Chapter 196: The Painting Left Behind by Regas
Surprisingly, Regas's bedroom was filled with his belongings, including a painting of Cecilia. After Regas's death, Paula and Magnus struggled to manage the family business, eventually auctioning off their valuable possessions. Cecilia, upon returning home, searched diligently for her father's belongings, particularly this painting.
The painting depicted Cecilia, barely ten, perched on a balcony in a white dress, cradling a large bouquet of flowers, her face beaming. Cecilia approached slowly, gazing at the painting, remembering her father and the love in his eyes as he painted her. Running her fingers over the canvas, her voice choked, she whispered, "I thought I would never find this painting again." She hadn't expected Nathaniel to find it, as it held little monetary value.
Observing her reaction, Nathaniel knew he'd chosen the right gift. He approached her. "You can take all these things back to Daltonia Villa," he said, emphasizing the words to encourage her to stay.
Cecilia gathered herself, turning to him, her eyes brimming with gratitude. "Thank you," she murmured.
"Don't make a fuss in the future," Nathaniel stated firmly. "Whatever you want, I'll give it to you."
Cecilia's gaze dimmed as she nodded half-heartedly. Nathaniel produced a black card. "Feel free to use this," he offered. He'd arranged for Mason to provide Cecilia with living expenses after their marriage, but discovered she hadn't spent a penny.
Cecilia looked at the card apathetically, shaking her head. "No need. I have money."
Nathaniel's hand froze. After a moment, he explained, "We're married now, aren't we? This is my payroll card." He wasn't sure if this was the proper action for a husband.
Cecilia accepted it, reasoning that they would be even once the month was over. After agreeing to play the role of Nathaniel's wife for a month, she noticed a startling change in him. He was no longer distant, constantly seeking her affection. Their pretend marriage felt increasingly real.
After three days in Sparaville, they returned to Tudela. That evening, at eight o'clock sharp, Nathaniel drove her to the riverside to watch the fireworks. The night sky exploded with color.
Amidst the small crowds, Cecilia and Nathaniel stood together, their presence captivating. They looked like a married couple. As Cecilia watched the fireworks, a powerful urge arose—she wanted to tell Nathaniel the truth about Elliot being his child.
However, just as she was about to speak, Nathaniel's phone rang—it was Stella. Cecilia couldn't hear the conversation, but she saw the urgency in his demeanor as he prepared to leave.
She stepped in front of him. "Didn't you promise that no one would interrupt our time together?"
"We'll talk when I get back," Nathaniel replied gravely.
Cecilia tightened her grip on his sleeve. "Think carefully—if you walk away now, I won't keep my promise."
Nathaniel gently removed her hand. "Something happened to Stella. She's in the emergency room. I'll have someone take you back."
He drove away, leaving Cecilia standing alone. Watching his car disappear, she felt not sadness, but foolishness. She'd almost believed he'd changed, almost revealed the truth about Elliot. Thankfully, she hadn't.