Chapter 139: The Agreement

“You’re back?”

Cecilia closed the piano lid and stood. Nathaniel, tall and slender, leaned against the doorway. “Why did you stop playing?” he asked.

He’d been consumed by work, oblivious to her talent until Magnus’s visit. He remembered venting his anger at Magnus onto Cecilia, belittling her performance. Afterward, she’d avoided the music room, never playing again. At the time, he hadn’t considered it significant.

“I didn’t want to bother you,” Cecilia said. “I’ve prepared the agreement; would you like to review it?”

His recent trip had nearly erased the agreement from his mind.

“Right.”

They walked side by side. Nathaniel remarked, “You play quite well. What’s the piece called? I’ve never heard it before.”

Cecilia was startled. “You haven’t?” She’d composed the melody in school, playing it specifically for him.

Nathaniel stopped, his gaze intense. “Should I have?”

Cecilia, assuming he’d forgotten, shook her head. “It’s a piece I wrote in high school; I never released it.”

Hearing she’d composed it, Nathaniel regarded her with newfound respect. His wife was incredibly talented.

He walked ahead, leaving Cecilia lost in thought, watching his retreating figure. His demeanor suggested he truly hadn't heard the piece before. She found it odd but didn't dwell on it. He was incredibly busy; how could he possibly remember a single song from years ago?

Back in their room, Cecilia presented her handwritten agreement. “Take a look. If there are no issues, I’ll print it, and we can sign.”

Nathaniel glanced at it. The terms stipulated mutual respect; physical intimacy required consent; violation meant immediate separation. During the contract period, he was responsible for Elliot's care; upon full repayment, Elliot was to be returned to her, and they would divorce. Essentially, they would live together, but he couldn't touch her. Any physical contact entitled her to leave with Elliot. Her debt repaid, her freedom would be restored. She was determined to leave.

Nathaniel, brow furrowed, looked at Cecilia. “All right.” He wanted to see if she would abide by the agreement.

Cecilia hadn't expected such ready agreement. “I’ll print it then.”

After printing two copies, Nathaniel signed first, then Cecilia. Each kept a copy.

“I hope you keep your promise,” she said.

“Same goes for you,” Nathaniel retorted, slightly annoyed.

“Don’t worry,” Cecilia said. This agreement was a tactic; she aimed to make him crave what he couldn't have. I wonder if this will work?

Nathaniel sat quietly. After Cecilia left, he shredded the agreement. Agreements didn't matter; only his acknowledgement counted. He was curious about Cecilia's next move.