Chapter 168 Everything Is Ready
Cecilia never imagined that her years of love would be dismissed as cheap. “Yes, I think it’s not worth it now,” Nathaniel said, a vein throbbing in his forehead. His eyes reddened as he pressed her head against his chest. Cecilia felt suffocated, breathing heavily. Nathaniel refused to release her, demanding an apology. Stubborn, she refused. Just as she wouldn't back down in love, she wouldn't apologize easily now. Her poor health worsened under his pressure; her breathing grew shallow. Realizing this, Nathaniel quickly released her, kissing her again before she could catch her breath. Cecilia's mind went blank. By the time she regained her senses, Nathaniel had almost undressed her. Leaning against the cold wall, she pleaded, “Hold on, can we wait a few days?” “Why?” he asked. Recently, he’d sensed her desire; now, she resisted. Cecilia lied, “My period isn’t over yet.” Hearing this, Nathaniel reluctantly stopped, holding her as they lay on the bed. Cecilia relaxed slightly, surprised he believed her. Nathaniel had calmed, but held her tightly. Exhausted, Cecilia soon fell asleep. Nathaniel listened to her steady breathing before gently removing her hearing aid.
He couldn't sleep. “How could you just get rid of your feelings for me?” he whispered.
The next morning, Cecilia awoke to find Nathaniel gone. Freshening up, she saw deep purple marks on her neck in the mirror—Nathaniel's handiwork from the previous night. Foundation couldn't hide them, so she wore a high-collared shirt and let her hair down. Afterward, she found Nathaniel engrossed in documents. “Let’s go to the office today,” he said.
“I need a break,” Cecilia replied. She wanted to visit the hospital to determine the best time to conceive. Nathaniel looked up. “I think it’s better if you go,” he said, his words implying more. Cecilia delayed her visit; her period had ended, and ovulation was six days away. She wanted to conceive then. “Let’s go, then.”
Before leaving for the office, Nathaniel insisted she eat breakfast. Despite having no appetite, she finished a full plate under his gaze.
Mason arrived early at the office, his restlessness palpable as he looked at Cecilia. “Mr. Rainsworth, everything is ready,” he announced. Cecilia, standing beside Nathaniel, wondered what they discussed. Arriving at the CEO's office, she saw Calvin, impeccably dressed. His stern countenance and captivating eyes were striking. He and Nathaniel were evenly matched, neither outshining the other. Cecilia's mind drifted back to Nathaniel’s previous night's words about sabotaging Calvin’s projects.