Chapter 131: At the Bar

Overwhelmed by emotion, Cecilia sought solace at a bar, finding temporary respite in the bottom of a glass. Only in her inebriation could she momentarily forget her troubles.

Meanwhile, Nathaniel spent over an hour in a cold shower before the drug's effects subsided. Stepping out in his bathrobe, he discovered Cecilia was gone. He learned from her bodyguard that she had gone to a bar alone.

Inside, Cecilia was sipping her drink when a tall figure obscured the light before her. Dazed, she looked up to see Nathaniel's handsome face.

"Why are you here?" she asked, her breath heavy with alcohol.

Nathaniel frowned. "When did you learn to drink?" He noted the many empty glasses on the counter, a stark contrast to her past, when a single drink sufficed to intoxicate her.

Cecilia, surprised by his observation, feigned nonchalance. "I believe it was two years after we got married." She admitted that during times when Nathaniel was absent, alcohol had numbed her pain.

A tightness constricted Nathaniel's throat. He realized he had never truly understood her. He snatched the wine glass from her hand, tossing it aside. "Let's go home."

Cecilia's eyes misted. The night air carried a chill as she staggered to her feet. Before she had taken more than a few steps, Nathaniel swept her into his arms. Suspended in mid-air, she instinctively clung to him.

Ignoring her earlier words, Nathaniel strode forward, declaring, "You're not allowed to drink alcohol in the future."

Nestled in his arms, Cecilia didn't respond. Nathaniel placed her in the car and instructed the driver to leave.

At midnight, rain began to fall, chilling the air. Lightly dressed, Cecilia shivered, huddled in her seat. Nathaniel immediately pulled her close to warm her. "Summer hasn't even ended," he mused, "Why are you so cold?"

Leaning against Nathaniel's shoulder, the alcohol's effects intensified, bringing a surge of past regrets. "Nathaniel," she murmured, "I suddenly remember our wedding day."

Nathaniel stiffened.

She continued, "Other brides were carried from the car. I had to walk alone."

A heaviness settled upon his heart. "You remember these things clearly."

Cecilia's expression was serene, yet her eyes held self-mockery. "Perhaps people only remember the bad..."

Nathaniel tightened his grip on her hand. "You're drunk."

"I'm not drunk. I'm perfectly lucid," Cecilia countered, gazing at his jawline. "You're a remarkable man, but not a great husband. I hope one day you'll abandon your prejudices and set me free. Perhaps then we could be friends."

Friends? Nathaniel thought. Two hours ago, she was seducing me. Now, drunk, she wants friendship? A sharp pain pierced him as he recalled her university confession of love. He had been the one to suggest friendship then. Her response had been, "Love is selfish. It's about possession. If you won't be my boyfriend, I won't be your friend! If you can't be my man, I'd rather treat you as if you're dead."

His gaze drifted to the dark night outside. His eyes reddened.

"You want to be friends with me?" he asked, his voice deep.

Cecilia nodded. "Yes."