Chapter 211: Being Framed
The surroundings were so quiet, only the wind and rustling leaves seemed to make a sound. Cecilia stared at Nathaniel’s familiar face, unsure how to begin. Finally, she managed, “I’m sorry… I…”
Before she could finish, Nathaniel interrupted harshly, “Not with you.” Cecilia’s pupils constricted. He continued, “Do you think a man chooses to have children with a woman who betrayed him and bore another man’s child?”
Without waiting for a reply, Nathaniel strode to his room, tossing his coat aside in frustration. Only upon hearing her refusal had he realized the absurdity of wanting a child with her. He couldn't believe he'd agreed to play the role of the child's father, even for a day. How desperate had he been?
Outside the mansion, Nathaniel’s words echoed in Cecilia’s mind: “Do you think a man will choose to have children with a woman who betrayed him and bore someone else’s child?” With a calm expression, she entered the living room, its emptiness bringing back memories from five years ago. Finding the vast space unsettling, she retreated to her room, playing soft music to soothe her troubled heart.
A clap of thunder and a flash of lightning heralded a downpour. Cecilia, lost in thought, watched the rain, oblivious to the passage of time. Just as she was drifting off, a car engine broke the silence, followed by the doorbell. Who could it be at this hour?
Cecilia didn't know if Nathaniel was asleep. Opening the door, she found Stella, drenched and pale, in a patient's gown, a bandage around her neck. Stella, surprised to see Cecilia, demanded, “Where’s Nathaniel?”
Cecilia, feeling no obligation to answer, started to step back. At that moment, Stella grabbed Cecilia’s hand, then leaned back and tumbled down the marble staircase with a loud “boom.” Before Cecilia could react, Nathaniel pulled her away.
Stella lay on the ground, blood mixing with the rain. Nathaniel immediately called for an ambulance. Cecilia, having been shoved, regained her balance to see Stella’s pale face. “Cecilia, why did you push me?” Stella asked weakly.
Stella’s manipulative tactic seemed to work; Nathaniel believed Cecilia had pushed her. After the ambulance was called and he heard Stella’s accusation, Nathaniel glared at Cecilia. “Didn’t I tell you I don’t want her to die in Tudela?”
Cecilia had no way to prove her innocence, but she refused to take the blame. “I didn’t push her. If you don’t believe me, then so be it.” She wanted to speak the truth, but not to someone who didn't love her.
Clutching her head, Stella staggered to her feet and looked at Nathaniel. “Nathaniel, is this how you protect me? She’s bullied me repeatedly. Do I really have to be on my deathbed before you help me?”