Chapter 161 Birthday Surprise
Half an hour later, Cecilia and Calvin finally arrived at Vivian’s mansion.
Even through the closed front door, they could hear voices coming from inside.
“Calm down! We’re about to surprise your mom in a bit. Place the cake here, right here…
Cecilia chuckled to herself. The two little ones had fooled her, claiming they were too tired to accompany her to the airport.
So, they’ve actually been busy planning a surprise birthday celebration for me!
“It seems they’re in for a disappointment,” Calvin remarked.
“Why don’t we wait for a bit before going in?” Cecilia suggested, turning her big, pleading eyes on
him.
Calvin looked into her eyes. His throat tightened. “Alright,” he said.
The two of them simply stood outside the door, enjoying the cool evening breeze.
“How is Martha doing recently?”
“She’s been okay. I just need to bring all of you back as soon as possible.”
Cecilia frowned in concern. “I want to return soon as well, but Eli’s illness must be treated.”
“We understand,” Calvin said, looking down at her. “Don’t worry. Everything will be okay.”
Cecilia nodded, unsure.
Just as Calvin was planning to take advantage of the quiet moment to hand over the item he had brought for Cecilia, he heard the door behind him being pulled open.
“Ms. Kennedy, you’re really clumsy! You dropped the cake!”
“It wasn’t intentional, you know! If only you hadn’t mopped the floor and made it so slippery. Now, I have no choice but to go out and buy a new one…
When they emerged, they saw Cecilia and Calvin already waiting outside the door.
Elliot was the first to react. “Mr. Reesel
“Hello, you.” Calvin gently patted his head in greeting.
Vivian stared at the man blankly for a while before it finally clicked in her head. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Reese,” she said. “Thank you for taking care of us when we were young.”
“Your mother is my friend. It was the right thing to do,” Calvin replied.
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“Well, okay them. Let’s go in and sit down,” Vivian said awkwardly.
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Then, she pulled Cecilia towards her and whispered quietly, “Cecilia, I’m so sorry about what just happened…”
“I heard it all through the door.”
“The cake…” Vivian chewed her lip guiltily.
“It’s late! It’s alright if we don’t have cake now. Let’s just go to bed earlier tonight.”
“Alright then.”
Once Calvin had settled down, Vivian teased Jonathan, “Jon, are you feeling sleepy?”
Jonathan thought that Vivian’s little trick was too obvious, but he played along.
“Yeah, I’m so tired.”
He let out a big yawn.
“Shall
“Shall I take you to bed then?”
Vivian turned to Calvin and Cecilia. “Your room is all set up. Feel free to chat. Jon and I are heading off to bed first.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
After tucking in Jonathan for the night, Vivian pulled Cecilia aside.
“I’ve arranged a big room for you two.”
Cecilia was bewildered by her statement. “For us?”
“Yes! There’s a king–sized bed inside. You can mess around as much as you want.”
“Don’t talk nonsense! We are just friends.”
“Okay, okay, if you say so. I’m going to bed now. Good night!”
Vivian hurried back to her own room.
Cecilia stared after her retreating figure helplessly. It seems I’ll be sleeping on the sofa tonight!
“Calvin, you must be exhausted after the plane ride. Let me take you to your room so you can
rest.”
Calvin approached her, gazing deeply into her eyes. “Didn’t we agree that I celebrate your birthday with you tonight?”
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Chapter 161 Birthday Surprise
“Then, let’s go to sleep once midnight passes?”
“Okay then.”
It was just a few minutes shy of midnight.
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Calvin, too, was watching the time. He was hoping to confess his feelings for her when the clock.
strikes twelve.
However, before he had his chance, the urgent ring of Cecilia’s cell phone cut through the silence:
“I need to take this. Cecilia said apologetically.
She pulled out her phone and the first thing he saw was Nathaniel’s name flashing mockingly at him from the screen.
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“I’ll give you a minute to come out now,” Nathaniel’s commanding voice sounded through the phone.
Come out now?
Cecilia tightened her grip on the phone. She glanced out the window, “Are you outside?”
“What do you think?” Nathaniel responded.
He cut the call without another word.
Cecilia stared at her phone. Then, she turned to Calvin and said in an apologetic tone. “I’m sorry. Something unexpected came up, and I need to go home.”
Calvin wanted to ask her what was going on, but seeing her anxious demeanor, he didn’t press the matter. He simply nodded and said, “Alright, be careful.”
Cecilia grabbed her bags and left swiftly.
Silently, Calvin rose from his seat and moved towards the balcony. He watched as her silhouette vanished from his sight. A complex mix of emotions coursed through him.
Outside the mansion, a matte black Cadillac was parked by the gate, blending seamlessly into the night.
