Chapter 188

That's better.

Isabella let out a quiet sigh of relief.

After exchanging a few words with Nathaniel, she left the office.

When she arrived at the villa, she went straight to Sophia's room where Alexander was working at the desk.

He looked up the moment she entered. "You're back," he said simply.

Isabella gave a soft hum in response.

She set her bag down and moved to Sophia's bedside.

The little girl was still hooked to an IV, fast asleep with a faint frown between her brows. She must have been exhausted.

Rather than wake her, Isabella turned to Alexander. "How is she now?"

"She was in quite a bit of pain when I got home, but the medication's helped."

"I see."

Isabella sank into the nearby armchair with a book, intending to read while waiting for Sophia to wake.

Then Alexander asked, "Have you eaten?"

"Not yet."

Before he could respond, Sophia stirred awake.

Her eyes widened when she saw Isabella. "Mommy! You're home!"

"Mmm."

Isabella barely had time to close her book before Sophia sat up and threw her arms around her neck. "You finally came back!"

The warmth of her small body made Isabella pause before carefully returning the hug, mindful of the IV.

After half an hour on the drip, Sophia was clearly feeling better. She pulled back with a pout. "Mommy, I'm hungry."

Alexander remained seated but glanced over. "Should I have dinner brought up?"

Sophia shook her head, still clinging to Isabella. "I want Mommy to cook for me."

Isabella smoothed her hair. "Not tonight, sweetheart. It's too late to start cooking. I'll make your favorite tomorrow."

Sophia's lower lip trembled. "Promise you'll eat with me then?"

"Promise."

The little girl's face lit up instantly.

When the IV finished, Alexander carefully removed the needle. Sophia immediately demanded to be carried downstairs.

Isabella lifted her, surprised by how much heavier she felt. Had she grown taller in just twenty days?

"Mommy?"

Sophia touched her cheek when she didn't respond.

Wordlessly, Isabella adjusted her grip and headed for the door.

Alexander closed his laptop and followed. Seeing Sophia nuzzle against Isabella's shoulder, he reached out to pinch her cheek.

Too happy to protest, Sophia just giggled.

At dinner, she chattered nonstop between bites, already listing what she wanted Isabella to cook for breakfast.

"I have plans later," Isabella said, noting how much better Sophia looked. "I'll make those for you another time."

Alexander's gaze flicked to her but he remained silent.

Sophia's smile vanished. "But Mommy, you're always working! I don't want you to leave! You just got home!"

Seeing her pout, Isabella realized these brief monthly visits weren't enough.

"Alright," she conceded. "I'll stay tonight."

Sophia beamed. "And take me to school tomorrow!"

Isabella nodded as she took another bite.

After dinner, Sophia dragged Isabella upstairs to share everything about her classmates, teachers, and recent adventures.

Midway through a story about art class, Isabella noticed Alexander leaning against the doorframe, watching them.

She had no idea how long he'd been standing there.