CHAPTER THREE

Isabella's POV

“Miss Whitmore, is something wrong?”

I had been standing in the doorway for almost a minute, staring at a bedroom that was larger than my entire apartment from my previous life.

Mr. Harrison waited patiently behind me.

“Are you certain this is my room?” I asked.

“Quite certain, ma'am. Mr. Blackwood personally approved the arrangements.”

I stepped inside.

The bedroom was beautiful, with cream-coloured walls, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a king-sized bed covered in soft white sheets. A sitting area occupied one corner, while glass doors opened onto a private balcony overlooking the gardens.

There was even a study adjoining the bedroom.

But what surprised me most was the walk-in closet.

It was enormous.

One side contained neatly arranged dresses, blouses, trousers, and coats. The other held shoes, handbags, and accessories, all organised by colour.

I picked up a blouse and examined the label.

My size.

I checked another.

Also my size.

“Who bought all these?”

“The household staff arranged everything according to Mr. Blackwood's instructions.”

I frowned.

Nathaniel Blackwood barely knew me.

Why would he go through so much trouble?

Before I could ask another question, a gentle voice came from the doorway.

“Isabella, dear. I hope we're not interrupting.”

I turned to find a woman in an elegant lavender dress standing beside an older gentleman.

Eleanor and Richard Blackwood.

My future parents-in-law.

“Good afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood.”

Eleanor smiled.

“Please, there's no need to be so formal. You can call us Mother and Father if you're comfortable.”

I hesitated.

“Thank you, Mrs. Blackwood.”

She didn't appear offended.

“Come downstairs when you've settled in. We usually have lunch at one and dinner at seven. Breakfast is served whenever everyone is ready, although Richard insists on eating before eight.”

Her husband chuckled.

“Someone has to maintain a proper schedule in this house.”

Eleanor shook her head affectionately.

“Anyway, dear, those are simply our usual mealtimes. If you'd prefer something different, just tell the kitchen.”

I nodded.

“Thank you.”

Then I heard her thoughts.

Was that too much information? Perhaps I should have let her rest first. The poor girl has only just arrived. I hope she doesn't think we're imposing rules on her.

I blinked.

And what if she doesn't like the food? I told Margaret to prepare chicken, pasta, grilled fish, and vegetable soup. Perhaps I should have asked for something lighter too.

I stared at her.

Eleanor was still smiling calmly, looking every bit the composed society matriarch.

Yet inside, she was worrying about whether I would enjoy lunch.

I almost laughed.

In my parents' house, Mother would have considered it an insult if I complained about a meal.

Here, someone had prepared several dishes simply because they didn't know what I liked.

“Mrs. Blackwood,” I said softly, “I'm not a picky eater. I'm sure whatever you've prepared will be lovely.”

Her face brightened. “Oh, wonderful!”

Thank goodness. I hope she means it.

Richard cleared his throat.

“Isabella, I understand you studied business administration?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Did you complete your degree?”

“I did.”

“And have you considered further studies?”

I stiffened slightly.

In my previous life, questions about my education usually ended with someone telling me that a wife had no reason to pursue a career.

“I've taken some professional courses in finance,” I replied carefully. “I would like to continue studying but I haven't made any definite plans.”

Richard nodded.

“Finance is an excellent field. Are you interested in investment management or corporate finance?”

“Both, actually. Although I'm particularly interested in financial analysis and investment strategy.”

“Interesting.”

She's clearly intelligent. I wonder why her father never mentioned her qualifications. If she wants to study further, we can certainly support her. There's no reason marriage should prevent her from building a career.

My throat tightened.

I lowered my eyes before either of them noticed.

When I was nineteen, I had begged Father to help me pay for an advanced finance course.

He had laughed.

“Why waste money on something you'll never use? Learn to cook properly instead.”

Mother had agreed.

Vanessa, meanwhile, had received a new car for completing a short fashion programme she barely attended.

I had worked double shifts for four months to pay for that course myself.

Now a man who had known me for less than an hour was considering supporting my education.

The contrast was almost painful.

“Isabella?” Eleanor asked gently.

I looked up.

“Are you alright, dear?”

“Yes. I'm fine.”

She's upset. Did Richard say something wrong? Perhaps we should stop asking questions.

I forced a small smile. “I'm just a little tired from the journey.”

“Of course!” Eleanor said immediately. “You should rest. We can talk later.”

Richard nodded. “And Isabella, if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask.”

“Thank you, sir.”

They left shortly afterwards.

I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the expensive carpet beneath my feet.

Kindness.

It was such a simple thing, yet I had spent most of my life trying to earn it.

Still, I couldn't afford to become careless.

My parents had smiled while planning to take my savings.

Adrian had once held my hands and promised to protect me.

I knew better than anyone that kind words didn't always reflect good intentions.

The Blackwoods had treated me well so far but I would take my time getting to know them.

I had been given another chance at life.

I wasn't going to waste it by trusting the wrong people again.

***

Nathaniel returned shortly after dinner.

I was sitting in the living room with Eleanor when the front door opened.

A tall man entered, dressed in a charcoal-grey suit, his dark hair neatly styled.

Nathaniel Blackwood.

He looked exactly as I remembered.

Handsome, composed, and almost impossible to read.

“Mother,” he greeted.

“Nathaniel! You're home earlier than expected.”

“I finished my meetings.”

His gaze shifted towards me. “Isabella.”

I stood.

