Chapter 217: Difficult to Understand Her

The bodyguard had been following Cecilia. Since Sven's car was a taxi, he hadn't given it much thought and replied truthfully, "Ms. Smith took a taxi. She appears to be headed toward Daltonia Villa."

The tension in Nathaniel's heart eased slightly learning Cecilia was still in Tudela. Yet, he couldn't understand why she had suddenly returned to Daltonia Villa. "Do you know why she went back?"

"I don't know," the bodyguard replied, stationed outside and unaware of the events inside the house.

Nathaniel ended the call, instructing someone to arrange a car for his immediate return to Daltonia Villa. On the road, he dialed Cecilia's number again, but she didn't answer. He urged the driver to hurry.

By then, Cecilia had already arrived at Daltonia Villa. After saying goodbye to Sven, she stood at the entrance, hesitant to enter. A light rain fell on her shoulders. Braving the cold wind, she stood there, a look of confusion in her eyes.

She wasn't sure how much time had passed when she heard a car approaching. She turned to see a Range Rover. Before she could react, Nathaniel rushed out, pulling her into his arms. "Why didn't you answer your phone?"

"Are you here to find fault with me?" Cecilia asked, disappointment evident in her eyes.

Nathaniel was baffled. She was the one who left without a word, and she hadn't answered his calls; yet, he questioned why he shouldn't find fault with her.

Cecilia pushed him away, walking toward the mansion through the rain. "We only have half a month left. I think we shouldn't waste any more time."

Nathaniel's eyes grew cold. He quickly followed, seizing her wrist. "What do you mean?"

Cecilia paused, looking at him through the misty rain. "I don't understand why you suggested a one-month marriage. I believe the outcome will be the same regardless. Can you give me Eli back? Let's part ways."

Nathaniel stared at her incredulously. "Is this because of what happened at Rainsworth Manor?" His hand gently touched her cool cheek. "I promise I'll respect your wishes next time."

"Aren't you here because of Lily?" Confusion clouded Cecilia's eyes.

Nathaniel's hand stiffened, realizing their misunderstanding. "Of course not."

"You're not here to find fault with me?" Cecilia asked again.

"Why would I blame you for something uncertain when I haven't even asked you about it?" Nathaniel responded solemnly.

A flicker of recognition passed through Cecilia's eyes as she gazed at his familiar face, perhaps remembering their first meeting. She didn't assume his remark signified a change. Instead, she stepped back.

"In that case, you should come find me only after you've figured things out." She quickly entered the house.

Feeling the lingering chill, Cecilia locked her bedroom door and went to the bathroom, filling the tub with warm water. The warmth enveloped her as she immersed herself.

Meanwhile, in the living room, Nathaniel stood grimly, his suit drenched. "Ask the housekeeper who cleaned her room thoroughly why Cecilia really left," he instructed the bodyguard. "I want to know why she's angry."

"Understood."

After the bodyguard left, Nathaniel didn't change his clothes. He listened to the sound of water from the bathroom, finding it increasingly difficult to understand Cecilia. In the past, she always contacted him immediately, regardless of what happened. Now, she was evading him, distancing herself.

Half an hour later, Cecilia emerged from the bathroom, wrapped in her bathrobe. She saw Nathaniel already in her room. "How did you get in?"