Chapter 538

No.1

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.

“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!”

No.2

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.

A faint, involuntary smile touched her lips as she watched him go. The man was undeniably magnetic. Oliver peeked up at her, a secret, knowing grin spreading across his face.

Maybe Mommy didn’t dislike Daddy so much after all.

He giggled, a sound of pure joy. “Mommy, my daddy is the handsomest. He works super hard. And he’s responsible! He never lets other Aunties get close!” He puffed out his chest, imitating his father. “Daddy says a real man’s pride isn’t having lots of girls. It’s loving one person with his whole heart. Forever and ever. That’s what makes him proud.”

Isabella couldn't help but laugh at Oliver's unexpectedly mature observation. "Christopher, your attempt to matchmake me with your father is painfully transparent. Did he put you up to this?" she teased, amusement dancing in her eyes.

The little boy shook his head vigorously, his doe-like eyes wide with feigned innocence. "Daddy would never! Every word is true!"

She ruffled his hair affectionately, seeing right through his act. "I know you better than anyone. I can even guess how many cookies you've sneaked today. You're too young to come up with such lines on your own."

His lower lip trembled in protest. "But it's all real! Daddy actually said those things!"

No.3

Isabella reached beneath his mask to pinch his soft cheek playfully. "Confess now: how many women has your father sent you to charm with these smooth words?"

A deep, familiar voice spoke directly beside her ear. "Does someone finally want to know about my dating history?"

Isabella jerked her head up, nearly colliding with Nathaniel's sharp jawline. His clean, masculine scent enveloped her instantly. She stumbled backward several steps, glaring at him. "Absolutely not! I was merely teasing your son."

She snatched the tickets from his hand and marched toward the Ferris wheel, pulling Oliver along with her.

Nathaniel watched her retreating figure, a faint smile touching his lips. He had all the time in the world.

The amusement park stood as Westchester's most exclusive playground, designed specifically for the city's elite. Only five hundred privileged families held membership passes to this lavishly equipped paradise. The limited access meant remarkably short queues for all attractions.

Oliver began hopping with excitement as they approached the massive Ferris wheel. "Daddy, hurry! We're going up! This is the best day ever!"

Nathaniel joined them at the boarding platform, presenting their tickets. The attendant promptly opened the gated entrance with respectful deference. Oliver clung to both their hands, bouncing between them with unrestrained joy.

Isabella studied the boy's ecstatic expression. "Christopher, why are you so fascinated with Ferris wheels?"

She found it peculiar. Weren't spinning teacups or roller coasters more appealing to young boys? The Ferris wheel offered nothing but stationary seating and slow movement.

No.4

His eyes sparkled behind his mask. "This is my first time at any amusement park! My very first Ferris wheel ride! Look how beautiful the gondolas are!"

Beautiful? Isabella examined the minimalist design. Transparent tempered glass formed the entire structure, devoid of any decorative elements. Plush blue leather benches lined both sides of the cabin. While undoubtedly luxurious, "pretty" seemed an odd description.

As the wheel began its gradual ascent, Oliver's energetic bouncing ceased abruptly. A huge yawn escaped him. He slumped onto the seat with sudden lethargy.

"You should stand for a better view," Isabella suggested.

"I'll watch from here for now," he mumbled drowsily. "Maybe stand later."

Isabella's brows furrowed in concern. His sudden shift in energy felt strange. She settled beside him without further comment.

Nathaniel took the opposite bench, removing his mask. His strikingly handsome features seemed even more pronounced in the confined space.

Despite having seen him countless times, Isabella's breath caught. Mere meters separated them in the intimate cabin. His fresh, earthy scent filled the small space, making her heart pound erratically against her ribs.

The close proximity created palpable tension. The air thickened with unspoken possibilities.

Every slight movement felt magnified. The gentle sway of the gondola. The quiet hum of machinery. The sound of their breathing.

No.5

Oliver's head began to nod, his earlier excitement completely vanished. His small body leaned gradually toward Isabella's side.

Nathaniel's intense gaze remained fixed on her, ignoring the panoramic view unfolding outside. The city lights began to twinkle below them, painting the evening in glittering gold.

The higher they climbed, the more pronounced the silence grew. Isabella found herself acutely aware of Nathaniel's every breath, every subtle shift in posture.

Oliver's breathing deepened into sleep patterns, his masked face resting against her arm. The contrast between the sleeping child and the awake, watchful man created an oddly domestic scene.

Isabella kept her eyes trained on the window, watching Westchester transform into a miniature cityscape below. Yet her peripheral awareness remained entirely focused on the man across from her.

Nathaniel's voice broke the silence, low and intimate. "He's never been this happy with anyone else."

She refused to meet his eyes. "Children are easily amused."

"Not this one," Nathaniel countered softly. "He's particular about people."

The gondola reached its peak, suspending them high above the world. The entire city sprawled beneath them like a glittering tapestry.

Oliver stirred slightly in his sleep, mumbling incoherently. His small hand tightened around Isabella's fingers.

No.6

Nathaniel leaned forward slightly, his movement drawing her immediate attention. "He needs a mother figure."

Isabella's pulse quickened. "Many children grow up fine without one."

"Not like this," Nathaniel persisted, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "Not with this emptiness."

The gondola began its descent, the downward motion feeling strangely symbolic. Isabella remained silent, processing his words.

Oliver sighed contentedly in his sleep, snuggling closer to her side. The innocent gesture tugged at something deep within her.

Nathaniel watched the interaction, his expression unreadable yet intense. "He's chosen you, Isabella."

The use of her full name sent an unexpected shiver through her. She finally met his gaze, finding raw sincerity in those深邃 eyes.

The gondola reached the base, the attendant preparing to open the gate. Oliver woke abruptly, blinking confusion away. "Did I miss it?"

Isabella smoothed his hair gently. "You slept through the best part, sweetheart."

Nathaniel's eyes never left her face, a silent message passing between them. The attendant opened the gate, breaking the moment.

No.7

Oliver jumped up, energy miraculously restored. "Can we go again? Please?"

Nathaniel stood, offering his hand to Isabella. His palm waited, open and inviting.

The city lights reflected in his eyes, creating constellations of gold. The noise of the amusement park faded into background static.

Oliver tugged her other hand impatiently. "Please, Isabella? One more time?"