Chapter 494
No.1
His desperate wails filled the room.
Then, steady, heavy footsteps echoed from the hallway.
Nathaniel walked in.
Nathaniel approached Isabella's side.
He settled beside her with practiced ease, his movements fluid and deliberate.
His gaze softened as he looked at Oliver cradled in her arms. "Momo, Daddy and Mommy are perfectly fine. Mommy would never disappoint you."
"Waa... I don't believe it!" Oliver's tear-filled eyes glared accusingly at Nathaniel. "Mommy's leaving! She's leaving a terrible man like you! Even Momo doesn't want you anymore! Why did Mommy ever choose you?"
Nathaniel's expression tightened momentarily. "You truly believe Mommy doesn't care for me?"
"Yes!" Oliver nodded vigorously, his small face set in stubborn defiance.
The moment the word left his lips, Nathaniel's arm snaked around Isabella's shoulders, drawing her firmly against him.
No.2
His lips captured hers in a sudden, possessive kiss.
Right there, in full view of their distraught son.
Oliver's crying ceased abruptly.
Isabella froze in shock.
She had been tense since Nathaniel sat down, the air between them charged with unspoken tension. This bold move completely blindsided her.
Her hands instinctively rose to push him away, but she hesitated.
Oliver's tear-streaked face flashed in her mind.
If he truly believed she was abandoning them, his heartbreak would only deepen. She couldn't bear to see him suffer.
Reluctantly, she allowed the kiss to continue.
Nathaniel's kiss was demanding, leaving no room for doubt about his intentions.
No.3
When he finally pulled back, he turned to their son. "Convinced now?"
"Hmm... Maybe fifty percent..." Oliver mumbled, wiping his tears.
After all, if Mommy truly hated Daddy, why would she let him kiss her like that?
But still...
"You were the one kissing Mommy," Oliver pointed out with childish logic. "That only proves you like her. Mommy didn't kiss you back at all..."
Both adults fell silent at his perceptive observation.
Why did their child have to be so astutely observant?
Parenting such a clever boy presented unique challenges.
Nathaniel's silent gaze shifted to Isabella, waiting expectantly.
A flush crept up her cheeks. She was still recovering from the intensity of his kiss, and now she had to initiate one?
No.4
But if she didn't, how would she calm their distressed son?
After a brief internal struggle, she leaned forward and pressed her lips briefly against his.
The moment their lips connected, an electric jolt passed through them both, making their hearts race.
Isabella pulled back instantly, her face burning with embarrassment.
Oliver's innocent voice piped up again. "Waa... That didn't look real at all! I can tell Mommy doesn't mean it! She doesn't really like Daddy! Waa... I don't want Mommy to leave! I won't let her go!"
He clung desperately to Isabella's arm, as if his tight grip alone could prevent her departure.
Isabella felt utterly helpless. This situation was spiraling out of control.
With renewed determination, she wrapped her arms around Nathaniel's neck and pulled him closer.
She kissed him properly this time, pouring all her conflicted emotions into the embrace.
"Momo, do you believe us now?" she asked breathlessly when they finally separated.
No.5
She would completely break down if he still refused to believe them...
"Haha! I believe you now!" Oliver's tears miraculously vanished, replaced by a bright smile. "But if Daddy and Mommy love each other so much, why are you separating? Won't you miss each other? If Mommy has to go home, why can't you take us with you?"
He looked up at Isabella with wide, hopeful eyes, his innocent question hanging in the air between them.
Isabella was completely stunned.
Oh, heavens.
It looked like she was going to end up staying with Oliver after all!
Suddenly, Nathaniel’s deep voice cut through the room. “Don’t worry, Momo. Mommy has agreed to see us once a day. Or we can visit her at the Montgomery manor.”
“Really?” Oliver’s eyes lit up like tiny stars.
Isabella frowned.
Had she said that?
No.6
She didn’t recall making any such promise.
But under Oliver’s hopeful gaze, remembering how heartbroken he had been, how he had sobbed… she had no choice.
She nodded. “Yes.”
“Yes! That’s wonderful! I get to see Mommy every single day! I want to see Mommy every day!” Oliver began bouncing on the spot, a pure, joyful dance.
Isabella couldn't stop the smile that spread across her face as she watched him.
Children found happiness so easily. Their joy was so simple, so complete.
How perfect it would be to stay with him. To watch him grow up day by day.
A wave of sadness washed over her.
Would that ever happen? Could she ever stay by his side forever?
It seemed… impossible.
No.7
The thought of Sophia Whitmore made everything feel long and uncertain. Endlessly complicated.
“Go help Mommy pack her things,” Nathaniel instructed Oliver.
“Okay!” Oliver immediately grabbed a small suitcase. He began carefully placing her clothes inside. He added her skincare products. Then the books and chess strategy manuals she liked to read.
His small figure moved with serious purpose around the room. It was an utterly adorable sight.
Nathaniel sat down beside Isabella. His voice was low, for her ears only. “Isabella, I’m letting you go home. But this doesn’t mean I’m letting you go. Remember the promise you made to Momo. We see each other once a day.”
Isabella was speechless.