Chapter 298

Isabella was just opening her mouth to speak when Alexander's phone buzzed again.

Probably Victoria. He moved toward the door, answering with surprising gentleness. "It's nothing serious, don't worry—"

Eleven.

By the time Alexander finished the call and returned, Sophia had woken. Blinking sleepily at them both, she murmured, "Daddy? Mommy?"

Isabella and Alexander responded simultaneously. "Yes."

Still disoriented, Sophia's gaze drifted between them before her face scrunched in discomfort. Within moments, she'd slipped back into sleep.

The room fell into respectful silence. Only when Sophia's breathing steadied did Alexander turn to Isabella. "Staying?"

She didn't answer. But her unmoving posture spoke volumes.

Alexander simply nodded and settled onto the opposite couch.

Isabella remained in the bedside chair until exhaustion claimed her.

Morning light startled her awake. She found herself curled on Sophia's hospital bed.

Confusion flickered across her face. She distinctly remembered—her gaze snapped to the couch.

Alexander slept upright, head propped on one hand. As if sensing her stare, his eyes flew open, locking onto hers.

Isabella looked away immediately. Neither mentioned how she'd gotten to the bed.

"Breakfast at home or here?" Alexander stretched his legs.

Silence.

When Sophia stirred awake, Richard and Margaret entered with breakfast trays.

"Mrs. Whitmore," they chorused.

The title made Isabella's jaw tighten, but she held her tongue.

Richard set down the food. "Mr. Whitmore thought you might be hungry."

Isabella shook her head. To Sophia, she said, "Mommy's going home to shower. I'll be back soon."

"Promise?" Sophia's voice was small.

"Promise."

Grabbing her purse, Isabella spared Sophia one last glance before leaving.

Home. Shower. Breakfast. Then back to the hospital.

En route, she called Nathaniel. "Sophia's sick. I'll be in this afternoon."

No further explanation needed. Nathaniel simply said, "Understood."

Returning to the hospital room, she found Julian and Oliver there.

Oliver smirked but stayed silent. Julian looked torn—but with Alexander present, he deferred.

Alexander broke the tension. "You're back."

"Mommy!" Sophia beamed.

Isabella smiled. "Yes, sweetheart."

The men soon excused themselves. Isabella expected Alexander to leave too.

He didn't. He stayed, working from his laptop while monitoring Sophia.

Isabella said nothing.

That afternoon, as Sophia napped, Isabella dozed off in her chair.

She awoke to Richard's presence.

"Mrs. Whitmore," Alexander said without looking up from typing, "the soup."

Richard brightened. "Mr. Whitmore had this prepared specially for you."

Isabella blinked sleep away. Her frown deepened when she processed Alexander's use of "Mrs. Whitmore."

Then Sophia stirred, cutting off her thoughts.

By morning, Sophia had improved dramatically. After the doctor's clearance, Alexander arranged her discharge.

"Mommy," Sophia clung to Isabella's hand, "can't you stay home with me?"

"Next time," Isabella said gently.

Her duty as a mother was fulfilled. As for returning to Alexander's home? Never.

Sophia pouted but nodded.

Alexander stepped forward. "Say goodbye to Mommy, Sophia."

"Bye, Mommy."

"Bye, darling."

Isabella turned on her heel, her car peeling away from the hospital without a backward glance.