Chapter 39
Isabella noticed Nathaniel and Oliver carrying several shopping bags. She had no alternative but to enter the control room and press two red buttons. The security gates at the main entrance retracted smoothly.
Nathaniel stepped inside the manor, holding Oliver's hand. He placed the grocery bags on the table. When Isabella came downstairs, she found her table covered with packages, including multiple bags filled with sanitary pads.
An involuntary smile touched her lips. "Why so many?"
There were enough pads to last an entire year.
"I wasn't sure which brand you preferred, so I bought one of each," Nathaniel stated bluntly, his expression neutral.
"How much do I owe you? I'll transfer the money."
"Mommy, these are for you! Daddy got them specially! But if you really want to repay him, you could just hug and kiss me," Oliver chirped, stepping forward with his chubby arms outstretched.
Isabella initially intended to refuse, but his adorable pouting face melted her resistance. She bent down and lifted him into her arms. "Sweetheart, you shouldn't be so wasteful. Money doesn't come easily, and I need to reimburse him."
"But you're my Mommy, and we're family! It's perfectly fine," Oliver insisted cheerfully.
Isabella gently stroked his cheek and spoke softly. "Darling, I know you care about me, but I'm not actually your mother. Do you understand that?"
"Yes, Mommy," Oliver replied casually.
She decided to drop the subject, reasoning that their interactions would be limited anyway. Turning to Nathaniel, she said, "It's getting rather late. You should take Oliver home to rest. He's at a growing age and needs proper sleep."
Nathaniel's brow furrowed. He had come specifically to look after her, and she was dismissing him already?
A sudden idea sparked in his eyes. "Oliver, come here." Nathaniel reached for the boy. "We're leaving now."
"No! I only want Mommy to hold me! I want to stay with Mommy tonight!" Oliver clung tightly to Isabella's neck.
Nathaniel's expression tightened. "Don't be difficult."
"But I just want to be with Mommy!" Oliver gripped even tighter.
Nathaniel's elegant features darkened immediately. "Come here this instant." He seized Oliver's arm. "What was our agreement before we left home today? Have you forgotten already?" His voice sharpened as he delivered a firm smack to the boy's rear.
Smack!
A loud slap echoed through the room, followed by Oliver's pained sobs.
"Sniff... sniff... It hurts... Stop hitting me...!"
Nathaniel's handsome face grew colder. "Stop crying immediately. Big boys don't cry." He raised his hand threateningly for another strike.
"Waa... Mommy! Help! Save me!" Oliver cried hoarsely, tears streaming down his face as he blinked desperately.
Isabella could no longer remain silent. She swiftly pulled Oliver away from Nathaniel, glaring at him angrily. "Mr. Blackwood, I don't mean to interfere, but this is no way to discipline your son! He's just a child! This kind of treatment could traumatize him!"
"He disobeyed me first," Nathaniel reasoned impassively.
"Waa... I didn't do anything wrong...!" Oliver whimpered again. "I just want to be with Mommy. I miss Mommy! I've never had the chance to sleep with Mommy... I don't want to sleep alone in the children's room... I want Mommy's hugs! I want to be with Mommy..."
His tears flowed freely down his cheeks like waterfalls.
Isabella's heart melted with compassion. "Sweetheart, don't cry, don't cry," she soothed gently. "You can stay here tonight. I'll protect you."
"Really?" Oliver stopped crying instantly, a radiant smile spreading across his face.
"My apologies for the inconvenience, and thank you for your understanding, Miss Montgomery." With those words, Nathaniel walked to the door and closed it firmly behind him.
???
What just happened?