Chapter 143: Used To It
Amidst the surprised stares of the crowd, Nathaniel walked toward the door, stopping as he passed Darren.
“What did she say to you earlier?”
Darren recounted Cecilia’s words. Without further inquiry, Nathaniel quickly left.
Shortly after, one of his friends informed Stella about Nancy. Stella, preoccupied with managing online public opinion and suppressing a trending topic, learned a woman was attempting to associate herself with Nathaniel. Her eyes instantly chilled.
“Thank you for letting me know.”
She immediately made a phone call. “There’s a woman named Nancy at Elite Club. Teach her a lesson.” Who did that girl think she was, competing with her for Nathaniel? A nobody like her, so brazen! Stella, no longer the impoverished girl of the past, now wielded considerable influence.
Nathaniel returned to Daltonia Villa to find the living room dark. He switched on the lights; the purchases on the table confirmed her return. He saw three bags filled with clothing. He examined them more closely and realized the clothes were men's. His eyes narrowed.
He ascended the stairs and noticed Cecilia's bedroom door ajar, a faint light spilling out. He gently opened the door to find Cecilia, in a pale gown, sitting on the balcony couch, gazing vacantly at the moon. Her expression was unreadable. She seemed to blend with the night, like a painting. Nathaniel stared, dazed, before snapping back to reality.
When Cecilia turned, there was a hint of redness in her eyes. Expecting her usual distress and questions, he was surprised by her remarkable calm.
“I went to Elite Club earlier. Neither you nor your friend wanted me to join you, so I came home alone.”
Cecilia stood, barefoot, approaching him. “I’m tired and want to rest. If you have nothing else to say, please leave.”
Nathaniel remained, staring at her peaceful face. “Did you really go shopping today?” If they had only been on the commercial street, the bodyguards couldn’t have lost track of them. Cecilia knew he wouldn’t believe her.
“Thanks for agreeing to the terms of the agreement today. I also bought you some clothes.”
Nathaniel hadn’t expected this. His mind insisted she was lying, yet, meeting her gaze, he suppressed his doubts.
After a silence, he said, “Don’t take what you heard earlier seriously.” It was his first offer of comfort, but Cecilia felt little better. She clenched her hands, forcing a smile.
“I know. I’m used to it.”
Used to it? A lump formed in Nathaniel’s throat. He wanted to explain but found himself unable to speak.
Cecilia remained unconcerned. “Don’t worry, I’ll pay you back soon. Once your concerns are settled, everything will be fine.”
Nathaniel didn’t know how he’d managed to leave. Back in his room, he felt profoundly uneasy. Her indifference was a stark contrast to her former self.
Nathaniel couldn’t sleep. He sat on his balcony, his gaze drifting towards Cecilia’s room. He never imagined their relationship would become this.
On the other side of the wall, Cecilia was also sleepless. Despite summer, she slept under a blanket. Whenever she closed her eyes, mockery echoed in her mind. She touched her car, feeling warm liquid. Wiping away fresh blood with a tissue, she took medicine, then clutched Elliot and Jonathan’s stuffed toys, drifting into a light sleep. Nathaniel, as promised, did not come.