“Good evening, Mr. Blackwood.”

His expression remained unchanged.

“Nathaniel is fine.”

“Alright. Nathaniel.”

For a moment, neither of us spoke.

Then he asked, “Have you settled in?”

“Yes. Thank you for arranging everything.”

“Is your room comfortable?”

“Very.”

“Good.”

Silence returned.

I waited, wondering whether he would say anything else.

He glanced towards the staircase.

“If there's anything you don't like, tell Harrison or the housekeeper. They'll have it changed.”

“That's very kind of you.”

He nodded.

Then I remembered my strange new ability.

I had heard Mother's thoughts, Father's thoughts, and Vanessa's thoughts without difficulty.

Surely Nathaniel would be no different.

I focused on him.

Nothing.

I frowned slightly.

Perhaps I wasn't concentrating enough.

I tried again.

Still nothing.

Nathaniel looked at me.

“Is something wrong?”

“No!”

My answer came out far too quickly.

Eleanor glanced between us, smiling.

“I'll leave you two to talk.”

She rose and disappeared towards the dining room.

Nathaniel sat opposite me.

“I understand you studied finance.”

I nodded. “Yes.”

“Do you intend to continue?”

The question surprised me.

“Continue studying?”

“Studying or working. Whichever you prefer.”

I watched him carefully.

“Would you be comfortable with your wife working?”

“Why wouldn't I be?”

“Some men prefer their wives to stay at home.”

“I'm not one of them.”

He spoke so calmly that I couldn't tell whether he was being sincere.

I tried listening to his thoughts again.

Nothing.

It was as though an invisible wall surrounded his mind.

“Isabella?”

I blinked. “Yes?”

“You don't have to abandon your plans because of this marriage. If you want to pursue another qualification or build a career, you're free to do so.”

I studied his face.

“Even if my work requires long hours?”

“As long as you're happy with what you're doing.”

“And if I decide to start a business?”

“Then start one.”

His answer came without hesitation.

I didn't know what to say.

In my previous life, Adrian had demanded that I stop working shortly after our wedding.

He claimed it was embarrassing for his wife to earn money when he was supposed to provide for her.

Yet he had happily accepted every investment recommendation I made.

Nathaniel, on the other hand, seemed completely uninterested in controlling my choices.

But why couldn't I hear his thoughts?

Was there something unusual about him?

Or was he deliberately hiding something?

I pushed the questions aside.

“Thank you, Nathaniel.”

He nodded. “You should get some rest. It's been a long day.”

With that, he stood and walked towards his study.

I watched him leave.

He was certainly reserved.

But cold?

I wasn't sure.

***

My phone began vibrating shortly after I returned to my bedroom.

The Whitmore family group chat had become unusually active.

Vanessa had uploaded six photographs.

The first showed a modest bouquet of roses.

The second featured a silver bracelet.

The remaining pictures displayed a small jewellery box, a handwritten card, and several inexpensive gifts arranged neatly on a table.

Her caption read:

True happiness isn't about marrying a wealthy man. It's about finding someone who genuinely loves you. I'd rather receive a simple gift from a loving husband than live in a mansion with a man who doesn't care about me.

Mother immediately responded.

Beautiful, darling! Adrian is such a thoughtful young man.

Father added:

Money isn't everything. You've made a wise decision.

I stared at the photographs.

Adrian had given me that same bracelet in my previous life.

I remembered because the clasp had broken after two weeks.

Vanessa sent another message.

Some people might have more money but I'll always choose love.

I almost laughed.

She was trying so hard to convince everyone that she had made the better choice.

A private message appeared moments later.

Vanessa: How's life in the Blackwood mansion?

I didn't respond.

Another message followed.

Vanessa: Has Nathaniel even spent time with you? Or is he already ignoring you?

Then another.

Vanessa: Don't be embarrassed, Isabella. I know he's not the affectionate type. You can tell me if you're lonely.

I smiled faintly.

Me: I'm settling in well. Thanks for asking.

Her reply arrived immediately.

Vanessa: That's all? Has he bought you anything?

I looked towards the walk-in closet.

Me: I've been given everything I need.

There was a brief pause.

Vanessa: Material things can't replace love, Isabella.

I placed my phone on the bedside table.

Vanessa could enjoy her roses and silver bracelet.

I had more important things to think about.

Tomorrow, I would begin researching the investment opportunities I remembered from my previous life.

This time, every decision would be mine.

***

The following morning, I was heading downstairs when I encountered Nathaniel near the entrance.

He was adjusting his cufflinks, preparing to leave for work.

“Good morning,” I greeted.

“Morning.”

His gaze moved briefly over my clothes.

I was wearing a simple cream blouse and black trousers, both purchased several years ago.

I noticed him looking at my sleeves.

The cuffs had become slightly worn from repeated washing.

I instinctively pulled them down.

Nathaniel's eyes returned to my face. “Are you busy tomorrow?”

I hesitated.

“Not particularly. Why?”

He slipped his phone into his pocket. “Then I'll take you shopping.”

I blinked. “Shopping?”

“Yes. You should have some clothes you're comfortable wearing.”

I glanced at my blouse.

“There's already an entire closet upstairs.”

“I know.”

“Then why would I need more?”

For the first time, something shifted in his expression.

He looked at my sleeves again before meeting my eyes.

“Because those were chosen for you.”

He paused.

“Tomorrow, you can choose what you actually want.”

I stared at him as if he had gone mad.