Cecilia approached the car uncertainly.
The car window lowered, revealing Nathaniel seated in the driver’s seat. His expression was steely, and his aura emitted a chill that seemed to lower the temperature within the car.
He glanced at Cecilia, coldly. “Get in the car.”
This was a private residential area.
Cecilia had no idea how he had managed to drive in. She pulled open the car door and slid into the passenger seat.
Nathaniel sped off, leaving the residential area behind.
Once they had left the compound, Cecilia realized that they were surrounded by bodyguards dressed in black.
She felt an inexplicable fear stirring within her.
Nathaniel broke the silence, asking in an icy tone, “Seems like you had a lot of fun today, huh?”
“It was alright.” Cecilia did not know what he was getting at.
“Were you also happy when you lied to me?” Nathaniel asked as he pressed the accelerator pedal.
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he
Chapter 162 Master Deception
to the floor.
The swiftly passing scenery outside the window heightened Cecilia’s fear.
“What do you mean Lied to you?” She feigned calmness.
Nathaniel had not expected her to play dumb. He slammed the brakes and brought thecant screeching halt.
The sudden stop almoor batted Cecilia’s head to the dashboard.
Before she could react Nathannel leaned into her space and gripped her arms tightly.
The night was pitch–black, and thadlight inside the car was dim. All Cecilia could see was Nathaniel’s face in front of hers. Itowever, the was oblivious to the hint of red that was wellin in the corners of his eyes at that intensen
“Stella was right,” Nathaniel said, prong out each word angrily. “You really are a master of deception.
His words struck Cecilia like a bold of thing
She glared at Nathaniel in disbelief, “What you say
say?
ΠΟ
“I saw you pick up Calvin from the airport today with my own eyes,” Nathaniel’s voice was lov he whispered angrily into her car. “You’re not returning to Daltonia Villa tonight because you. want to stay with him. right?”
“You were gone all night. Were you planning to sleep with him….
Before he could finish his sentence, Cecilia raised Herod.
Before her palm could land on his cheek, Nathaniel grabbed her wrist, halting her midair.
He sneered, “Caught red–handed by me again, aren’t you Youreeally can’t control yourself at huh? Why don’t you just keep lying to me?”
(Cecilia felt a deafening roar in her ears. Her vision becarne blurrcell hyna watery glow.
Henlips trembled as she said through trembling lips. Nathaniellyyouve really gone too far.”
His accusation hurt her.
Hidheartless!
Upon hearing those words, Nathaniel’s anger intensified. He raised his handbalapped her.
Hinffice was icy cold, and her body was trembling.
“Oh wolvent seen the worst of me vet
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Chapter 162 Master Of Deception
Cecilia jerked away from him.
“You jerk!”
Nathaniel ignored her cries and pressed on.
Cecilia had never experienced such humiliation before.
Nathaniel was too strong to resist. He pressed her face against the window.
“Haven’t you always wanted this? Today, I’ll fulfill your wish.”
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Chapter 163 What Day It Is Today
Cecilia knew that resistance was futile, so she silently endured.
Nathaniel, leaning over her, issued a stern warning in her ear. “If you dare to meet him again, I’ll make sure neither of you have it easy!”
Suddenly, he halted, his hand brushing against something damp. It was only then that he noticed the specks of crimson on his fingertips.
He turned Cecilia around and discovered that blood was trickling down from behind her ear, spreading across her cheek.
Nathaniel quickly removed her hearing aid.
“Why is your ear bleeding again?”
Cecilia could no longer hear what he was saying.
She reckoned he probably uttered some hurtful words. It was better that they went unheard.
Nathaniel asked again, “Do you have any medicine with you?”
His answer was met with silence.
Nathaniel knew she couldn’t hear him, so he had no choice but to drive toward the hospital.
The doctor treated Cecilia, but for a while, she still couldn’t hear.
After the doctor left, an eerie silence filled the ward.
Nathaniel prepared a cup of warm water and mixed in some medicine before offering it to her. Seeing her lack of response, he took out his phone and typed a message for her to read.
It read: Drink the medicine!
Cecilia found herself reminiscing about a night over a decade ago as she watched the man. engrossed in a conversation with her over text messages on his phone.
She was teased by her classmates, which momentarily caused her to lose her hearing. When Nathaniel picked her up, he discovered that she couldn’t hear and communicated with her through his phone.
This moment was strikingly similar to that night.
However, the Nathaniel of the present was no longer the tender–hearted young man he once was.
Her eyes welled up slightly, turning a faint red, and she said through her pale lips, “That won’t be
better.” necessary. It’s just the same old issues. I won’t get
A sense of unease inexplicably settled in Nathaniel’s heart.
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Cecilia jerked away from him.
“You jerk!”
