Chapter 820

No.1

Sebastian firmly believed no one could resist falling for Nathaniel after spending half a year with him.

That night, Isabella remained worried about Christopher. She decided to stay and sleep beside him.

Nathaniel instructed the staff to change the bedding to new dark blue sheets adorned with stars and moons. The arrangement felt surprisingly warm.

Isabella cradled Christopher as they settled into bed. She gently stroked his pale cheek.

His complexion had turned porcelain-like after the recent episode.

She whispered softly, “Momo, you must recover quickly. Your aunt…”

Pausing, she remembered the contract. “…Your mommy will stay right here with you.”

The word “mommy” felt foreign yet strangely comforting. It carried a warmth and sweetness she hadn’t anticipated.

Though still asleep, Christopher’s brows relaxed noticeably. He seemed to rest more peacefully in Isabella’s embrace.

Just as Isabella prepared to sleep, her phone vibrated abruptly.

She checked the screen. A message from Julian Hawthorne. “Not staying at Rosewood Manor tonight?”

Isabella replied, “No. Christopher had an episode. I’m staying with him at the estate.”

She expected opposition, but Julian’s response surprised her. “Alright. Nathaniel is a decent man.”

A decent man?

No.2

Isabella frowned in confusion. Had she read that correctly?

Since her return, Julian consistently warned her against dating. He claimed all men were trash, himself included.

Yet now, he described Nathaniel as decent?

Where exactly was this decency she hadn’t noticed?

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.

“It’s me,” a deep, magnetic voice announced from behind the door. Nathaniel.

Isabella’s brow furrowed in confusion.

What was Nathaniel doing here at this hour?

Since it was his estate, she had no choice but to yield.

“Come in,” she murmured softly.

Nathaniel entered, followed by maids carrying a mattress and blankets.

They moved with swift efficiency.

Within moments, a sleek gray mattress was laid out on the floor.

Simple, yet undeniably elegant.

No.3

The maids exited, closing the door behind them.

Isabella’s frown deepened.

“Mr. Blackwood, what is the meaning of this?”

“Oliver could fall ill at any moment tonight,” Nathaniel stated flatly, already settling onto the mattress.

He wore pure black silk pajamas.

“I need to be here.”

Isabella fell silent, standing just a meter away.

Was this really necessary?

Still, his reasoning wasn’t entirely unfounded.

Having him nearby if Oliver’s condition worsened did make sense.

Choosing not to argue, she closed her eyes and tried to rest.

Nathaniel lay down and used his phone to switch off the lights.

Darkness enveloped the room instantly.

Only a sliver of moonlight filtered through the window, casting a soft silver glow.

No.4

Nathaniel turned onto his side, facing Isabella’s back.

A faint smile touched his lips as he watched her silhouette.

They were inching closer.

The day he had waited for was finally approaching.

That night was the most peaceful sleep Isabella had experienced in five years.

No nightmares haunted her.

She slept straight through until ten in the morning.

“Good morning, Mommy!” he chirped, his voice sweet and cheerful.

His plump cheeks were lifted in an adorable grin.

Isabella’s heart melted instantly.

She sat up, surprised.

“Oliver, are you feeling better now?”

“Yes! Thank you for asking, Mommy! I feel much better!”

His small, jelly-like arms wrapped around her neck.

No.5

His eyes sparkled as he asked, “Did Mommy hold Oliver while he slept? Did I sleep in your arms?”

“Mhm. Mommy will always be with you,” Isabella said, gently smoothing his hair.

“So you have to be good and focus on getting better, okay?”

Oliver’s eyes widened with hope.

“Does that mean Mommy will never leave Oliver? Daddy told me you would be my mommy forever! Is it true?”

Isabella was momentarily caught off guard, but she nodded gently.

Her only concern was ensuring Oliver’s full recovery in the coming months.

Overjoyed, Oliver began bouncing on the bed in circles.

“Oliver has a Mommy now! Mommy won’t ever leave again!”

His adorable face beamed with pure delight.

Isabella wanted to savor the moment longer, but her phone rang abruptly.

It was her grandfather.

The moment she answered, she heard the urgency in his voice.

“Isabella? Are you busy? Can you come to the manor right away? They’re all causing a scene, pressuring me to change my decision!”

No.6

Isabella’s expression tightened.

Pressure? This had to be about the ten percent shares.

Victoria was undoubtedly behind it.

If Victoria wanted to play games, Isabella was more than ready to engage.

“Alright, I’ll be there soon,” she replied.

As she ended the call, she noticed Oliver pouting, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“Mommy is leaving… Mommy doesn’t want Oliver anymore.”

“Of course not! Never think that,” Isabella reassured him softly.

Isabella worried Oliver might fall sick again. She gently tousled his hair. "Mommy needs to handle some family matters. I'll come straight home to you after, okay?"

"Pinky swear! You have to keep your promise!" Oliver held out his tiny pinky, watching her with serious eyes.

She linked her pinky with his. "Mommy will be back soon."

"Yay! I'll walk you to the door!" Oliver beamed, leading her downstairs by the hand.

In the living room, Nathaniel was lounging on the sofa. He held a document, looking effortlessly poised like a magazine cover model.

Isabella's gaze lingered a moment too long. She quickly shook herself out of it. "I need to go to the family manor for a bit. Please watch Christopher for me."

No.7

"I'll drive you." Nathaniel immediately set the document aside and grabbed his car keys.

Before she could refuse, Oliver chimed in, "Me too!"

Isabella had no choice. She got into the car, cradling the sleepy Christopher. A maid handed her a breakfast bag. "Mr. Blackwood asked us to prepare this for you."

"Thank you," Isabella murmured, accepting the warm milk and ham sandwich. The simple gesture thawed a small part of her frozen heart. It had been so long since anyone made her breakfast.

Nathaniel could be surprisingly thoughtful.

She handed a sandwich to Oliver. "Let's eat together."

"Yay!" Oliver cheered, taking the food with both hands.

They chatted happily during the short drive. Soon, the grand gates of the Montgomery Manor came into view.

"Just stop here," Isabella said. "I'll walk the rest of the way."

Nathaniel understood she wanted to keep his involvement private. He didn't argue, pulling the car over.

Oliver's cheerful mood vanished. He clung to her arm. "Mommy, you have to come back! Don't forget me!"