Chapter 113: Chose to Delude Himself

“I’m sorry.”

Mason had always been circumspect. He cautioned Nathaniel only to prevent future regrets. Over the past four or five years since Cecilia’s disappearance, he knew Nathaniel better than anyone. Nathaniel didn't blame him and returned home after Mason left.

At that moment, Cecilia received a call from Vivian. Vivian had been released from custody the previous night.

“Ceci, did you see Nathaniel?” Vivian sensed something was amiss; she’d called Cecilia the previous night, but there was no answer.

“Yes, I spoke with him yesterday,” Cecilia admitted.

“Did he give you a hard time?” Vivian asked anxiously.

“No.”

Seeing Nathaniel enter, Cecilia said, “I’ll talk to you later,” and ended the call.

Nathaniel asked, “Who called?”

“My friend, Vivian.”

Cecilia stood, looking at him. “Where’s Eli? I need to see him. His health is poor; he needs a doctor.”

“There’s a medical team with him.” He was refusing her request.

“He’s my son, and I must see him!”

Cecilia knew pleading was futile if he was adamant. Truthfully, she was terrified. She feared Nathaniel might not believe her and order a paternity test with Elliot, revealing her lie and Elliot's true parentage.

“Stay home, and I’ll ensure you see him. Anything else you want to say besides that?”

Cecilia looked at him, puzzled.

“What have you been doing abroad all these years? And why did you return?”

Nathaniel was most perplexed by her appearance at the charity auction and subsequent work with Rainsworth Group. He didn't believe in coincidences; lies required more lies to maintain.

“As I said, I wanted a new life. As for returning…” Cecilia met his gaze. “Would you believe me if I said it was resentment? I couldn’t accept sacrificing so much for you, only to be ignored. So, I returned to see your attitude.”

She reasoned only this explanation might convince him; she believed he was self-absorbed, certain she’d never leave him, let alone fall for another.

Nathaniel’s eyes were scrutinizing. “That’s all?”

“Yes.” Cecilia nodded.

Nathaniel’s heart sank. It wasn’t her words, but the look in her eyes. Years in business had honed his ability to detect deception, yet he saw no resentment.

Nathaniel’s throat tightened. “Let’s not dwell on the past. Let’s live in peace from now on.”

He left. He chose to delude himself.

Though Nathaniel kept Cecilia at Daltonia Villa, he didn’t restrict her. She could leave at any time. After she departed, Sven’s car emerged from a hidden spot.

“Ms. Smith, are you alright?” Sven asked, concerned. He hadn't heard what transpired.

Cecilia nodded. “Yes, I’m fine.”

“Returning to Ninth Ville?” Sven asked.

“Take me to Vivian’s.”

“Okay.”

Sven drove. Cecilia gazed out the window, her mind replaying the previous night’s events.