Nathaniel ignored her cries and pressed on.
Cecilia had never experienced such humiliation before.
Nathaniel was too strong to resist. He pressed her face against the window.
“Haven’t you always wanted this? Today, I’ll fulfill your wish.”
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Chapter 163 What Day It Is Today
He continued typing: Who said so?
“The doctor.”
:
Nathaniel couldn’t be bothered to type anymore. He directly held the cup to Cecilia’s lips.
His impatience made him different from before.
Cecilia recalled that night when his car had encountered a problem.
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The two of them sat in the car, and because of her fear, Nathaniel spent the night keeping her company by chatting with her on his phone.
She took the cup and drained it in one gulp, then turned away and curled up in the blanket, ignoring him completely.
Nathaniel made his way to the balcony, lighting up one cigarette after another.
Cecilia had barely fallen into a light sleep when she was jolted awake by a nightmare. In her dream, she was in a car, where she was being taken advantage of.
She opened her eyes, her hand instinctively reaching out to grab the blanket, but unexpectedly, she touched a firm arm instead.
Glancing to the side, she noticed that at some point, Nathaniel had fallen asleep next to her.
She withdrew her hand, distancing herself slightly from him.
The man sensed her awakening and swiftly pulled her into his embrace.
“Can you hear me now?” Nathaniel asked in a deep voice.
Cecilia arched her eyebrows subtly, feigning ignorance, and didn’t respond to him.
Nathaniel lowered his head, kissing her forehead, then her nose bridge, and finally, her lips.
Cecilia clenched her fists.
The man’s kiss lingered before it finally ended.
He caressed her cheek over and over again, murmuring, “What should I do with you?”
Cecilia felt as if her heart had been pierced by a needle.
After what seemed like an eternity, she couldn’t help but break the silence with a question.
“Do you know what day it is today?”
For some reason, she just wanted to know if there was a chance he might remember.
Upon hearing Cecilia’s unexpected question, Nathaniel found himself taken aback.
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Chapter 163 What Day It Is Today
It’s the 9th of July. What day could it be?
“Hmm?”
:
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Aside from significant holidays and routine matters, he wouldn’t make an effort to remember any other dates.
A lump formed in Cecilia’s throat, spreading a bitter taste throughout.
“Never mind.”
Nathaniel found himself increasingly perplexed by Cecilia’s inscrutable thoughts.
He also felt that she was gradually becoming more distant from him.
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Chapter 164 He Does Not Like Women
Under the moonlight, Cecilia looked up at the face she had adored for half her life. “Mr. Rainsworth, didn’t we have an agreement?”
The hand that Nathaniel had placed on her face froze as he met meeting her clear, shining eyes.
It seemed as though she could burst into tears any second now.
Nathaniel couldn’t fathom why, but a bitterness welled up within him. He withdrew his hand, rose from the bed, and left the ward without a word.
Once outside, he still couldn’t forget the unfamiliar look in Cecilia’s eyes when she looked at him.
Mr. Rainsworth?
He sat in the car, smoking a cigarette, and dialed Mason’s number. “What day is it today?”
It was two in the morning when Mason was roused from his sleep, only to be met with a question that came out of the blue.
He paused to think, unable to recall any tasks for the day, leaving him with no choice but to get up and check.
There weren’t any collaborative projects today, nor was it any kind of holiday.
By chance, he spotted a trending birthday topic on his computer and realized it was Cecilia’s birthday.
Mason gave Nathaniel a call.
“Mr. Rainsworth, today is Ms. Smith’s birthday.”
When Cecilia married Nathaniel, he had done some homework.
Otherwise, he wouldn’t have known about Cecilia’s birthday.
Nathaniel genuinely hadn’t anticipated it, nor could he recall Cecilia’s birthday.
He finally realized why Cecilia had given him such an attitude and why Calvin had chosen to return last night..
Noticing that Nathaniel had yet to respond, Mason asked, “Mr. Rainsworth, should I prepare a gift?”
Nathaniel only regained his senses when the cigarette singed his fingers.
“No.”
He then hung up the phone.
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Nathaniel spent the entire night seated in the car..
The following day, at the crack of dawn, he knocked and entered Cecilia’s ward.
She could be discharged from the hospital at any time.
“Let’s
- go. I’ll take you somewhere,” Nathaniel said seriously.
Cecilia looked at him, puzzled. “Where are we going?”
“Didn’t you say you wanted to see the kid?”
Suddenly, a sparkle appeared in Cecilia’s eyes.
“Thank you…”
As she voiced her words of gratitude, she felt it was rather abrupt.
Why should she thank the man who had taken her son away?
“You’re welcome,” he responded casually.
The atmosphere in the car had noticeably improved.
