Chapter 79

“Isabella, it’s not wise for you to be seen in public at an amusement park,” Nathaniel’s voice came through the phone, calm but firm. “You should wear a mask.”

Isabella almost rolled her eyes. Was he serious? If anyone was at risk of being recognized, it was him and Oliver. One was known as the king of Westchester, the other its crown prince.

“Don’t worry, we’ll be wearing them too,” Nathaniel added, as if reading her mind. He produced two more masks, handing one to Oliver. The little boy’s face lit up as he eagerly put it on. Already adorable, the mask made him look impossibly sweeter.

Something felt…planned. These masks—Mama Bear, Papa Bear, and Baby Bear—were clearly a matching set. A family set. It looked suspiciously like they had been purchased in advance.

Had Nathaniel bought these before she even said yes? She was about to question him when the car glided to a smooth halt at the park’s grand entrance.

“I’ll drop you here,” Sebastian announced from the driver’s seat. “I have to pick up a friend. I’ll return for you later.”

“Understood,” Nathaniel replied smoothly. He secured his own mask, scooped Oliver into his arms, and stepped out. He held the car door open for her, a picture of effortless chivalry.

A chorus of excited squeals erupted from a group of girls nearby. “Oh my god! Look at his height! He has to be over six foot three!”

“And so gentlemanly! A man who treats his woman like that is so rare!” another sighed dreamily.

“I want a husband like that!” a woman whined, elbowing her own partner.

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!”

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.”