Chapter 230

Isabella turned to Alexander, who sat nearby observing them. "Daddy, I want to eat here. Can we get the food packed to go?"

Alexander nodded. "Of course."

Sophia immediately brightened and clung tighter to Isabella.

Margaret and Eleanor were deep in conversation. Isabella remained mostly silent, only occasionally adding a comment.

After a while, Sophia grew tired and asked, "Mommy, when will you finish work?"

Not wanting Margaret to hear, Isabella carried her to the couch near the hospital bed. "I'm not sure," she whispered. "If things go as planned, I might actually get busier."

"What?" Sophia's face fell with disappointment.

"Then when will you take me skiing?" She hadn't forgotten their promise.

Isabella considered for a moment. "Next month."

"Really?"

"Mmm." Isabella nodded. "I'll let you know when I'm free."

"Yay!" Sophia instantly perked up.

Remembering last night, she suddenly asked, "Mommy, did you go shopping yesterday?"

Isabella hesitated but answered, "Yes."

"Oh! So that really was you I saw?"

"Maybe." As Isabella spoke, she noticed Alexander glancing sideways at her.

Sophia hadn't gone shopping with Isabella in ages. She used to find aimless wandering boring, but now she missed it terribly.

"Next time you're free, can we go shopping together?" Sophia begged. "And we have to play bumper cars at the arcade!"

Isabella averted her gaze. "Alright."

While Sophia chattered away, Alexander picked up Isabella's cup. He poured out the cold water, refilled it with warm water, and placed it back on the coffee table before her.

Isabella met his eyes. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." He settled onto the couch beside them.

Eleanor and Margaret had been chatting amiably, but seeing the three of them together as a family, Eleanor paused mid-sentence.

Following her gaze, Margaret looked over but showed no reaction. She simply turned away.

Eleanor sighed. "You see—"

"If they've made their choice, we shouldn't interfere," Margaret interrupted.

Eleanor sighed again.

Soon, the food Alexander ordered arrived—an elaborate spread clearly meant for more than two people.

"Have some too," Alexander said to Isabella.

She noticed half the dishes were her favorites. Not only that, but Alexander had arranged them all within her reach.

"Sophia," he said, "go ask Granny to join us for dinner."

"Okay!"

Sophia finally slid off Isabella's lap and ran to pull Margaret's hand, inviting her to eat.

Eleanor added, "Go ahead. Otherwise I'll feel guilty asking you to keep me company tomorrow."

With no choice, Margaret came and sat at the table.

Noticing all of Isabella's favorite dishes placed before her, Margaret paused slightly and glanced at Alexander.