Chapter 1791

No.1

Isabella was typically detached, indifferent to the emotions of others. Yet something about Oliver’s distress pierced through her usual reserve. Her heart clenched painfully. She held him tighter. “Momo, you can tell me what’s wrong. I’ll talk to your father. He won’t be allowed to upset you.”

The boy wiped his nose with the back of his hand. “It’s not Daddy… It’s not his fault. The teacher said this trip is for families. For moms and dads to be with their kids. All the other children will have both their parents there. This morning, Ethan called me. He was bragging… His mommy bought him a new bubble machine!”

He took a shaky breath, his voice cracking. “Momo doesn’t have a mom. If I go, they’ll just tease me again. I’d rather stay home by myself and cry. It’s better than being laughed at!” His sobs intensified, his small body shaking uncontrollably.

Isabella’s shoulder grew damp with his tears. She could feel the profound sadness radiating from him. It was heartbreaking.

She glanced up at Nathaniel, her expression stern. “Countless women would jump at the chance to be on your arm. Surely the great Nathaniel Blackwood can find a suitable companion for one day.”

“I considered that,” Nathaniel replied, his voice low and serious. “But the background checks were concerning. Their primary motivation is to become Mrs. Blackwood. With that ambition, Oliver becomes a pawn. His safety is my utmost priority. I cannot risk it.”

Isabella frowned. He was right. What woman wouldn’t want to marry Nathaniel Blackwood? The power, the prestige. Many would see a child as an obstacle to be removed. The thought made her blood run cold.

She suddenly became aware of their intense gazes fixed on her. Both father and son were watching her with a silent, unnerving expectancy. A shiver ran down her spine.

“I… I have prior engagements today,” she stated quickly, averting her eyes. “I can’t accompany you to the amusement park.”

Oliver’s face crumpled instantly. The light in his eyes extinguished. “It’s okay… I know you don’t like me, Mommy. I must have done something bad. You should go home and rest. Momo will be fine. I won’t bother you anymore…” His voice was a tiny, broken whisper.

No.2

He slowly released her hand. His small shoulders slumped as he took a few unsteady steps away. He looked utterly lost and alone.

“What did Momo do wrong?” he wept quietly, almost to himself. “Why am I the only one without a mommy? Why doesn’t my real mommy want me? Why don’t you want me?”

Each word was a dagger to Isabella’s heart. The pain was sharp, constricting her throat. Every instinct screamed at her to run to him, to sweep him into her arms and promise him the world. But she couldn’t. It was impossible.

Her business with the Montgomery family was concluded. She needed to return home. There were pressing matters awaiting her attention. Furthermore, the events of five years ago had sealed her fate. A happy ending with them was a fantasy she could not afford.

She hardened her resolve, forcing herself to remain still.

Just then, Oliver, who was still crying as he walked, suddenly stumbled. His small body convulsed violently, collapsing onto the grass. His cries turned into choked, guttural whimpers. A faint froth appeared at the corners of his mouth.

“Oliver! Oliver!” Isabella’s composure shattered. All logic and reason vanished. She sprinted forward, dropping to her knees and gathering his convulsing form into her arms. Panic seized her. She glared up at Nathaniel, her voice sharp with fear. “What’s happening to him?! Call an ambulance! Now!”

“It won’t help,” Nathaniel explained calmly, though his eyes were dark with concern. He gently took Oliver from her and laid him carefully on the ground. “This happens when he becomes excessively upset. The seizures are sporadic. They can last up to thirty minutes before subsiding on their own. You should go. Handle your work. He’ll be alright here.”

Thirty minutes? The thought was unbearable. Isabella stared, horrified, at the small body jerking uncontrollably on the lawn. She could no longer stand it.

She reached out and grasped his tiny, trembling hand. Her voice was firm, laced with a surrender she hadn’t known she possessed. “Momo, get better. I’ll do it. I’ll be your mommy for the day. I’ll go to the amusement park with you. Okay?”

No.3

In a flash, Oliver—who had been convulsing on the ground moments before—leapt up with a burst of energy.

He threw his small hands in the air. “Hooray!”

Then he launched himself straight back into Isabella’s embrace.

Isabella was stunned. ‘How did he bounce back so fast? This… feels like a setup.’

Noticing her hesitation, Oliver wrapped his plump arms around her neck. “Mommy, Uncle Sebastian said my twitching is all in my head,” he explained quickly. “If I take medicine, I’ll get better slowly. You promised. You can’t go back on your word now. We’re going to the amusement park! Grown-ups can’t break promises. They can’t teach kids to lie either.”

What could she say? Isabella gently pinched his soft cheeks. “You clever little thing. Fine. I promised, so I’ll keep it. We’ll go. But from now on, you have to be strong, okay? You’re tough. You won’t let a little mind-trick beat you.”

“Okay! I’ll listen to Mommy!” Oliver beamed, his smile pure sunshine.

Nearby, Sebastian watched, impressed. Their plan actually worked. They’d tricked her into agreeing!

