Chapter 649

No.1

Isabella started at his voice, scrambling out of his arms. She stood upright, but as her eyes swept the room, an odd sense of familiarity washed over her.

She'd been here before.

Every detail seemed recognizable. How was that possible?

Nathaniel noticed her strange expression and assumed she felt unwell. "You should shower first."

Isabella didn't respond, instead wandering through the space. The familiarity intensified with each step, particularly when she paused outside the bedroom.

The sight of the large gray bed triggered fragmented memories that flashed through her mind.

She struggled to grasp any single memory, but the images vanished as quickly as they appeared.

Something felt wrong.

She stood frozen by the bedroom door, straining to remember.

A man's figure materialized in her mind, followed by a sharp, stabbing pain in her skull.

No.2

"Ah!" she cried out, clutching her head.

Nathaniel was at her side instantly. "What's wrong?" Concern laced his voice.

Isabella massaged her temples while staring at the room that felt both known and unknown. "Nothing..." she managed through the pain.

She'd never been here before. Had the storm affected her mind?

Seeing her distress, Nathaniel swept her into his arms and carried her toward the bathroom.

"Put me down!" she protested.

"Given your current state, I can't leave you alone," he stated firmly, settling her gently into the marble bathtub.

Isabella frowned. What did that mean? Would he stay in the bathroom with her?

Seeing Nathaniel standing in the corner with a worried expression, she explained, "It was just a headache. I'm fine now. You can leave."

"I'll stay. I won't look," he said, turning his back to her.

No.3

Isabella stared in disbelief.

How could she bathe with him standing there? Even with his back turned, they were still a man and woman alone together. What if he turned around?

When she remained motionless and silent, Nathaniel frowned. "What now? Do you need my help?"

His question carried a suggestive undertone.

Flustered, Isabella grabbed a nearby bathrobe and threw it at him. "Help? Don't be ridiculous! Get out! Wait outside the door, and I'll call if I need anything. Stop being a pervert!"

The robe hit Nathaniel's back before falling to the floor.

Rather than anger, a slight smile touched his lips as his eyes darkened. "Fine. Call if you need anything."

Nathaniel stepped out of the bathroom moments later.

Isabella finally released the breath she had been holding.

She began removing her damp clothes.

No.4

The warm water soothed her skin as it cascaded over her.

She felt immediate relief washing over her.

But as she rinsed her face, the strange flashback returned with startling clarity.

Why did everything feel so hauntingly familiar?

The steamy bathroom seemed to ease her discomfort.

Perhaps the rain had triggered something unpleasant within her.

A proper bath appeared to be the antidote.

She resolved to push these thoughts aside for now.

Stepping out of the tub, she reached for her clothes.

Her hands met empty air.

No.5

Her towel was missing.

She remembered throwing her bathrobe at Nathaniel.

It had been soaked through with muddy rainwater from his drenched form.

The garment was now soiled beyond use.

Only a single towel remained in the bathroom.

She had no clean underwear either.

A wave of frustration washed over her.

Then she recalled Nathaniel's words before he left.

She could call him whenever she needed assistance.

Well, she certainly needed help now.

No.6

Wrapping the towel tightly around herself, she approached the door.

"Nathaniel?" she called out softly. "Has the clothing arrived yet?"

"Yes," his voice responded immediately. "Open the door."

She cracked the door open just enough to create a narrow slit.

The towel provided inadequate coverage, leaving too much exposed.

Nathaniel didn't comment on the limited opening.

He passed each garment through the narrow space one by one.

Silk pajamas, lace bra, delicate underwear...

She accepted the pajamas without much thought.

But her eyebrows rose when he handed her the intimate items.

No.7

He was handling her personal garments so casually?

She should have opened the door wider and had everything passed together.

This felt incredibly awkward.

She reached out quickly to grab the remaining items.