Chapter 157: Love or Compatibility

Cecilia stepped out of her bedroom in her slippers, noticing Nathaniel's absence.

“When will she come over?”

“Ten this morning,” Vivian replied.

“All right; I’m on my way.”

After hanging up, Cecilia sent Nathaniel a text, informing him she was going to Vivian’s. A visit with Jonathan that evening was a possibility. Although only a few days had passed since their last meeting, it felt like an eternity to Cecilia. She wondered how he was.

Meanwhile, Elite Club was unusually quiet. Zachary, having slept poorly, had been summoned for a drink.

“Nathaniel, why are you drinking so early? You have no idea how busy I’ve been.” Zachary hadn’t even removed his lab coat.

Nathaniel observed his friend’s nonchalant demeanor. “Why so busy? You’re not married like Darren.”

“You have a wife; what are you doing here?” Zachary retorted.

Nathaniel visibly faltered. Zachary quickly changed the subject.

“I’ve been intensely studying medicine lately. The number of surgeries I’ve performed these past few days is unbelievable.” He omitted his secret investigation into Vivian, his curiosity about their intertwined past, and the existence of their child—a past he couldn't recall. Nathaniel's swift transformation surprised him.

“Why?”

“What do you mean, ‘why’?”

“Didn’t you once say you’d rather die than become a doctor?”

Zachary raised his wine glass, concealing his expression. “I was young and naive. Medicine is a decent choice; I can heal and save people.” He withheld the truth: Cecilia’s hearing impairment and nosebleeds fueled his intense studies, his desire to help her live a normal life. This was all he could do for her.

Nathaniel sensed Zachary’s reticence and didn’t press. He checked his phone; Cecilia’s text message, which he initially assumed was an apology, revealed she was going to Vivian's.

Zachary leaned in. “Cecilia checking in on you?”

Nathaniel’s lips barely moved. “She’s going to her best friend’s.”

“Oh. Vivian?” Zachary asked after a pause.

“Right.”

“My father’s been pushing me to see her.”

Nathaniel raised an eyebrow. “You don’t like her?”

“Not my type,” Zachary replied.

Nathaniel advised, “When choosing a wife, love isn’t everything. Compatibility is key.”

“Do you think Cecilia’s right for you?” Zachary asked.

After a long silence, Nathaniel replied, “She used to be.”

“And now? Is she unsuitable?”

Nathaniel remained silent, finishing his wine.

Zachary was disappointed. As Nathaniel prepared to leave, he asked, “Nathaniel, can you find happiness without love?”

Nathaniel looked puzzled. “If you’re unhappy, end things. It’s better for both of you.”

He was unlike Nathaniel. He needed love in a wife; settling for suitability would bring him no happiness.

In his car, Nathaniel pondered Zachary’s words, then glanced at Cecilia’s text. After a long pause, he replied: Okay.