, yet Nathaniel Blackwood faced such disdain from Isabella Montgomery?
Sebastian Blackwood glanced at his brother with genuine pity.
Nathaniel remained expressionless. His composure seemed unshakable.
“I accept all terms.”
He extended his hand toward Dominic Sterling, who promptly handed him the printed contract.
Nathaniel signed without hesitation. He even added his thumbprint for verification.
Isabella signed as well. Staring at the crimson impressions left by their thumbs, she felt momentarily disoriented.
Was she now Nathaniel’s contracted girlfriend? Just like that?
No.5
She had intended to reveal the truth about that night five years ago, but this sudden turn of events changed everything. Confessing now felt pointless. Besides, if Christopher discovered her past, wouldn’t it jeopardize his treatment?
After careful consideration, Isabella decided to keep her secret buried.
After all, this was merely a contractual arrangement. Their separation was inevitable.
She met Nathaniel’s gaze and warned, “Mr. Blackwood, remember not to develop feelings for me during these six months. I will leave when the contract ends, regardless of circumstances.”
Nathaniel’s expression darkened briefly before returning to neutral. “Understood.”
They had ample time ahead.
Sebastian secretly gave Nathaniel an approving thumbs-up. This was remarkable progress!
Christopher’s condition was concerning, but Nathaniel had skillfully turned the situation around.
It seemed a wedding might be imminent in six months!
No.6
Sebastian firmly believed no one could resist falling for Nathaniel after spending half a year with him.
That night, Isabella remained worried about Christopher. She decided to stay and sleep beside him.
Nathaniel instructed the staff to change the bedding to new dark blue sheets adorned with stars and moons. The arrangement felt surprisingly warm.
Isabella cradled Christopher as they settled into bed. She gently stroked his pale cheek.
His complexion had turned porcelain-like after the recent episode.
She whispered softly, “Momo, you must recover quickly. Your aunt…”
Pausing, she remembered the contract. “…Your mommy will stay right here with you.”
The word “mommy” felt foreign yet strangely comforting. It carried a warmth and sweetness she hadn’t anticipated.
Though still asleep, Christopher’s brows relaxed noticeably. He seemed to rest more peacefully in Isabella’s embrace.
No.7
Just as Isabella prepared to sleep, her phone vibrated abruptly.
She checked the screen. A message from Julian Hawthorne. “Not staying at Rosewood Manor tonight?”
Isabella replied, “No. Christopher had an episode. I’m staying with him at the estate.”
She expected opposition, but Julian’s response surprised her. “Alright. Nathaniel is a decent man.”
A decent man?
Isabella frowned in confusion. Had she read that correctly?
Since her return, Julian consistently warned her against dating. He claimed all men were trash, himself included.
Yet now, he described Nathaniel as decent?
Where exactly was this decency she hadn’t noticed?