His brother did know how to charm a woman. After 28 years, he was finally unleashing his skills on someone like Isabella.

Sebastian quickly slid back into the driver’s seat, playing his part. Nathaniel opened the car door like a true gentleman. “After you, Ms. Montgomery.”

No.4

Isabella carried Oliver inside and settled in the back. She almost told Nathaniel to sit up front, but then she saw the tall stack of files there. The words died in her throat.

Fine. At least Oliver was between them.

She buckled her own seatbelt, then helped Oliver with his. “Good boys always wear seatbelts,” she instructed. “It’s a rule. It keeps you safe.” Her tone left no room for argument.

Nathaniel silently fastened his own belt. Even Sebastian, in the driver’s seat, clicked his without a word. The car began to glide forward, heading for the amusement park.

Then Isabella spotted it. A small trash bin held a clump of crimson flowers. “Why are there flowers in here?” she asked curiously.

The air in the car instantly tightened.

Three voices answered at once.

“From a business partner.”

“An admirer sent them.”

“My school gave them to me.”

No.5

Nathaniel, Sebastian, and Oliver had all spoken. Isabella blinked, confused. Whose flowers were they? It was a simple question, so why did everything suddenly feel so awkward?

Nathaniel smoothly changed the subject. “Not important. Look what we got for you. See if you like it.” He pulled something out and handed it to her.

Isabella took it. It was a mask. Not just any mask… it was a Peppa Pig mask! “You bought this for me?” she asked, utterly surprised. What was going through Nathaniel’s mind? Was this his idea of romance?

“Isabella, it’s not wise for you to be seen in public at an amusement park,” Nathaniel’s voice came through the phone, calm but firm. “You should wear a mask.”

Isabella almost rolled her eyes. Was he serious? If anyone was at risk of being recognized, it was him and Oliver. One was known as the king of Westchester, the other its crown prince.

“Don’t worry, we’ll be wearing them too,” Nathaniel added, as if reading her mind. He produced two more masks, handing one to Oliver. The little boy’s face lit up as he eagerly put it on. Already adorable, the mask made him look impossibly sweeter.

Something felt…planned. These masks—Mama Bear, Papa Bear, and Baby Bear—were clearly a matching set. A family set. It looked suspiciously like they had been purchased in advance.

Had Nathaniel bought these before she even said yes? She was about to question him when the car glided to a smooth halt at the park’s grand entrance.

“I’ll drop you here,” Sebastian announced from the driver’s seat. “I have to pick up a friend. I’ll return for you later.”

“Understood,” Nathaniel replied smoothly. He secured his own mask, scooped Oliver into his arms, and stepped out. He held the car door open for her, a picture of effortless chivalry.

No.6

A chorus of excited squeals erupted from a group of girls nearby. “Oh my god! Look at his height! He has to be over six foot three!”

“And so gentlemanly! A man who treats his woman like that is so rare!” another sighed dreamily.

“I want a husband like that!” a woman whined, elbowing her own partner.

Still inside the car, Isabella frowned. ‘Even with half his face covered, Nathaniel causes a scene. These women are ridiculous,’ she thought, irritation prickling under her skin. Preferring anonymity, she quickly fastened her own mask before exiting the vehicle.

The three of them stood together. Nathaniel, tall and commanding, exuded a powerful, refined aura. Isabella, nearly five-foot-seven herself, carried a vibrant, energetic grace. And between them was precious Oliver, soft and cute enough to melt the hardest heart.

They became an instant spectacle. Heads turned. Whispers followed. Phones were raised, cameras clicking excitedly to capture the striking trio.

Isabella ignored it all. She had promised Oliver a fun day, and that was her only focus. She took the boy’s small hand in hers. “It’s very crowded, sweetheart. You must hold my hand or your father’s the entire time. No running off.”

“I promise, Mommy! I’ll be good!” Oliver chirped, patting his chest earnestly before clinging to her side.

Nathaniel followed a step behind, his dark eyes fixed on Isabella’s retreating form. This was his first time at an amusement park with a woman. He’d heard it was prime territory for romance.

He hoped his strategy would pay off today.

No.7

“Mommy! Look!” Oliver suddenly shrieked, pointing a chubby finger at the giant Ferris wheel dominating the skyline. “It’s huge! Can we go? Please? Oliver wants to ride it!”

“The Ferris wheel?” Isabella tried to gently dissuade him. “It’s not very exciting, darling. It just goes around slowly.”

“But it is exciting!” he insisted, stomping his little foot. “Ethan told me! He went on the carousel with his mommy and daddy. I want to go on rides with my mommy and daddy too!”

Her resistance crumbled. “Alright, alright. I heard you. Stay right here. I’ll get the tickets.”

“I’ll handle it,” Nathaniel interjected, his voice a low rumble. “You wait here with Oliver. In the shade.” His hands found her shoulders, large and sure, guiding her gently beneath the broad canopy of an oak tree.

His touch was surprisingly cool despite the summer heat. A jolt, unexpected and unwelcome, shot through her. By the time she collected herself, he was already striding toward the ticket booth.