Chapter 302

The heat of Nathaniel's breath scorched Isabella's neck like a brand, each exhale sending shivers down her spine.

Her porcelain skin flushed where his lips had nearly brushed against it.

"Nathaniel! Have you lost your mind? What the hell are you saying? Nathaniel!"

Sweat drenched his thin pajamas, the damp fabric clinging to both of them.

Fever raged through him, his body trembling as if it were being torn apart from the inside.

All he could think was to hold onto her—the woman he loved. No matter how desperate, how undignified it made him, he couldn't let go.

"Isabella, don't leave me. Don't hate me."

His face pressed into her shoulder, his voice breaking like shattered glass.

She couldn’t tell if the wetness on her skin was sweat or tears.

A sharp ache twisted through her chest, spreading like wildfire through her veins.

Nathaniel, you were never this vulnerable with me before. When I was on my knees, begging you not to walk away, you tossed those divorce papers at me like I was nothing. You were untouchable, cold as stone.

Her lips trembled as she watched him, her eyes burning. "Nathaniel, are you delirious? What kind of nonsense is this?"

"It's not nonsense." His voice was hoarse but firm. "It's the truth."

Beads of sweat rolled down his sharp jawline as he shook his head stubbornly. "Isabella, I love you."

Her breath hitched.

She kept her expression composed, but the tips of her ears burned red.

With the last of his strength, he lifted his hand, fingers brushing her cheek.

His gaze was fever-bright, filled with a longing so deep it made her chest ache.

"Isabella, I know what I'm saying. I love you. Only you."

Then his eyes fluttered shut, and his full weight collapsed onto her.

"Ugh, damn it! Why now? You're crushing me!"

Panic and irritation warred inside her as she clenched her fists, tempted to shove him off.

But the memory of his injuries stopped her. Instead, she sighed, her hand resting gently on his damp back.

I should have known better. Nathaniel, loving you is agony. Maybe it's better if we just let go.

Olivia and Sebastian arrived at the villa at the same time.

Though Sebastian could be impulsive, he was still the Chief Secretary of the Vanderbilt Group—he knew how to read a room. And the look on Mr. Olivia's face? Dangerous.

"Mr. Sebastian, how is he?" Olivia demanded, his voice tight.

"He vomited blood twice. The fever won't break."

Sebastian's chest ached remembering Nathaniel's suffering the night before. He'd give anything to take his place.

"How the hell did this happen?" Olivia's knuckles whitened, his eyes bloodshot.

"I've informed Mrs. Vanderbilt. He's been taking the medicine she prescribed, and he's stabilized. She'll know what to do."

Sebastian had no other options. His only hope was Isabella.

Just then, Olivia spotted the sleek Bugatti parked outside—Isabella's car.

A slow smirk curved his lips. "Wait. Let's not go in yet."

Sebastian blinked. "What?"

"They never get time alone. Let them have this."

If he didn't help his friend now, what kind of friend was he?

Dragging Nathaniel's six-foot-three frame back to the bedroom was like hauling a boulder uphill.

Thankfully, the villa had an elevator. By the time Isabella wrestled him onto the bed, her dress was soaked through with sweat.

"You're impossible. I should leave you on the floor."

Exhausted, she still didn't rest. She rushed to the bathroom, soaked a towel in cold water, and pressed it to his burning skin.

Finally, she sank onto the edge of the bed, breathless.

"Look at you. Causing trouble even when you're unconscious. Do you have any idea how difficult you are?"

Her tone was sharp, but her chest tightened with guilt.

This was her fault.

"Isabella..." Nathaniel murmured in his sleep, his lashes fluttering. Even delirious, he called for her.

"Stop whining. I'm right here."

She huffed, crossing her arms. "If I'd known it would be this much trouble, I'd have sent Daniel instead. Then I wouldn't have to deal with you."

She started to stand—

Nathaniel's hand shot out, gripping her wrist.

Her eyes widened. "You're awake? Or were you faking this whole time?"

"I never lied to you."

His breathing was ragged, but his hold was ironclad. "I heard you leaving in my dream. I couldn't let you go. Stay. Just for a little while."

His usually icy eyes were soft, brimming with warmth—only for her.

Her pulse stuttered like a trapped bird.

"I've already called Sebastian. The medicine is here. You're in bed. My job is done."

Her voice was firm. "We're divorced, Mr. Vanderbilt. Don't make this harder than it has to be."

But as she tried to pull away, Nathaniel yanked her down—

"Isabella!"

A dizzying rush of motion, and suddenly she was beneath him.

He braced himself above her, careful not to crush her, his muscles taut under his shirt.

Their breaths tangled, hot and uneven.

Her heart hammered as she stared up at him—his gaze dark, intense, like he was memorizing every inch of her.

"You said you wouldn't force me."

Her cheeks burned, her entire body tingling.

A drop of his sweat landed on her skin, searing like a brand. "You're contradicting yourself. Is this a game to you?"

"Who told you to show up when I'm like this?"

His lips curved, desire burning in his eyes as he held her tighter. "Ms. Sinclair, are you trying to kill me?"

She opened her mouth to argue—

He didn't let her.

His fingers tilted her chin up, and his mouth crashed down on hers.

Downstairs, Olivia and Sebastian waited awkwardly.

Sebastian paced, glancing up the staircase every few seconds.

Olivia, meanwhile, sat stiffly on the couch, his phone in hand, watching the same clip over and over—

Mari, cowering as Edith advanced on her.

The more he watched, the tighter his grip became.

"Mr. Olivia, what are you watching so intently?" Sebastian ventured.

Olivia's icy glare shut him up instantly.

As he replayed the footage, he noticed something—

Mari's reaction wasn't just fear. It was instinct.

Her arms wrapped around her head, her body curling in on itself like she was used to blows.

His stomach twisted.

Has she been abused before?

The thought made his blood boil.

"Since when were you two here? How did I not notice?"

Isabella's voice startled them as she descended the stairs, her breathing slightly uneven.

Olivia quickly tucked his phone away, smirking. "Didn't want to interrupt. You two finally had some alone time—we figured we'd stay out of it."

"Alone time?" Her eyes flashed. "You're unbelievable."

Olivia leaned back, studying her—the flush on her cheeks, the slight swell of her lips.

His grin widened.

Well, well. Nathaniel, you sly devil.

"Mrs. Vanderbilt! You're here! Mr. Nathaniel is saved!" Sebastian nearly wept with relief.

Isabella didn't correct the title. "Mr. Sebastian, his fever is from internal injuries resurfacing. It's serious. I've arranged for specialists from Sinclair Medical to see him. Prepare to take him there."

Sebastian bowed deeply. "Thank you, Mrs. Vanderbilt! I knew you still cared!"

"Whether I care or not doesn't mean I want to see him suffer. Don't twist my words."

Her tone was sharp, refusing to indulge his hopeful narrative.

She turned to Olivia, her gaze piercing.

He met it, an odd pressure settling in his chest.

"Mr. Olivia. We need to talk."