Chapter 1876
No.1
Oliver tugged on Isabella’s hand. “Mommy, let’s wear matching pajamas tonight! Christopher wants to match with both of you!”
Isabella smiled gently. “Alright, sweetheart. But I didn’t buy any today. I’ll get us some tomorrow, okay?” She ruffled his soft hair.
Oliver grinned mischievously. “No need! I was bored today and bought a set for us! Ta-da!” He produced three identical pajama sets from behind his back like a magician.
Isabella’s smile faltered. A slight frown creased her forehead as she examined the clothing. The pajamas…
Three sets of pajamas lay on the bed. Each featured a simple cartoon illustration right in the center. It was immediately obvious who they depicted.
Two sets were white short-sleeved tees with matching shorts. Hers, the female version, was a V-neck shirt without bottoms. The shirt was so short it barely reached mid-thigh. The cute drawing couldn't distract from that dangerously low neckline.
Sleeping next to Nathaniel while wearing this? Absolutely not.
Isabella immediately rejected the idea. "Sweetie, you and Daddy should wear these. Mommy will wear something else, okay?"
Oliver's face fell. His lower lip trembled. "But why? I picked these specially for us. I designed them myself. Even drew the pictures."
No.2
Her heart squeezed. She hadn't realized he'd put so much effort into this. Crushing his enthusiasm was impossible. She scooped him onto the bed. "You're so talented, my love! Mommy adores what you made. It's just... Mommy feels a bit chilly lately. I might need something warmer."
"I'll fix it!" He scrambled off the bed, tiny feet pattering toward the thermostat.
Isabella was speechless.
Since when was her son so stubborn?
Just then, Nathaniel emerged from the shower. A plush robe was tied around his waist. A chill filled the room. Oliver rushed to him, thrusting the pajamas into his hands. "Daddy, wear these! Mommy said yes to matching outfits tonight! We're waiting for you!"
Nathaniel's skeptical gaze found Isabella. The pajamas were... juvenile. Would she really wear them? Yet the set lay beside her. He didn't question it, simply heading to the dressing room.
Oliver bounded back to her, buzzing with excitement. "Mommy! Mommy! Daddy's changing! It's your turn now!"
She sighed in defeat.
She meant to scold him for manipulation. But those sparkling, hopeful eyes disarmed her completely. Gently, she pinched his chubby cheek. "You clever little fox. Alright. Mommy will wear it."
No.3
"Yay!" He jumped for joy.
Isabella retrieved a tube top and tight shorts from her wardrobe. She slipped into the dressing room.
Oliver waited on the bed, swinging his legs. Daddy and Mommy needed a push. He was just helping!
Two doors opened simultaneously.
Nathaniel stepped out. His eyes instantly locked on Isabella. The oversized shirt drowned her frame. Lace trimmed the hem. The childish cartoon on the front should have looked silly. Instead, it was oddly endearing. The shirt stopped high on her thighs. Those long, toned legs were utterly captivating. His gaze lingered a moment too long.
Isabella's breath hitched. Nathaniel usually slept in dark, silk pajamas. Now, he wore stark white. The same ridiculous cartoon was plastered on his chest. It softened his usual severity, making him seem almost approachable. A small red heart was stitched over his right pec. The matching detail felt intensely intimate.
Flustered, she moved toward the bed. "It's past eleven, sweetie. Time for sleep."
"Okay!" Oliver dove under the covers, rolling to the far edge.
Isabella frowned. "Oliver, the middle is your spot."
No.4
"But you said the middle has bad air," he reasoned, all innocence. "My lungs felt funny sleeping there. I need the edge now. Daddy should take the middle."
Her stomach dropped. Nathaniel in the middle. Her on the side. That meant they'd be sleeping right next to each other.
“What if Oliver sleeps with Daddy instead?” suggested Isabella. “Or just with Mommy? Having only two people on the bed would allow better air circulation.”
“No! All three of us sleep together! I love sleeping with Daddy and Mommy.” Oliver gazed at Isabella with pleading eyes. “All my friends’ mommies and daddies sleep together… Unless, Mommy wasn’t telling the truth? Does Mommy not want to be my real Mommy?” His voice grew small and vulnerable.
Afraid the child might discover her contractual arrangement with Nathaniel, Isabella quickly reassured him, “Of course I want to be your Mommy. I’m just not comfortable sleeping near the edge. Come here, I’ll hold you while you sleep!” She moved to the center of the bed, facing Oliver, and wrapped her arms around him. Using him as a barrier felt practical—if Nathaniel tried anything, Oliver would either shield her or wake up.
Nathaniel watched her silently before switching off the lamp. Darkness enveloped the room. Oliver closed his eyes contentedly and soon drifted into sleep, his soft snores filling the quiet space.
Isabella released a quiet breath. This adorable child could be so overwhelming. Though the bed was spacious, lying next to Nathaniel still made her nervous. Her top was shorter than usual tonight, so she stayed alert, careful not to expose herself.
She reached for the blanket to cover up when her fingers brushed against something cool.
What was that?
No.5
She touched it again. The structure felt distinct. One, two, three…
Those were Nathaniel’s fingers!
Isabella flinched. She had touched his hand! And she had lingered there a moment too long.
“I was just pulling up the blanket. Don’t get the wrong idea!”
She turned her back to him and shifted away. Under the soft moonlight, Nathaniel could clearly see the alluring curve of her silhouette. His voice came out low and husky in the dark. “You’re stunning, Isabella.”
Her heart skipped a beat. Stunning… He thought she was stunning…
Why did his voice have to be so intoxicating?
This man was a natural charmer. That face could drive anyone insane. That voice alone was enough to melt her defenses.
She fought to steady her racing pulse, then remembered something crucial—she wasn’t under the covers. Which meant from his angle, he could see everything.
No.6
The way she was turned away from him gave him a full view of her waist, her thighs, and that ridiculously short top.
Panicked, she flipped onto her back. “Go to sleep,” she said sternly. “And no more talking.”
No more of that flirtatious nonsense, anyway.
Besides, she had plans to execute later. But everyone needed to be asleep first.
Nathaniel turned over without another word, though his eyes still traced her profile. She looked ethereal in the silver moonlight.
Then suddenly…
His hand moved, his fingers brushing against her collarbone. Isabella’s eyes flew open in alarm.
“What are you doing?!”
Not a single word was spoken.
No.7
Nathaniel’s hand came down firmly on her shoulder. He gave a sharp, sudden tug.
A single strand of hair slid free from her shirt.
It was the middle of the night. Why was Nathaniel plucking a hair from her clothing in the dark? And how had he even seen it? The strand seemed to grow longer as he pulled.
Realization hit Isabella. “Stop!” she whispered urgently.
But it was too late.
With that one motion, the stitching on her pajama sleeve gave way. The fabric—whatever it was made of—ripped easily. A section over her chest tore open, exposing her bralette.
Nathaniel’s large hand stilled. He hadn’t expected this. “My apologies,” he murmured, his voice low. “Shall I get you another shirt?”
“No.”
She’d have to get up. It was too much trouble. She pulled the blanket up to cover herself. “Turn over. Face the other way.”