Chapter 206 Fallen For Her

Pin-drop silence filled the room. Suddenly, Nathaniel realized that beyond knowing Cecilia loved flowers, wanted to visit her hometown, and desired to go to Tidgate, he couldn't think of anything else she might want.

Cecilia noticed his discomfort and casually remarked, "Hadn't we agreed not to continue playing the role of husband and wife?"

Nathaniel's voice held a hint of bitterness. "What do you mean 'we agreed'? That was clearly your decision alone."

Her decision… If everything required mutual consent, what did his solitary meeting with Stella amount to?

Cecilia's lips tightened, losing all color. "All right then, there are nineteen days left. I hope you'll keep your promise. I'm going to cook."

She turned and headed to the kitchen. The heaviness in Nathaniel's heart grew increasingly suffocating. He quickly stepped forward. "I'll do it."

Taken aback, Cecilia froze. By the time she recovered, Nathaniel was already in the kitchen. She watched the impeccably dressed man in the kitchen—a strikingly incongruous sight. Since he wanted to cook, Cecilia didn't bother to stop him. She believed Nathaniel wouldn't last; he would revert to his old self, and she could then leave.

Nathaniel was highly skilled and efficient, yet his cooking skills were average. It took over an hour to prepare breakfast.

"If it doesn't taste good, just order something in," Nathaniel suggested, sitting at the table.

Cecilia stared at the bland oatmeal and slightly burnt eggs, reminded of the barely edible seafood oatmeal she'd had before. It was a stark contrast to the pictures Stella had posted on social media, boasting about Nathaniel's culinary abilities.

"Do you not know how to cook?" she asked, as if compelled.

Nathaniel's expression stiffened. "Of course I do." He quirked an eyebrow, discarded the burnt portion of his egg, and passed it to Cecilia. "Have this," he said.

Cecilia watched as he swapped eggs again, meticulously removing undesirable parts with unhurried precision. Nathaniel noticed her gaze. "I'm just not familiar with it," he explained. How could he know how to cook? He'd barely set foot in a kitchen since childhood.

Cecilia didn't ask further questions as she ate her oatmeal. Before she could taste it, Nathaniel's hand reached out. "Don't, it's cold. I'll have breakfast delivered." He'd taken a bite, realizing he'd used salt instead of sugar.

Before Cecilia could react, Nathaniel tossed the oatmeal and bowl into the trash. He rose and went outside to order breakfast.

Nathaniel felt a twinge of regret. Why hadn't he ordered delivery from the start? He'd unnecessarily busied himself.

Cecilia walked into the living room, gazing through the floor-to-ceiling windows at Nathaniel outside. She found his behavior unusually erratic. Outside, leaves fell in a flurry.

When Nathaniel turned, he met Cecilia's clear gaze. His Adam's apple bobbed. A thought struck him, and he turned to Mason, saying, "The matter we discussed, it can be arranged now."

Mason couldn't believe it. "Mr. Rainsworth, are you really planning to return the Smith's fortune to Cecilia?"

"Yes."

"Mr. Rainsworth," Mason said, ever clear-headed, "when you first took over the Smith family's assets, they were on the brink of bankruptcy. Now, all the Smith family's industries and the original company are merged with ours, and they're thriving. It's not the same value as before."

Nathaniel didn't seem to mind. "Just do as you're told."

Nathaniel interrupted Mason before he could finish. "Who said I've fallen for her? I just want to see what she wants."

Mason was no fool. It was clear Nathaniel was being stubborn. Who would test someone like that?