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Novel Catalog
Chapter 22 Finalize Our Divorce Sooner
Cecilia could hardly believe the words Mason had just spoken. She had endured enough of their manipulations and so-called “advice” over the years. From Nathaniel’s family to the servants at Rainsworth Manor, everyone seemed to think they had the right to “discipline” her. She had been expected to smile, to remain grateful, and to never challenge their authority. But now, she was done.
Her fists clenched tightly at her sides, her nails digging into her palms. She turned her cold gaze back to Mason, a silent fury in her eyes. “What does his anger have to do with me?” she asked, her voice steady but filled with underlying bitterness.
Mason hesitated, taken aback by the chilling calm in her voice. But before he could respond, Cecilia spoke again. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll excuse myself.”
Mason felt a shiver run down his spine. He had never been treated this way by Cecilia before. In the past, she had always been the one trying to please Nathaniel and those around him. Now, it seemed as though she was no longer willing to bow down to their demands. With no words left, he quickly turned and left, but not before Cecilia could see the confusion flicker in his eyes.
Cecilia knew exactly what Mason would do once he got back to Nathaniel. He would report everything to him, fueling the fire. And she would once again be the target of Nathaniel’s anger.
The night dragged on, with the wind howling outside, rattling the windows. Despite it being early summer, Cecilia felt an overwhelming coldness that seemed to seep deep into her bones. She curled up on the couch, trying to block out the thoughts swirling in her mind.
Hours passed before the doorbell finally rang, snapping Cecilia out of her thoughts. She stood up slowly, already knowing who was on the other side. Nathaniel.
When she opened the door, she was immediately struck by his imposing figure. He stood tall and cold, like a shadow looming over her. Without saying a word, he threw a stack of photos at her feet. Cecilia stared down at them, her heart sinking as she saw photo after photo of herself with Calvin scattered across the floor. The images were nothing more than suggestive shots taken out of context, yet they still carried the sting of betrayal.
“I was originally going to leave you some dignity,” Nathaniel’s voice was cold and harsh. “But it seems that’s no longer possible.”
Cecilia’s mind was reeling, unable to process the weight of his words. She had always believed in their marriage. For three years, she had given everything—her time, her love, her trust. And yet, here she was, being accused of something she had never done.
Before she could gather her thoughts, Nathaniel continued, his voice biting with accusation. “I thought everything was a misunderstanding. I thought you were innocent. I even considered starting over with you.”
Cecilia’s heart ached at the word “considered.” She had given him everything, but it had never been enough. She forced herself to speak, her voice hoarse from the lump in her throat. “Really? Then I’m sorry to have let you down.”
The sting of those words hit her like a slap. She had given him her all, but it was never enough for him. The years they had spent together now felt like a cruel joke.
Nathaniel seemed taken aback by her response. He had expected her to fight, to explain herself, but instead, she proposed the one thing he hadn’t been prepared for. “Let’s finalize the divorce as soon as possible,” she said, her voice calm and composed, though her heart was breaking. “I apologize for not showing up last time. This time, I won’t miss it.”
Nathaniel was stunned. He had expected her to argue, to defend herself, but instead, she had chosen to let go. In that moment, something inside him snapped. His anger, which he had been holding back for so long, erupted. He moved closer to her, closing the distance between them with a speed that left her no chance to escape.
“You’re that eager to be with him?” His voice was low and dangerous. “Do you even know who he is? If it weren’t for me, Nathaniel Rainsworth, do you think any man would want you?”
Cecilia recoiled, the words cutting deep. What did he mean, “If it weren’t for me”? Had he really never seen her as anything more than an accessory in his life?
Before she could respond, Nathaniel’s large hand landed on her frail shoulder, his touch sending a jolt of discomfort through her. She flinched, her body trembling under his touch, and she instinctively pushed him away.
“Don’t touch me!” she cried, her eyes burning with unshed tears. She tried to push him back, but it was no use. His strength overwhelmed her, and before she knew it, his lips were on hers, desperate and forceful.
Outside, the rain continued to fall, a torrential downpour that seemed to mirror the storm raging inside Cecilia. As she lay on the cold bed, her body trembling with each spasm of pain, she couldn’t escape the feeling that everything she had once believed in had shattered into pieces.