At Spring Forest Manor, Elliot’s health condition had stabilized. His days were relatively comfortable, with plenty to eat and drink.
He merely wondered when his despicable father would deign to see him again.
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He remembered that today was Cecilia’s birthday, and he wasn’t sure if Nathaniel would celebrate it with her.
“When will he come to see me again?”
His large eyes were fixed on the nanny.
The nanny wasn’t sure, but after the last time Nathaniel visited and all the commotion that ensued, she suspected he probably wouldn’t want to come again.
“I don’t know.”
Elliot let out a sigh. “Can I give him a call?”
Eating and drinking here every day was becoming too monotonous.
He wanted to give Nathaniel a hard time.
The nanny looked troubled. “I don’t have the authority to call Mr. Rainsworth.”
Fearing the child might not understand, she rephrased her explanation.
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Chapter 164 He Does Not Like Women
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Elliot feigned understanding. “Oh, so next time I should ask him for his phone number and you can save it.”
Save Mr. Rainsworth’s number?
The nanny felt she had found the key to happiness when she thought of Nathaniel’s handsome face and the endless wealth behind him.
“Is that okay?” the nanny asked, brimming with joy.
If she could use Elliot as a stepping stone to win over Nathaniel and become the wife of a wealthy. family, she wouldn’t have to worry about food and clothing in the future.
Elliot hadn’t expected the plump and cherubic girl standing before him to harbor dreams of a life in high society.
In order to make her aware of the harsh realities of the world, he thought it was necessary to wake her up from her naivety.
“I have a secret to share with you.”
The nanny listened attentively.
“What secret?”
“He doesn’t like women.”
The nanny’s eyes were filled with shock.
She never imagined that the esteemed CEO of Rainsworth Group wasn’t into women, but men.
She almost walked right into the lion’s den.
Chapter 165 I Will Take You Home
The nanny could hardly believe it. “Really?”
Elliot nodded mysteriously.
“Why do you think he doesn’t have a wife or children?”
Nathaniel was nearing thirty this year. Not only men from affluent families, but even ordinary men who remained unmarried and childless at thirty were quite rare.
The nanny found it to be quite reasonable.
“Eli, you really know a lot,” she praised.
The two of them were engaged in cheerful banter, oblivious to the fact that Cecilia and Nathaniel had already arrived at Spring Forest Manor.
Cecilia had noted down this place during the journey, with Nathaniel watching her actions. silently.
Even if Cecilia knew about this place, she couldn’t take the child away.
Cecilia swiftly made her way indoors after stepping out of the car.
Upon learning that Nathaniel had arrived with a beautiful woman, the nanny promptly informed Elliot.
The first person who came to Elliot’s mind was Stella when he heard that Nathaniel had brought a woman along.
Aside from seeing her on television, he had never met her before.
Today was the perfect day to meet her.
However, when he was all ready, it was Cecilia who came in.
Upon seeing Cecilia, he, who had remained stoic and never truly shed a tear after arriving here, instantly felt his eyes brimming with tears.
“Mommy…”
Observing Elliot’s pale face, Cecilia hurried over and scooped him up in her arms.
“Eli.”
“Mommy, I miss you so much.”
“I miss you too.”
Cecilia cradled him cautiously in her arms.
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Chapter 165) Will Take You Home
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The nanny standing by didn’t expect that the beautiful woman before her eyes was actually Elliot’s mother.
Elliot was adorable and sensible, and his mother was even more beautiful.
At that moment, Nathaniel was standing at the doorway, taking in the touching scene.
He didn’t say anything. After the nanny left. he gave them some time to be alone.
Inside the house, only Elliot and Cecilia were left.
She closely examined his physical condition. “Have you been feeling unwell lately?”
Elliot shook his head. Tm doing well. I’ve been enjoying good food and drinks every day here.”
Then he lowered his voice and said. “Mommy, this man is really stupid. He gives me whatever I want. Last time, I accidentally peed all over him.”
Cecilia listened in silence, disbelief Bling her eyes.
He peed all over Nathaniel?
“Eli, tell me what happened slowly
Elliot relayed to Cecilia the specifics of how he had completely drenched Nathaniel in urine.
“It was all his fault for scaring me. I thought he was going to kill me. I thought I would never see you again.”
As Elliot spoke, he held Cecilia closer to him.
Cecilia felt particularly heartbroken.
Despite his timidity since childhood. Elliot possessed a keen mind. It was unsurprising that he feared the man might harm him.
Cecilia wondered how scared he must have been, living here all alone during this time.
“It’s all right. Mr. Rainsworth likes you. That’s why he brought you here to play. After a while, I will take you home.” She could only deceive the child.
She had absolutely no clue that Elliot and Jonathan, in reality, were both incredibly intelligent.
