Isabella watched their tears, feeling helpless.

He slipped from her embrace and moved to the bedside.

With his small hands, he gently wiped Eleanor’s cheeks.

“Don’t cry, Great-Grandma. Don’t cry, Mommy,” he murmured softly.

His young voice was unexpectedly soothing.

Eleanor smiled through her tears at the sweet child.

“Is this lovely boy?” she asked tenderly.

Isabella’s heart tightened.

Explaining Liam’s identity felt overwhelming.

After a brief hesitation, she chose to lie. “He’s… Ethan’s son.”

Lucas was momentarily stunned, but quickly understood.

He stepped closer and wrapped an arm around Isabella.

“Yes, he’s my son,” he stated firmly. “Our families objected to our relationship, so we had him overseas.”

Eleanor looked at Isabella with deep sympathy.

“My dear, you’ve been through so much,” she whispered.

Then she turned to Lucas, her tone slightly stern. “Lucas, how could you let Isabella face such hardships alone?”

Lucas held Isabella’s hand tightly.

“Don’t worry,” he said earnestly. “I’ll marry Isabella soon and give her the recognition she deserves.”

Emotion thickened his voice, making Isabella’s heart flutter.

After comforting Eleanor, Lucas prepared to leave.

“Eleanor, Isabella, I should get going now.”

Isabella walked him to the door.

“Thank you, Lucas,” she said softly.

He smiled. “It’s nothing. You just returned. Have you decided where you’ll stay?”

“Not yet,” Isabella replied quickly.

Lucas paused thoughtfully.

“Maybe I can help you find a larger apartment? It might be more practical.”

Isabella shook her head. “That’s not necessary, Lucas. I can manage.”

She didn’t want to burden him further.

To care for Liam, Isabella hired a nanny named Emily Watson.

“Mommy, where are you going?” Liam clung to her leg, his eyes pleading.

Isabella bent down and stroked his hair.

“Be good, okay? Great-Grandma and I are going to the hospital for a check-up. I’ll be back soon.”

“Can I come?” Liam looked up with hopeful eyes.

Isabella smiled gently. “Next time, sweetheart. This time, Mommy needs to talk privately with Great-Grandma.”

Liam nodded reluctantly. “Okay, but come back quickly.”

“I promise.”

Holding Eleanor’s hand, Isabella led her out.

“How are you feeling, Grandma?” she asked.

“Much better now,” Eleanor replied, squeezing her hand affectionately. “Having you here comforts me.”

Tears welled in Isabella’s eyes.

“Grandma…” she whispered softly.

She quickly turned toward the window to hide her emotions.

“By the way, Isabella,” Eleanor asked unexpectedly, “have you and Lucas set a wedding date yet?”

A heavy feeling settled in Isabella’s chest.

“Actually… we haven’t decided yet,” she stammered.