Chapter 205: Feeling Suffocated

Nathaniel’s keen gaze caught Cecilia’s unease, but he chose not to press. Cecilia took a step back, evading his intense stare. “I’m going to freshen up,” she said.

She had barely moved when Nathaniel seized her hand, embracing her from behind, his breath heavy against her. “Let’s continue,” he said. Cecilia stiffened. Before she could protest, his passionate kisses found her face and neck.

“I don’t want to…” she quickly protested, pushing him away.

Nathaniel paused, breathing deeply. For reasons unknown, since their encounter, he found himself increasingly unable to restrain his possessiveness. “Why?” he asked, his voice hoarse. Before she could answer, he pressed again, “If you didn’t want it, why did you return to provoke me? What do you want? Tell me! Anything I can offer, I’ll give it to you!”

Nathaniel felt utterly bewildered. He’d investigated Cecilia’s past, learning of her work abroad and her four-to-five-year cohabitation with Calvin. Yet, he still didn't understand her sudden return, her presence at his side. His grip tightened, causing pain in Cecilia's shoulders.

“Let me go,” she whispered.

Nathaniel refused to release her, haunted by the feeling that she would vanish if he did. Their standoff was interrupted by the doorbell.

Nathaniel changed clothes and went downstairs, where Elena waited. Seeing him, she approached quickly. “Nathaniel, no matter what, you must bring that child to meet me.” A few days prior, upon learning he’d brought a child home, she’d sent investigators. Nathaniel’s security measures, however, remained impenetrable.

Upon hearing her demand, Nathaniel stated firmly, “The child is not mine.”

Elena was confused. “What did you say?” She’d longed for a grandchild, and this news was devastating. “Whose child is it then?” she asked, unconvinced he’d care for another's child without reason.

Nathaniel sat down. “That’s none of your concern.”

Tears welled in Elena’s eyes. “What do you mean, none of my concern? I want a grandchild! If you truly have the same issues as your younger brother, I’m willing to adopt.”

The mention of his brother chilled Nathaniel’s demeanor. Upstairs, Cecilia, emerging from her room, overheard Elena’s words. She was startled. Nathaniel has a brother? Why wasn’t I aware?

Seeing Nathaniel’s displeasure, Elena said, “I’m leaving now. Please don’t disappoint me.”

Soon after she left, Nathaniel saw Cecilia. Involuntarily, he thought of the unborn child. “Come here,” he said.

Cecilia remained rooted to the spot. Nathaniel, witnessing her coldness, felt suffocated. He rose and approached her. “Get changed, let’s go out.”

“Where are we going?” she asked.

“Haven’t you mentioned wanting to see the ocean?” he asked, his voice heavy. Cecilia was surprised he remembered. She’d lived by the sea abroad.

He paused, then suggested, “Let’s go see the cherry blossoms then.” He recalled her desire to visit Tidgate in the summer. However, after their marriage, she’d only traveled to find him abroad.

Cecilia looked out the window. “It’s autumn now; there are no cherry blossoms.”