“But I was scared of him, so I told him that Mr. Reese is my father. Elliot confessed, fearing that Cecilia would expose his lie. “Mommy, you didn’t tell him that I’m a child without a father, did you? If he finds out, he will surely be mad at us.”
Hearing Elliot confess that he was a child without a father, Cecilia was on the brink of shedding
tears.
She was at a loss for words, unsure of how to explain to the children that they did have a father
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Chapter 166 Threading On Thin Icel
Noticing something was off with Cecilia, Elliot pouted.
“Mommy, did you forget something?”
Cecilia snapped back to reality. “What?”
“You forgot to kiss me.” Elliot gestured toward his own face.
Cecilia immediately planted a kiss on his cheek.
“Feeling better now?”
“Mm!”
The time Cecilia spent with Elliot brought her a warmth she had never experienced before.
All the grievances she had suffered these past few days had dissipated into thin air.
As their time together slipped away, the afternoon approached. Cecilia gave Elliot various reminders and advice.
Unlike his time abroad, he was particularly understanding today, not throwing a tantrum and forbidding her from leaving.
When the time came for Cecilia to return to Tudela, Elliot had put up a fuss, refusing to let her leave. He only relented after much coaxing.
Cecilia always felt that his younger son was no different from ordinary children. Only Jonathan’s intelligence was slightly higher.
During the ride back, Cecilia’s heartache was palpable. She fixated on the rearview mirror, only averting her gaze when the manor had vanished from sight.
Nathaniel sat beside her, initially intending to talk about her birthday, but in the end, he didn’t say a word.
“What would you like to eat later?”
“Anything is fine.”
Cecilia didn’t have much of an appetite.
“All right.”
Nathaniel had the driver drive them to the private restaurant he often frequented.
Throughout the meal, Cecilia hardly ate anything.
Nathaniel had no idea how to celebrate someone’s birthday.
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On the way back, he had someone deliver a cake.
Upon arriving at Daltonia Villa, Cecilia spotted the cake on the dining table.
She was somewhat taken aback.
Nathaniel didn’t utter a word and headed straight to the study.
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At that moment. Cecilia retrieved her phone and discovered a flurry of missed calls from Calvin and Vivian. Her phone had been on silent, leaving her unaware of their attempts to reach her.
Worried that the two of them might be anxious, Cecilia first returned a call to Vivian.
“Finally, you answered your phone. What happened yesterday? Why did you leave? Are you okay
now?”
“Something came up last night, so I had to leave early. My phone was on silent, so I didn’t hear any calls.”
Vivian let out a sigh of relief. “I’m glad you’re all right.”
“Mm.”
After chatting with Vivian for a while, Cecilia called Calvin.
She informed him about the events that had transpired that day.
Calvin replied, “Tell me where Eli is. I’ll have someone bring him out.”
“The security there is pretty tight. It’s not easy to get him out. Also, I’m not pregnant yet. If I take Eli away now, I’m afraid Nathaniel will become even more cautious.”
“All right, once you’ve succeeded, we’ll figure out a way to get Eli out of there.”
Calvin wasn’t sure how long he could stay here.
He had returned under the pretense of managing a domestic project. Once the project was completed, it would be time for him to leave again.
“Okay.”
Cecilia hung up the phone.
She stood on the balcony, taking a deep breath before preparing to wash up and rest.
When she turned around, she saw Nathaniel looking at her with a gaze that seemed to hold profound meaning.
She quickly put away her phone, uncertain if he had heard what she had said.
“Is there something you need?”
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Nathaniel had caught only the word “Okay,” missing whatever she had said before that.
He walked in. “Were you on the phone with Calvin?”
Cecilia didn’t deny it.
“Yeah.”
“Do you know why Calvin came back this time?” Nathaniel suddenly asked.
Cecilia looked at him in confusion. “Why?”
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“He’s treading on thin ice right now. If I were to terminate all his projects, do you think he’d still be alive if he returned?”
Chapter 167 Your Love Is So Cheap
Cecilia’s eyes narrowed slightly.
She had always known that Calvin’s status abroad was not a simple one, but she had never known. what exactly he did.
Oftentimes, she discovered that he would sustain severe injuries.
“Doing something that harms others without benefiting yourself isn’t really your style, is it?” Cecilia feigned calmness..
Nathaniel’s towering figure stood in front of Cecilia.
“From what you’re saying, it seems like you know me well. How do you know that it’s not my style?” His Adam’s apple moved slightly as he spoke.
Cecilia stared right into his eyes. “Isn’t it unprofitable to spend more money on a losing business?”
Nathaniel let out a cold, sarcastic laugh.
“You’re wrong. I never engage in unprofitable business. Sitting in my current position, I know that some business ventures aren’t just about the money.”
