Chapter 194: Their First Embrace

Under the gentle light, Cecilia gazed at the familiar face, speechless. Nathaniel lowered his head, kissing her forehead. Cecilia’s hand, resting on the blanket, tightened subtly.

“I was a bit tired today. I don’t feel like it,” she murmured.

Nathaniel paused, holding her close, silent. Cecilia leaned into his embrace, feeling the strong rhythm of his heartbeat.

“Nathaniel…”

“Hmm?”

“Do you still remember our first embrace?” Cecilia asked.

The question brought back their wedding night—a stark contrast to her father's recent passing. He'd pulled her away then, and he wasn't sure why she'd asked now, almost suspecting a reprimand. “What happened in the past, won’t happen again,” he said, his way of admitting a past mistake.

Cecilia looked up, confused. Their first embrace had occurred years earlier, during her school days. He’d braved a rainstorm to rescue her from bullies. How could he say it wouldn't happen again?

In a low voice, Cecilia confessed, “I think it was then that I started to fall for you, so very deeply…”

Despite her words, Nathaniel sensed something was amiss. He’d been certain of her love when they married. Why this hesitant admission? Her confusion deepened as she continued, “I thought you were amazing back then. I always felt unworthy, never imagining I could become your wife.”

Nathaniel’s Adam’s apple bobbed. He, too, hadn’t envisioned marrying her. When he first saw her, a petite ten-year-old, she possessed the most captivating smile.

“We can start over now,” Nathaniel suggested, a compulsion urging him forward.

Cecilia gazed at him intently. “Can we really?”

Abroad, she’d often dreamt of a regretful Nathaniel, begging her return and promising better treatment. But these were just dreams.

Before she could respond, the doorbell rang—room service with their dinner. During the meal, their conversation shifted, unknowingly avoiding the earlier tension.

That night, after the lights dimmed, Nathaniel naturally pulled her into his embrace, whispering, “Ceci.” Cecilia, having removed her hearing aid, couldn't hear him clearly.

She fell asleep to a strange dream, feeling like a small boat adrift. Awakening, Nathaniel was gone. Sunlight streamed in, the wind gently moving the curtains.

After dressing, she saw a message from Vivian regarding Stella’s apology and the foreign assistant's message about compensation. Putting away her phone, Cecilia stepped outside to find Nathaniel, in a black trench coat, beneath a large banyan tree. He approached, carrying something.

It was two simple breakfasts—spaghetti bread, a Sparaville specialty—items he would have previously ignored.

“You’re awake. I bought us breakfast,” he said gently. “Didn’t you mention enjoying it here?” He remembered from their past chat logs, noticing her transition from chatty to reserved.

It took a moment for Cecilia to compose herself. “Yeah.”

Returning to their room, Nathaniel stopped, looking at her. “Is there something you haven’t done yet?”

Cecilia looked at him, bewildered.

He said, “We’re husband and wife. You used to say we should hold hands, hug, and kiss every day.”