Chapter 77

Isabella’s brow furrowed as she looked down at Oliver, nestled in her arms. “Momo, what’s the matter? Your father cleared his entire schedule to take you to the amusement park. Why don’t you want to go? As long as you stay close and don’t run off, you won’t get separated from him.”

Oliver sniffled pitifully, his small frame trembling. “I don’t… I don’t want to go anymore.” Fresh tears began to stream down his cheeks.

Isabella was typically detached, indifferent to the emotions of others. Yet something about Oliver’s distress pierced through her usual reserve. Her heart clenched painfully. She held him tighter. “Momo, you can tell me what’s wrong. I’ll talk to your father. He won’t be allowed to upset you.”

The boy wiped his nose with the back of his hand. “It’s not Daddy… It’s not his fault. The teacher said this trip is for families. For moms and dads to be with their kids. All the other children will have both their parents there. This morning, Ethan called me. He was bragging… His mommy bought him a new bubble machine!”

He took a shaky breath, his voice cracking. “Momo doesn’t have a mom. If I go, they’ll just tease me again. I’d rather stay home by myself and cry. It’s better than being laughed at!” His sobs intensified, his small body shaking uncontrollably.

Isabella’s shoulder grew damp with his tears. She could feel the profound sadness radiating from him. It was heartbreaking.

She glanced up at Nathaniel, her expression stern. “Countless women would jump at the chance to be on your arm. Surely the great Nathaniel Blackwood can find a suitable companion for one day.”

“I considered that,” Nathaniel replied, his voice low and serious. “But the background checks were concerning. Their primary motivation is to become Mrs. Blackwood. With that ambition, Oliver becomes a pawn. His safety is my utmost priority. I cannot risk it.”

Isabella frowned. He was right. What woman wouldn’t want to marry Nathaniel Blackwood? The power, the prestige. Many would see a child as an obstacle to be removed. The thought made her blood run cold.

She suddenly became aware of their intense gazes fixed on her. Both father and son were watching her with a silent, unnerving expectancy. A shiver ran down her spine.

“I… I have prior engagements today,” she stated quickly, averting her eyes. “I can’t accompany you to the amusement park.”

Oliver’s face crumpled instantly. The light in his eyes extinguished. “It’s okay… I know you don’t like me, Mommy. I must have done something bad. You should go home and rest. Momo will be fine. I won’t bother you anymore…” His voice was a tiny, broken whisper.

He slowly released her hand. His small shoulders slumped as he took a few unsteady steps away. He looked utterly lost and alone.

“What did Momo do wrong?” he wept quietly, almost to himself. “Why am I the only one without a mommy? Why doesn’t my real mommy want me? Why don’t you want me?”

Each word was a dagger to Isabella’s heart. The pain was sharp, constricting her throat. Every instinct screamed at her to run to him, to sweep him into her arms and promise him the world. But she couldn’t. It was impossible.

Her business with the Montgomery family was concluded. She needed to return home. There were pressing matters awaiting her attention. Furthermore, the events of five years ago had sealed her fate. A happy ending with them was a fantasy she could not afford.

She hardened her resolve, forcing herself to remain still.

Just then, Oliver, who was still crying as he walked, suddenly stumbled. His small body convulsed violently, collapsing onto the grass. His cries turned into choked, guttural whimpers. A faint froth appeared at the corners of his mouth.

“Oliver! Oliver!” Isabella’s composure shattered. All logic and reason vanished. She sprinted forward, dropping to her knees and gathering his convulsing form into her arms. Panic seized her. She glared up at Nathaniel, her voice sharp with fear. “What’s happening to him?! Call an ambulance! Now!”

“It won’t help,” Nathaniel explained calmly, though his eyes were dark with concern. He gently took Oliver from her and laid him carefully on the ground. “This happens when he becomes excessively upset. The seizures are sporadic. They can last up to thirty minutes before subsiding on their own. You should go. Handle your work. He’ll be alright here.”

Thirty minutes? The thought was unbearable. Isabella stared, horrified, at the small body jerking uncontrollably on the lawn. She could no longer stand it.

She reached out and grasped his tiny, trembling hand. Her voice was firm, laced with a surrender she hadn’t known she possessed. “Momo, get better. I’ll do it. I’ll be your mommy for the day. I’ll go to the amusement park with you. Okay?”