Chapter 213 Rainsworth Manor

Inside the car, Nathaniel sat quietly in the back. Last night, he’d spent the entire night there, yet received no call from Cecilia. Seeing her emerge, he lowered the window, his face etched with exhaustion.

“Get in the car,” he said.

Cecilia, believing he’d returned to confront her, hesitated. “Whatever you have to say, say it here.”

Weariness clouded Nathaniel’s eyes. “We have half a month left. Let’s keep going.”

Surprise flickered across Cecilia’s face as she entered the car. Nathaniel didn’t mention Stella, and Cecilia didn’t question his late return. As the driver started the car, Nathaniel solemnly announced, “Today, we’re returning to Rainsworth Manor.”

Cecilia was confused. “What are we going to Rainsworth Manor for?”

“It will be Thanksgiving in a few days,” Nathaniel replied, pausing. “Didn’t you always want to live there with me?”

Cecilia fell silent. She wanted to explain her past desire wasn't for the house itself, but for him, but time had changed her perspective. Their relationship was impossible. She’d spent the previous night contemplating this. Even if she hadn’t conceived this time, she had his sperm; opportunities to become pregnant abounded. She’d also learned Spring Forest Manor’s layout, devising a plan to help Elliot escape. Her only worry was Nathaniel’s refusal to accept defeat; even if she and Elliot fled, he’d pursue them. She could only agree. “Okay,” she murmured.

No one at Rainsworth Manor respected Cecilia. Nathaniel was unaware that he was taking her to the place she most detested. A gentle drizzle veiled the world in mist as Cecilia followed him from the car, overwhelmed by the sprawling manor. Seventeen days remained. Her bodyguard held an umbrella as she followed Nathaniel inside, her heels clicking on the pavement.

Liam, the butler, and the maids awaited. Since sending flowers to Daltonia Villa, his opinion of Cecilia had soured, though he remained outwardly respectful. His daughter, Lily, a beautifully dressed maid, stood beside him. Cecilia instantly recognized Lily’s barely concealed adoration for Nathaniel.

“Mr. Rainsworth, your room is ready. During this time, Lily will attend to both you and Ms. Smith,” Liam announced, then briefly instructed Lily before attending to his duties.

Lily approached cautiously. “Mr. Rainsworth, do you require anything else?”

“No. You may leave.”

Nathaniel disliked Rainsworth Manor’s abundance of servants—a reason he’d left long ago to live alone. Lily departed, feeling awkward.

Cecilia and Nathaniel quickly reached his room. The interior was monochromatic, reflecting his own meticulous nature, devoid of unnecessary color. Cecilia changed her shoes and reached for a towel to wipe the water from her coat when Nathaniel blocked her view. Before she could react, he kissed her passionately.