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Novel Catalog
Chapter 33 Her Return
Cecilia sat in the first-class cabin, her eyes fixed on the white clouds outside the window, her mind drifting back to four years ago. She had been at her lowest point, seeking Calvin’s help to fake her death and escape the country. Abroad, she had given birth to twins prematurely, a fresh start marred by tragedy. Her younger son, Elliot, had been diagnosed with leukemia, a disease that further complicated their lives. The only hope for Elliot’s survival lay in a stem cell transplant, which could only be sourced from Nathaniel’s sperm, a task Cecilia had been trying—unsuccessfully—to accomplish. Desperate, she had returned home to obtain it herself. If not for her son’s condition, she would never have gone back to the place she once fled from, nor would she have sought Nathaniel out again.
Before the plane took off, Cecilia had received a message from her best friend, Vivian Kennedy. Vivian had been her confidant back in university, but their communication had dwindled once Cecilia got married. Four years ago, they had reconnected when Cecilia arrived in Erihal. The message was a reminder of their shared past and Vivian’s promise to help her with Nathaniel and deal with Stella, whom Cecilia had always resented. Warmth filled Cecilia’s heart as she read the message, and she quickly replied, “Okay,” before turning off her phone.
When summer came to Tudela, it brought with it heavy rain, a constant companion to the city. By the time Cecilia disembarked from the plane, it was already evening. She took a moment to look around, feeling a mix of familiarity and strangeness. As she exited the airport, a luxurious Lincoln sedan pulled up, and the driver, bowing respectfully, opened the door. “Ms. Smith, please get in,” he said.
Cecilia nodded, appreciating the gesture. “Sorry for the trouble, and thank you,” she responded.
The driver smiled gently. “Ms. Smith, you’re a friend of Mr. Reese, so there’s no need for formalities. He’s already arranged your accommodations.”
Cecilia knew the driver was referring to Calvin. Had she not sought his help four years ago, she would still be unaware of the scale of his success. What Calvin had once described as a small business was actually an empire. His ability to help her and her children evade Nathaniel’s search was a testament to his power.
As they drove through Tudela, Cecilia’s gaze shifted between the passing scenery and the changes that had taken place over the years. Though the city remained largely the same, the constant presence of Stella’s posters on every building was a stark reminder of how far the woman had come. Stella, once a singer, had now become an A-list actress, her fame spreading far and wide. Cecilia couldn’t help but avert her eyes, bitterness creeping in as she thought of the woman who had stolen Nathaniel’s heart.
An hour later, the car arrived at Ninth Ville, a peaceful villa district. The quiet elegance of the area was a sharp contrast to the chaotic feelings Cecilia was experiencing. She was escorted to her residence, and the first thing she did was call Martha to let her know she had arrived safely.
“Martha, where’s Jon?” Cecilia asked, noting the absence of her son.
Martha’s voice came through warmly. “He’s reading a book in his room.”
Cecilia smiled, imagining Jonathan’s focused expression as he read. Jonathan was no ordinary child. While other kids his age struggled with basic reading, Jonathan was fluent in multiple languages. He spoke Clusian and Uprian with ease, and at times, his maturity made him seem like an adult. Cecilia couldn’t help but reflect on how Nathaniel had been much the same at that age. His intelligence had been nurtured by the Rainsworth family, setting him apart as a prodigy.
Martha, noticing Cecilia’s thoughts, continued, “He’s an exceptional child, Cecilia. Just like Nathaniel.”
Cecilia nodded but didn’t say anything more, the weight of the past hanging between them.
