Chapter 76

Alexander's sleepy murmur was never meant for Isabella.

In all their years of marriage, he'd never once held her like this in his sleep. Never once kissed her forehead at dawn.

So Isabella knew with absolute certainty - he'd mistaken her for Victoria.

Her lips pressed into a thin line. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes.

Alexander remained asleep, oblivious.

Staring at his peaceful face, she swallowed the bitter lump in her throat. She inhaled sharply and began easing out of his embrace.

Their bodies were pressed so tightly together that even the slightest movement disturbed him.

Just as she lifted his arm from her waist and sat up, his eyes fluttered open.

She froze mid-motion, one leg still tangled with his.

Their gazes locked in that electric moment.

Alexander came fully awake. Realizing his mistake, he stiffened momentarily before untangling their legs with deliberate care.

Isabella withdrew completely. Turning away, she slipped into her slippers and headed for the bathroom without a word.

When she emerged, the bedroom was empty.

She found Alexander at the end of the hallway, phone pressed to his ear, still in pajamas.

Their eyes met briefly before she looked away and descended the stairs.

Eleanor was already in the dining room.

Moments later, Sophia bounded down the stairs.

"Perfect timing!" Eleanor beamed. "Now that everyone's awake, let's have breakfast."

"Yay!" Sophia cheered.

Alexander joined them, taking the seat beside Isabella.

Remembering the morning's incident, she edged away slightly, increasing the space between them.

Sophia munched on her toast, studying her father with curious eyes. "Daddy," she piped up suddenly, "do you always cuddle Mommy when you sleep?" Her innocent question hung in the air.

Isabella choked on her tea.

Alexander remained silent.

Her face burned from coughing, her discomfort growing. But Eleanor's delighted grin only widened. "Oh? What makes you ask that, darling?"

"I went to find Mommy earlier," Sophia explained between bites. "And I saw Daddy hugging her really tight—"

Eleanor's knowing "Ohhh" stretched out as she glanced between them with undisguised amusement.

Alexander's expression gave nothing away.

Isabella's stomach twisted. She knew exactly who he'd meant to hold.

Her phone rang - a welcome distraction.

It was Margaret.

"Hello, Grandma," Isabella answered.

Margaret explained that Caroline had returned with souvenirs and wanted to arrange a family meal.

"I'm at Whitmore Manor with Sophia now," Isabella replied, glancing at Eleanor.

Originally, Eleanor had planned for them to pick fruits at the estate.

Recognizing Margaret's voice, Eleanor - who'd been friends with her for decades - immediately suggested, "Take Sophia with you."

Then she turned to Alexander. "It's been too long since you visited Margaret. Since you're free today, go with Isabella."

Alexander took a deliberate sip of coffee. "I have business later."

Isabella wasn't surprised.

She'd expected nothing less.

For Victoria, he'd cancel meetings. Clear his schedule. Move mountains.

But for her? There was always "business later."

That was the difference between Isabella Sinclair and Victoria Kensington.

Eleanor frowned. "What could possibly be so urgent? You haven't visited with Isabella in months!"