Chapter 167: Your Love Is So Cheap

Cecilia’s eyes narrowed. She had always known Calvin’s foreign activities were complex, but their exact nature remained a mystery. She often learned of his severe injuries.

“Doing something that harms others without personal gain isn't your style, is it?” Cecilia feigned calmness. Nathaniel's imposing figure loomed before her.

“Your words suggest intimate knowledge. How do you know that's not my style?” His Adam's apple bobbed.

Cecilia met his gaze. “Isn't it unprofitable to invest further in a failing venture?”

Nathaniel emitted a cold, sarcastic laugh. “Wrong. I never engage in unprofitable ventures. From my position, some endeavors transcend mere profit.”

Over the years, he had systematically undermined Calvin's domestic businesses, crippling them, fueled purely by resentment. If not for Calvin, Cecilia wouldn't have addressed him so directly. This realization ignited uncontrollable anger within him.

Cecilia struggled to understand Nathaniel's actions and motivations. Even after over a decade—both during their marriage and now—she couldn't fathom him. Likewise, he never truly understood her. Their separation seemed inevitable.

“Then why did you do it?” she asked.

“To torment him, to make you suffer!” Nathaniel enunciated each word.

Cecilia clenched her fists, the urge to slap him overwhelming, yet she hesitated. “What have I done to you? Besides deceiving you into marriage, what else do you resent?”

Nathaniel's hand gently rested on her shoulder. Leaning close, he whispered, “You shouldn't have run. You shouldn't have lied to me. Do you know what I endured during your feigned death?”

Cecilia lowered her gaze. “So, you believe I should endure your mistreatment without resistance?”

A knot tightened in Nathaniel's throat. “When have I mistreated you?” He genuinely believed he had been kind during their marriage. “I gave you endless money. What haven't I given you, except love?” He'd arranged for Mason to send Cecilia substantial monthly expenses—a sum exceeding what most people spend in a lifetime.

“Money again…” Cecilia murmured. “I’ve never used that money. What I want isn't those things.”

Nathaniel assumed she was again lamenting their lack of children. He leaned to kiss her. Startled, Cecilia pulled away. His lips brushed her forehead and cheek.

Unable to restrain herself, Cecilia raised her hand to strike him. Nathaniel swiftly caught her wrist, pulling her into a firm embrace. “I’ll give you what you want now.”

She discovered he was genuinely ill. Once, when deeply in love, he’d declared, “I will never lay a hand on you in this lifetime.” Yet, her departure had altered his resolve.

“You have no idea what I want,” Cecilia said, her eyes slightly reddened.

Nathaniel leaned against her, breathing heavily. “What do you want? Tell me.” Cecilia found herself backed against the wall.

“I once yearned for your love. I truly desired your love.”

Nathaniel tightened his embrace. “What about now?”

“I just want to live a good life with Eli now.” Cecilia yearned for a child, but couldn’t articulate it. Had it been her ovulation period, she might have agreed to intimacy, but it wasn’t. Beyond a child, she desired no further physical involvement with him.

Nathaniel held her hand tightly, wishing to absorb her completely. “You once told me you’d only ever love me. Your love is so cheap.”