Chapter 110 Blood Trickling Out
“Did you enjoy playing me for a fool? Was it Calvin who taught you?” Nathaniel's voice was sharp, his eyes bloodshot.
Outside, the rain fell heavily, a cacophony of sound. Cecilia felt a dampness in her ears, a low rumble echoing the storm. She no longer pretended amnesia. “I only wanted to say goodbye to the past and begin a new life.”
Nathaniel chuckled, his grip on her wrist tightening as he closed the distance. “Bidding farewell to the past requires faking your death? Did you consider my feelings?”
His other hand cupped her cheek, revealing her trembling. “You’re afraid of me?”
Cecilia bit her lip, the metallic taste of blood filling her mouth before she whispered, “Please give me back my child, Nathaniel. He’s not yours. He’s my son with Calvin. Please, return him.”
When Nathaniel heard Cecilia confirm the child wasn't his, a taut string in his mind snapped. “If I’m not mistaken, you were with him barely a month after our divorce, yes? You fell for him and faked your death for his sake? Where is my son?”
His bloodshot eyes glared, his grip on her wrists tightening. Cecilia felt her hands might break. But compared to the potential loss of Elliot, this pain was insignificant.
“Haven’t I already told you? I lost him.” Cecilia’s voice was hoarse. “Do you remember the second time you forced yourself on me? I was already pregnant. It was you who ended his life.” She hoped this confession, this admission of her own despicable actions, would compel him to return her child.
Utter shock filled Nathaniel’s eyes. “Say that again.” In that instant, all rationality fled. He tossed her onto the bed, pinning her beneath him.
“What are you doing?” As Nathaniel’s sanity slipped, Cecilia’s nerves frayed. His voice was icy. “Do you think I’d believe a habitual liar?”
Tears streamed down Cecilia’s face. Her hope for his conscience had vanished. “I despise you.”
Nathaniel paused, but didn't stop. Cecilia struggled, only to hear his sneering reply, “It’s fine for Calvin to touch you, but not me? We’re legally married.”
Cecilia ceased struggling, staring blankly at the ceiling. “When have you ever acknowledged me as your wife? You’re truly heartless, Nathaniel…”
Nathaniel listened silently. His hand rested lightly on her cheek as he lowered his voice. “Since you ran away, why return? And why invest in Rainsworth Group’s project?”
Time blurred. All Cecilia heard was a roaring sound. She felt blood trickling from her ear. Nathaniel’s fingers brushed against something sticky. He saw the blood staining her ear.
“Damn it!” He scooped her up and rushed to the underground parking, speeding to the hospital. Cecilia, unaware of his sudden anxiety or destination, felt only the unusual quiet.
“Where are you taking me, Nathaniel?”
Before he could answer, she fainted. At the hospital, the doctor diagnosed a recurring condition. He stopped the bleeding and prescribed medication. He explained, “It’s likely from excessive physical activity. Her ears are unusually susceptible to bleeding.”
After the doctor left, Nathaniel returned, seemingly composed. Cecilia lay pale, her eyes lifeless. Nathaniel approached slowly.
“Why didn’t you tell me your illness recurred?”
Cecilia didn’t answer, turning to him with vacant eyes. “Where’s Elliot, Nathaniel?”
“He’s safe. As long as you stay at Daltonia Villa, he’ll be fine.” Nathaniel’s expression mirrored her own weariness. His fever had broken, but his cold persisted.
Cecilia lowered her gaze. “I don’t understand. You dislike me. Why keep me at Daltonia Villa?”
Nathaniel’s eyes shimmered. “Because it’s what you owe me!”