Chapter 22: Finalize Our Divorce Sooner

"That wasn't advice," Cecilia thought; "it was discipline!" From Nathaniel's family to Mason, the secretaries, and the servants at Rainsworth Manor, everyone had felt entitled to "discipline" her. She had been forced to smile and be grateful. But no longer.

Cecilia clenched her hands, her gaze icy as she looked at Mason. "What does his anger have to do with me?" she asked. "If there's nothing else, I'll excuse myself."

Mason felt a shiver under her cold stare. Before he could react, the door slammed shut. This was a first for Mason; he was usually the one ignoring Cecilia. Had the tables truly turned? Had she finally stopped trying to please Mr. Rainsworth?

Cecilia knew Mason would complain to Nathaniel. Exhausted, she sat on the couch, bracing herself for Nathaniel's rebuke. As expected, Mason fanned the flames.

That day, the wind howled fiercely, rattling the windows. Despite it being early summer, Cecilia curled up on the couch, feeling chilled. She didn't know how much time passed before the doorbell rang. She opened the door; she didn't need to see to know who stood there. His tall, upright figure made her feel exceptionally small.

Looking up into Nathaniel's dark, fathomless eyes, she calmly said, "Did Mr. Sanders tell you?"

Nathaniel, his face as cold as ice, threw a stack of photographs at her feet. "I was going to leave you some dignity," he said.

Cecilia froze. The photos scattered on the floor showed her and Calvin; some were suggestive, but nothing overtly inappropriate. Before she could explain, Nathaniel continued, "I thought everything was a misunderstanding. I thought you were innocent. I even considered starting over with you."

Considered…

Cecilia's ears rang; her throat felt dry and bitter. Her voice was hoarse when she spoke, "Really? Then I'm sorry to have disappointed you."

They had been married for three years. She believed she had been faithful and dutiful, yet she was still branded disgracefully. Tears welled in her eyes, but she forced them back, looking calmly at Nathaniel. "In that case, let's finalize the divorce as soon as possible. I apologize for missing the last appointment. I won't miss this one."

Nathaniel had expected an explanation. Instead, she proposed a divorce again. His suppressed fury erupted. He moved closer, closing the distance between them. "You're that eager to be with him? Do you even know who he is? If it weren't for me, Nathaniel Rainsworth, do you think any man would want you?"

Cecilia recoiled, utterly disbelieving his cruel words. What did he mean, "if it weren't for him"?

Nathaniel's large hand landed on her frail shoulder. She felt thinner than before, almost skeletal. His heart ached, unable to understand why she had become so thin.

"Don't touch me!"

The heat of his touch jolted Cecilia back to reality. Her eyes reddened as she tried to push him away, but it was futile. Even a healthy woman wouldn't easily withstand a man's strength, and she was far from healthy. His kisses fell upon her relentlessly, mirroring the intensifying rain outside. Cecilia lay on the cold bed, her ears ringing, sharp spasms racking her abdomen.