Over the years, he had repeatedly suppressed Calvin’s domestic businesses, causing them to struggle.
His ultimate motive was just to vent the resentment in his heart.
If it wasn’t for Calvin, Cecilia wouldn’t have spoken to him like that,
The thought of all this filled Nathaniel with uncontrollable anger.
Cecilia struggled to comprehend Nathaniel’s actions and motivations.
Even after more than a decade of knowing him–whether during their marriage or at present- Cecilia remained unable to fathom Nathaniel.
Likewise, Nathaniel never truly understood her.
It was right for the two of them to part ways.
“Then why would you do that?” she asked.
“To torment him, to make you suffer!” Nathaniel uttered each word deliberately.
Cecilia clenched her fists. She wanted to slap him badly, but she didn’t dare to.
“What have I done to you? Apart from deceiving you into marriage, what else do you recessi for?”
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ater 167 Your Love Is So Cheap
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Nathaniel’s hand gently came to rest on her shoulder. He leaned in close to her ear.” shouldn’t have run. You shouldn’t have lied to me.”
Do you to lost I had been in the years you feigned death?
“You
Cecilia lowered her gaze. “So, you’re saying that I should just let you mistreat me without any resistance, is that it?
A knot formed in Nathaniel’s throat.
“When have I ever mistreated you?”
He believed that he had been nice to Cecilia during their marriage.
“I’ve given you an endless supply of money. What do you want that I haven’t given you, except love?”
He had arranged for Mason to send Cecilia the monthly expenses after they got married.
That sum of money was more than what an average person could spend in several lifetimes.
Money again…
“I’ve never used that money. What I want isn’t those things.” Cecilia murmured in response.
Nathaniel thought she was once again expressing her discontent about not having children.
He leaned down to kiss her.
Startled by the unexpected kiss, Cecilia swirly pulled away.
His lips brushed against her forehead and her face
Unable to contain herself any longer, Cecilia raised her hand, intending to hit him.
Nathaniel swiftly seized her wrist, pulling her into a firm embrace.
*I’ll give you what you want now.”
Cecilia discovered that he was genuinely ill.
Back when she was desperately in love with him, he had declared. “I will never lay a hand on your in this lifetime.”
Yet, he had changed his mind now that she had chosen to leave.
“You have no idea what I want.” Cecilia’s eyes reddened slightly
hamel leaned against her shoulder, breathing heavily. “What do you want? Tell me
Cecilia found herself backed against the wall.
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Chapter 167 Your Love Is So Cheap
“I once yearned for your love. I really desired for you to love me.”
Nathaniel tightened his hold on her. “What about now?”
“I just want to live a good life with Eli now.”
Cecilia yearned for a child, but she couldn’t voice it out.
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Had today been her ovulation period, she would have agreed, but it wasn’t.
Aside from wanting a child, she had no desire to be involved with him physically in any
other
way.
Nathaniel held her hand tightly, wishing he could meld her into his very marrow.
“You once told me you’d only ever love me in this lifetime. Your love is so cheap.”
Chapter 168 Everything Is Ready
Cecilia never anticipated that the love she had for him all these years would be dismissed by him. as cheap.
“Yes, I think it’s not worth it now.”
A vein throbbed on Nathaniel’s forehead. His eyes reddened as he pressed her head against his chest.
Cecilia felt as if she was on the verge of suffocation.
She was breathing heavily.
Nathaniel refused to let her go, wanting to hear her apologize.
Cecilia was stubborn. She simply refused to apologize.
It was just like when she fell in love with someone. She wouldn’t back down until she hit a brick wall.
Now, when she had made up her mind about one thing, she wouldn’t easily apologize.
Cecilia was already in poor health, and his actions only served to weaken her breathing gradually.
Upon realizing that, Nathaniel quickly released her. Without waiting for her to catch her breath, he kissed her again.
Cecilia’s mind was a complete blank.
By the time she came back to her senses, Nathaniel had pretty much undressed her.
Leaning against the icy wall, she pleaded, “Hold on, can we wait a few days?”
“Why?”
Not long ago, he could clearly sense Cecilia’s desires.
Yet now, she rejected him.
After some thought, Cecilia lied, “My period isn’t over yet.”
Upon hearing her words, Nathaniel reluctantly halted, holding her as they lay on the bed.
Cecilia’s tense body slightly relaxed. She hadn’t expected him to believe her.
Nathaniel had calmed down, but he was still holding onto her tightly.
Perhaps due to the exhaustion of the day, it wasn’t long before Cecilia fell asleep. Nathaniel listened to her steady breathing before gently removing her hearing aid.
Chapter 168 Everything Is Ready
He couldn’t seem to fall asleep.
