Chapter 1825
No.1
“Where is Sebastian?” Nathaniel demanded, already grabbing Isabella’s hand and pulling her back toward the house.
All thoughts of her confession vanished. The mention of Christopher in trouble sent a jolt of pure terror through her. She needed to see him. Now.
“We’ve contacted him,” Dominic said, struggling to keep pace. “But it will take him at least twenty minutes to get here.”
"Hot water. A towel. And the mouth guard. Now."
Nathaniel's voice cut through the tension as he pulled Isabella into the descending elevator.
Her mind raced with images of Christopher's fragile state. She barely registered Nathaniel's firm grip on her hand.
They reached the second-floor nursery. Oliver writhed on his bed, small body seized by violent tremors. Veins bulged beneath his pale skin.
This was far worse than anything Isabella had witnessed before.
"Wait outside," Nathaniel commanded. The scene would undoubtedly terrify her.
No.2
She surprised him by stepping forward. "No. I'm staying with Oliver."
She moved quickly to the bedside, taking his small hand in hers. "Oliver, it's Aunt Isabella. I'm right here with you."
He gave no sign of recognition. His body continued to convulse relentlessly.
His eyes rolled back, leaving only the whites visible. Sweat poured from his forehead.
Isabella knew this was no ordinary episode. The severity shook her to the core.
She turned desperate eyes to Nathaniel. "What's happening to him? Why is it this bad? How do we help him?"
"Stay calm. He'll be alright," Nathaniel reassured her evenly. He used the warm towel to wipe Oliver's face and neck.
Then he gently inserted the mouth guard between Oliver's teeth. Preventing him from biting his tongue.
Isabella prided herself on her composure. But now she felt utterly useless.
No.3
She could only watch Nathaniel work while she murmured comforts. "Be brave, sweet boy. You promised to be strong. I'm not going anywhere."
Oliver kept convulsing. Trapped in some private agony beyond their reach.
Nathaniel spoke softly. "This happens several times a year. Sebastian will give him the injection. It always helps."
"But Sebastian isn't here yet. We have over ten minutes to wait..."
Ten more minutes of this suffering. For a child so small.
Isabella's heart shattered. "He goes through this every time? There's no permanent treatment?"
Nathaniel's gaze darkened. He said nothing. There was no other way. Oliver had to endure.
The next minutes stretched into an eternity.
They could only stand by. Ensuring he didn't harm himself. Watching helplessly.
No.4
Finally, Sebastian arrived. He moved with efficient speed, administering the injection.
The convulsions gradually subsided. Oliver's small body stilled. But his eyes remained closed.
"Let's give him space to rest," Sebastian said quietly.
Isabella lingered, staring at Oliver's pale face. Her worry deepened. She followed the men out reluctantly.
Once the door closed, she turned to Sebastian. "What's really wrong with him? There must be some solution."
"It's affective psychosis. Growing up without a mother... The Blackwoods provide everything materially. But emotional needs are harder to meet. He desperately wants a mother. Until that void is filled, these episodes will continue."
"But I was with him today. He seemed so happy. Why would it trigger now?"
"Before meeting you, he had four to six episodes yearly. This one was overdue, actually. Perhaps his happiness made him fear losing it more." Isabella's heart clenched. Four to six times a year. So much pain for a five-year-old.
He had been radiant today. Giving gifts. Serving food. She thought he felt secure.
No.5
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.6
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.7
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.