Chapter 481
Isabella constantly claimed she was swamped with work.
No matter how packed her schedule was, she should still find time for a phone call.
Yet when Sophia tried reaching her, she seldom returned the calls.
And Isabella almost never initiated contact herself.
It felt like everything else in her life took priority over her own daughter.
The more Sophia dwelled on it, the more her heart ached.
Silent tears traced paths down her cheeks.
Seeing her distress, Alexander spoke before Isabella could respond.
He gently wiped Sophia’s tears.
“Your mother truly is under immense pressure at work right now.”
“But after next year—things should ease up for her.”
Sophia, still so young, clung to his comforting words.
The heavy weight in her chest lightened slightly.
She rubbed her eyes with her small hands and looked at Isabella, hope flickering in her gaze.
“Is it true, Mom? Will you have more time after next year?”
Sophia was her daughter.
Even though custody was no longer hers, Isabella wanted her to be happy.
Seeing that hopeful look, she couldn’t bring herself to shatter it completely.
But she also couldn’t make a promise she might not keep.
Not with the uncertainties ahead.
“The major projects should wrap up by year’s end,” Isabella said carefully.
“But new commitments might come up.”
“I can’t guarantee I’ll have more free time.”
It wasn’t the answer Sophia had hoped for.
But she noticed the hesitation in Isabella’s eyes.
That tiny hesitation told her that her mother still cared.
That was enough to lift her spirits.
She slid down from Alexander’s lap and rushed over to hug Isabella.
“That’s okay.”
“But when you do have time, please answer my calls more often.”
Isabella paused, glancing briefly at Alexander.
He met her gaze calmly, his expression neutral.
It was as if he was telling her, “It’s your decision. I won’t interfere.”
After a brief silence, Isabella nodded.
“I’ll try.”
Sophia’s mood shifted quickly.
Once reassured, she brightened up completely.
“Okay!”
Just then, a server knocked and entered with their food.
The three settled back at the table.
Sophia even scooted her chair closer to Isabella’s.
She chattered happily throughout the meal, sharing amusing stories from her recent training match.
Midway, she pulled out her tablet from her little bag to show Isabella photos from the event.
While Isabella engaged with her, Alexander remained quiet.
He focused on deboning her fish and serving her portions.
Sophia’s nonstop talking stretched the meal longer than usual.
It was only when exhaustion finally set in that she began to quiet down.
Knowing Isabella couldn’t carry her, Sophia climbed willingly into Alexander’s arms.
Within moments, she was fast asleep.
With Sophia asleep, only Alexander and Isabella remained.
A heavy silence hung between them.
Isabella glanced at the sleeping child in his arms, picked up her purse, and stood.
“I should go.”
“Please… take good care of her.”
Alexander nodded.
“I will.”
Without another word, Isabella opened the door and stepped out of the private room.
Alexander stayed seated, holding Sophia a little longer.
Eventually, he rose and carried her out into the quiet evening.