“How could you just get rid of your feelings for me?” he asked softly.
The next day, when Cecilia awoke. Nathaniel was already gone from her side.
+5 Pearls
When she got up to freshen up, she noticed in the mirror that her neck was covered in deep purple marks.
It was all the masterpiece of Nathaniel from last night.
She tried to cover it up with foundation, but it was impossible to hide.
Left with no other choice, she had to switch to a high–collared shirt and let her hair down to
cover up.
After freshening up. Cecilia stepped out to find Nathaniel deeply engrossed in some documents in the living room.
“Let’s go to the office today,” he said.
“I need a break. Cecilia wanted to visit the hospital. She wanted to find out when would be the best time for her to get pregnant.
Nathaniel looked up at her.
“I think it’s better if you go,” he said, his words laden with unspoken implications.
Cecilia could only delay her trip to the hospital.
In truth, her period had already ended. If she waited for six more days, it would be her ovulation. period.
By then, she wanted to get pregnant if she could.
“Let’s go.
then.”
Before heading to the office, Nathaniel sternly insisted that she have breakfast first.
Cecilia had no appetite. However, under his watchful gaze, she managed to finish an entire plate.
of breakfast.
Mason had arrived early at the office. As he looked at Cecilia, he felt a certain awkward. restlessness.
“Mr. Rainsworth, everything is ready.”
Cecilia stood next to Nathaniel, wondering what they were talking about.
When she arrived at the CEO’s office with Nathaniel, she immediately noticed Calvin’s slender figure. He was impeccably dressed in a sharp suit.
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12:25 PM c
Chapter 168 Everything Is Ready
The man bore a stern countenance. His captivating eyes could rival thus of a superstar.
+5 Pearls
When Nathaniel stood with him, they were evenly matched. Neither of them could outshine the other when they were together.
Cecilia’s mind wandered back to Nathaniel’s words from the previous night aboun sabotaging Calvin’s projects in the country.
Chapter 169 Two Peas In A Pod
Calvin immediately noticed Cecilia standing behind Nathaniel. He gave her a reassuring look. then turned his attention back to Nathaniel, extending his hand.
“Mr. Rainsworth, what a pleasure to meet you.”
The anticipated tension was nowhere to be found. Instead, an unexpected sense of gentlemanliness prevailed between them.
Nathaniel shook hands with him.
He then turned to Cecilia and said, “This is my wife, Cecilia.”
As he pledged his devotion, he drew Cecilia into his arms, encircling her waist.
Cecilia wanted to pull away from his grasp.
Despite her efforts, he tightened his grip even more, refusing to release her hand, even when she scratched him hard enough to draw blood.
His expression remained as calm as ever.
Calvin observed everything unfold and didn’t show any signs of surprise. “There’s no need for introductions. Ceci and I are childhood friends, I understand her even better than you do, Mr. Rainsworth.”
Ceci… How endearing.
He understands her even better than I do?
Nathaniel turned to look back at Cecilia with brooding eyes.
“Darling, how come you never mentioned this childhood friend of yours?”
He gripped her tightly. She felt as if he was about to squeeze the life out of her waist.
She felt a bitter sorrow in her heart. It was only in moments like these that he would deign to call her his wife.
No man wished to lose to another, even if that other was a woman.
“Perhaps you’ve forgotten,” she replied softly.
The Nathaniel of the past didn’t care what she said or what kind of friends she had. Naturally, he had no idea about Calvin.
“In that case, once I’m done discussing business with Mr. Reese, you guys can catch up on old
times.
“That won’t be necessary.” Cecilia understood the sarcasm in his words and instinctively rejected
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arin
Chapter 155 Two Peas in A Pod
he
the after.
Nathaniel drew closer to her, deliberately displaying affectional berring his voice, he asked you don’t see him now, what if you meet him behind ny back in thed Guture?
Clocititia gazed at him coldly.
Witeen Nathaniel met her gaze, clear and cold as ice, a shiver ran throughli his heart.
Héquicchiaverted his gaze.
Calvin 100hlian their interactions, enduring the resentment and anger that welled up within heart
Cecilia was indeed still married to Nathaniel, and he was just her childhood friend!
Nathaniel lector Cecilia and went to the conference room with Calvin.
Cecilia’s waist hurt
Mason had somecoped brather a glass of water.
“Ms. Smith, why punyoonsshif through this?”
Cecilia looked at humurecseng, What do you mean by that? What did I do wrong this time
Mason was inomentarily summedd.
“I think you should focus on livingood life with Mr. Rainsworth, instead of doing things beneath your dignity for other reenWhat if the other members of the Rainsworth family fir out about your complicated relationship with Calvin? What would happen to Mr. Rainswort reputation?”
