Chapter 13: Only Love

Cecilia had proven, despite her disability, that she could play the piano, dance, and sing as well as anyone. She was in no way inferior. These news reports had been a beacon of hope for Calvin, strengthening him during his darkest days. As Calvin recounted his own achievements, Cecilia almost forgot her former self. After he escorted her home, she offered a small, grateful smile. "Thank you," she said softly. "I almost forgot who I used to be."

Noticing her fragility, Calvin took her to dinner, carefully avoiding any mention of her marriage. After settling in, Cecilia realized mid-May, the date of her and Nathaniel's finalized divorce, was only days away. Remembering her promise to Paula, she visited the graveyard. At her father's tombstone, gazing at his photograph, a sob caught in her throat. "Dad, I miss you so much."

A gentle breeze caressed her cheek, bringing a bittersweet sting to her nose. "Dad, you'd be mad at me for coming, wouldn't you?" she whispered, gently removing fallen leaves from the tombstone. "I know I should be strong, but… I'm sorry…" After a long while, she left, buying an urn and visiting a photography studio. Under curious gazes, she had a black-and-white photograph taken. On the way back, lost in thought, her reverie was broken by a ringing phone—Martha. "How have you been, Ceci?" Martha's gentle voice asked. Cecilia forced a smile. "I've been doing well."

Martha sighed in relief, then scolded her lightly. "Who told you to secretly send me money? I didn't use it—I saved it for you. If you ever want to start a business…" Over the years, Cecilia had secretly sent Martha money, and the simple country woman had saved every penny. Listening to Martha's concern, tears welled up. "Martha, could you pick me up and take me home like you used to when I was little?" Cecilia asked, her voice trembling. Martha was puzzled. Cecilia repeated, "On the fifteenth, I'd like you to take me home."

Martha, though unsure why she had to wait, agreed. "All right, on the fifteenth, I will come and take you home."

The hospital had repeatedly contacted Cecilia for a follow-up, but she politely declined. She had decided to leave and didn't want to spend more money on treatment. She checked her account; over a hundred thousand remained—money intended for Martha's retirement. Relentless rain had marked her days in Tudela. Calvin, visiting often, noticed her hearing impairment worsening. She frequently didn't hear his knocks, and often needed to read his lips. "Ceci, there are fireworks by the river in two days. Do you want to go?" he asked. It took a moment, but she replied, "All right."

In Tudela, riverside fireworks every Saturday were tradition; couples who watched them together, it was said, would never part. Cecilia had once tried to see them with Nathaniel, but he had refused. On Saturday, Cecilia and Calvin watched the eight o'clock fireworks. Boom! Dazzling fireworks lit the sky, their beauty fleeting. Cecilia gazed upward, tears brimming. "Calvin, thank you. I felt happy today."

Calvin, looking at her frail form, sensed her happiness wasn't genuine. "I'll be staying in Tudela this year. We can watch the fireworks together every week," he offered. Cecilia couldn't make that promise. Half an hour later, the show ended. She declined his offer to walk her home, preferring to walk alone along the riverbank. The bustling streets, despite the crowd, seemed to offer a glimpse of Nathaniel. Closer inspection revealed it wasn't him; since their separation, she often mistook others for him. At a crossroads, waiting for the light, she saw an entertainment news segment on a large screen. Stella was being interviewed. The reporter asked, "Stella, you mentioned returning to win back your first love. Have you achieved your wish?" Stella neither confirmed nor denied it, saying only, "At eight o'clock tonight, he and I watched the fireworks over Tudela together."

This was an undeniable announcement. As Cecilia crossed the street, a song dedicated to Stella played—Only Love. Only Love… In my entire life, I’ve only ever loved Nathaniel. How did I come to like him? She recalled an afternoon ten years earlier, returning home alone, seeing Nathaniel next door in a white shirt. She remembered his intervention after she was bullied at school, feeling like divine intervention. Their parents had teased them about marrying each other… So many memories. Yet, she still didn't understand why she'd fallen for Nathaniel.

Nathaniel, meanwhile, hadn't seen the news. After work, he checked his phone—no messages from Cecilia. His eyes darkened. He switched off his phone and tossed it aside. Mason knocked. "Mr. Rainsworth, we've found out. The man's name is Calvin Reese, and he appears to have been Cecilia's childhood friend."

To Nathaniel's understanding, he'd always been Cecilia's childhood sweetheart. Mason explained Calvin was someone Cecilia knew from the countryside, before she met Nathaniel. Nathaniel thought of the man with charming eyes, his brows furrowing. "Mr. Rainsworth, Mr. Sinclair is waiting," Mason said. Nathaniel instructed, "Tell him I'm busy today."

Mason was surprised; Mr. Rainsworth had recently spent evenings with Mr. Sinclair and their wealthy friends. Nathaniel took the executive elevator to the underground parking and drove to Cecilia's motel. She had moved out days before. Agitation surged. He pulled out his phone, about to call Cecilia, when it rang—Stella. "What's the matter?"

"Nathaniel, I heard from Cecilia's mother that Cecilia is planning to get married," Stella said. Nathaniel's dark eyes narrowed.