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Chapter 42 A Surprise Visit
Cecilia’s fingers tightened instinctively, a wave of unease running through her. Nathaniel, sensing her stiffness, covered her delicate hand with his own, his kiss hungry and domineering. She held herself rigid, forcing down the feelings that threatened to rise. Eli and Jon were waiting for her at home. She had to stay in control, but there was a part of her, cold and detached, that wondered if she might end up pregnant from this encounter. The thought passed briefly, and she clumsily responded to him.
Nathaniel paused, his intense gaze softening, his brows relaxing. He began to unbutton his shirt and loosen his belt. Fresh from the shower, Cecilia’s clean scent seemed to fill the room, causing his heart to race. Unable to hold back, he carefully lowered her onto the living room couch, tugging at her bathrobe.
Cecilia’s fist clenched tighter. She didn’t dare look at Nathaniel, or perhaps, she simply didn’t want to. Her gaze remained fixed on the warm light overhead. Her mind echoed with memories of intimate photos of Nathaniel, sent to her by Stella over the years. Stella’s voice echoed in her ears: Did Nathaniel ever tell you that he loved you, Ceci? He used to say that to me all the time.
Feeling Nathaniel’s presence closing in, Cecilia parted her lips, asking in a quiet, almost mocking tone, “Mr. Rainsworth, aren’t you afraid that Ms. Ross might get jealous and cause you trouble if we keep this up?”
Her words made Nathaniel pause, his gaze suddenly cold. “Are you really going to keep playing dumb with me, Cecilia?”
Cecilia swiftly grabbed her fallen bathrobe, using it to shield herself. “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” she responded, her voice steady but betraying a flicker of unease.
Nathaniel’s eyes narrowed, and a memory resurfaced—a vivid recollection of a night long ago. His throat tightened as he slowly leaned in, his hand resting once again on her pale face. “Why did you come back this time?” His voice was rough with an intensity she hadn’t expected.
Cecilia’s heart pounded in her chest. The last thing she wanted was for Nathaniel to learn about her children. She managed a weak smile, trying to mask her fear. “Mr. Rainsworth, are you suffering from paranoia? You’re rich and powerful, but I’m not exactly lacking in funds myself. I came back to help those like me—those born with disabilities.”
To emphasize her sincerity, Cecilia removed her hearing aid and held it up for him to see. “You said you know me. Then you should know that I was born with a hearing impairment,” she explained, her voice soft but firm.
Nathaniel looked at the hearing aid in her palm, his expression unreadable. He stepped closer, so close that their breaths mingled. “Since you claim not to know me, why don’t you tell me what you’ve been doing these past four years?”
His warm breath caressed her skin, his proximity making her pulse quicken. Cecilia swallowed hard, trying to suppress the humiliation of the past. She met his gaze head-on. “Mr. Rainsworth, are you so fascinated by my past because you fancy me?”
The words struck Nathaniel like a blow. His hand released hers, his gaze turning cold. “You’re overthinking it.”
Cecilia had long known Nathaniel was heartless. She had chased after him for more than a decade, but he had never returned her feelings. So why should it be any different now? Yet, deep down, she was relieved. If he didn’t care for her, then she could leave with Jonathan and Elliot without any lingering guilt.
Her phone rang, the video call causing her to break away from Nathaniel’s embrace. She quickly reached for the phone, her eyes narrowing as she saw it was one of her sons calling at this late hour. She quickly ended the call, knowing that she couldn’t afford to let her emotions get the best of her now.
Every move she made, from pulling away to dismissing the call, was calculated, deliberate. She was no longer the woman who would let herself be swept away by Nathaniel’s pull.