Live a good life with Mr. Rainsworth…
Mr. Rainsworth’s reputation….
ป
Have they ever thought about me?
Nathaniel once acted as if I were invisible, treating math cold indifference. He was involved with ot women, and his words constantly hurt me. Henver filled his responsibilities as a husband.
I was bullied by those around him, yet he never once cometomycald.
Now, he wants me to live a good life with him… and consider his reputation…
I used to sacrifice my own freedom to work outside, all for the sake of his reputation and dignity.
“You and your boss are really two peas in a pod.”
it
Nathaniel took me to see Calvin today without telling me the reasona
12:25 PM
Chapter 169 Two Peas In A Pod
A now Mason is demanding so much from me…
Mason tiitin’t understand why Cecilia had said that..
He was amply offering friendly advice.
-5 Pea
After aill. Nathaniel had mellowed out. This was what Cecilia had been waiting in all along.
“Ms. Smith, sometimes it’s wise not to push your luck. If pushed too far, things mightbecome irrepamtile
Chapter 170 Came Back To Life
What Mason meant was that it was acceptable for Cecilia to throw tantrums for the time being.
However, if this behavior persisted, there would inevitably come a day when Nathaniel would grow tired of it. When that day came, it would be truly impossible for them to stay together.
Cecilia was no fool. She could discern the underlying meaning in his words.
“Mr. Sanders, may I ask if you have a girlfriend? Or are you married?”
Beneath his golden–rimmed glasses, Mason’s eyes glimmered. “I have a fiancée.”
Whenever he thought about his fiancée, he felt somewhat helpless.
Though the two met through a blind date and fell in love, the woman was quite immature, often losing her temper.
Because of his work commitments, he stood her up, leading her to consider calling off the wedding.
She treated marriage as if it were a game.
“She must really like you, right?”
Like Nathaniel, Mason was utterly inconsiderate, treating others with cold indifference.
If his fiancée didn’t like him, she probably wouldn’t have agreed to marry him.
“We’re compatible, but it’s not like we’re in love,” Mason responded.
“I hope you can always maintain this stance in the future.”
With that, Cecilia lowered her head to attend to her own work.
Mason didn’t understand what she meant by that, and he didn’t continue the conversation.
After he left the CEO’s office, he picked up his phone. He saw a message from his fiancée that read: Working late again. It’s always the same, Why don’t you marry your company? I don’t want to be with you anymore.
Mason’s temples throbbed intensely.
“Here we go again. Just keep making a fuss.”
If she doesn’t want to get married, fine..
It’s not like I can’t find another woman.
If I had known she was so immature, I wouldn’t have wasted my time dating her.
12:26 PM c
Chapter 170 Came Back To Life
+5 Pearls
After Nathaniel and Calvin headed to the conference room, they didn’t emerge until noon.
Both individuals kept their conversation private, leaving no one aware of what they discussed or how the discussion went.
Cecilia was quite worried about Calvin.
In the country. Nathaniel wielded absolute power. Many of his projects had been making no progress.
As soon as Calvin emerged, he found her.
“Come on, let’s go grab something to eat together.
Yesterday was her birthday, and he deeply regretted that he couldn’t spend it with her.
Cecilia glanced over his shoulders.
“Don’t worry.” Calvin said, understanding her concerns. “Nathaniel is busy with his work. Besides, didn’t he ask you to keep me company?
“Okay.”
Cecilia quickly packed up her things and left the office with Calvin.
As soon as they left, the secretaries outside the CEO’s office began whispering among themselves.
“Who exactly is this Ms. Smith? She works in Mr. Rainsworth’s office, yet she’s also seen with. other bosses.”
Most of them had been hired within the recent years.
Nathaniel had high expectations of those around him. Aside from Mason, no one else had been able to remain by his side for long
However, some seniors with more experience knew Cecilia.
The woman held her hands in front of her, a look of disdain on her face. “You don’t know her? She’s Mr. Rainsworth’s ex–wife.”
As soon as she spoke, the surroundings fell into an instant silence.
“Didn’t Mr. Rainsworth’s ex–wife pass away?”
“But she somehow came back to life. All right, enough chatter. Let’s get back to work.”
The woman waved her hand dismissively.
She carried out her duties with a professional demeanor.
Deep down, however, she hated Cecilia immensely.
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Chapter 170 Came Back To Life
+5 Pearls
How could a woman who was hard of hearing, who now lacked any status or background, and had nothing to her name possibly be worthy of Nathaniel?
Those who aspired to be Nathaniel’s secretary were individuals with clean backgrounds and extensive experience.
Upon exiting the conference room, Nathaniel learned that Cecilia had gone out with Calvin.
He didn’t get angry; instead, he had his bodyguard send him their location.
