Chapter 226 As You Wish
Cecilia had never imagined Nathaniel, the stoic and composed CEO known to the outside world, possessed such a shameless side. She'd always assumed his cold demeanor indicated a lack of interest in such things.
As Nathaniel gazed at the woman beside him, his thoughts wandered. The prospect of spending his life with her was increasingly appealing; the sacrifices seemed worthwhile.
When the first light of dawn filtered through the curtains, Cecilia finally fell asleep, utterly exhausted.
During Thanksgiving, the Rainsworth family's celebration was as lively as ever. The large estate bustled with relatives gathered for the festivities. However, unlike previous years, Nathaniel found Cecilia before she could join them.
Those aware of her early arrival whispered, gossiping and speculating about the potential for further family embarrassment.
"I really don't know what Nathaniel was thinking. If that woman left, she should have stayed gone," one relative muttered, shaking their head.
"Who could disagree? We'll likely be embroiled in another mess," another sighed.
Outside, laughter and conversation filled the air. Inside, the atmosphere was markedly different.
When Cecilia awoke, the sun was high. She rose and noticed a meticulously laid-out gown and luxurious jewelry. Instead of wearing them, she changed into her own clothes before going downstairs.
Nathaniel, his patience wearing thin, waited. Seeing her in casual clothes, not the gown, a flicker of surprise crossed his dark eyes.
"I don't want to attend the banquet," Cecilia stated plainly.
"Give me a reason," Nathaniel demanded, his gaze intense.
"Do I need one?" Cecilia retorted, her voice laced with frustration.
Nathaniel rose and approached her. "This year will be different."
Cecilia stepped back. "I don't want to go."
What could be different? A new method of bullying? After five years, she knew they had ample ammunition against her.
Nathaniel had planned to escort Cecilia to the banquet. He recalled her tearful complaint after their marriage: "Everyone else is escorted by their husbands, but I'm always alone. They have protection, but not me."
Now, he realized his wife no longer needed his escort or protection.
Nathaniel's hand froze, his fingers trembling. "As you wish."
With a cold expression, he left Cecilia. He realized her absence would spare him the hypocritical, mocking gazes that always followed him at such events.
At the banquet, Miranda chatted with friends, her eyes constantly scanning the crowd. She saw Nathaniel, but not Cecilia.
Curiosity piqued, a woman asked, "Miranda, didn't you say the deaf girl returned? Why isn't she here?"
Miranda feigned ignorance. "I'm not sure. Perhaps Nathaniel feared losing face."
Tightening her grip on her wine glass, Miranda excused herself. "I have something to attend to."
Cecilia's progress hadn't been easy, and Miranda wouldn't let this opportunity slip. After confirming Cecilia was alone in Nathaniel's quarters, Miranda prepared to act.
Inside, Cecilia studied a map Elliot had given her. The doorbell interrupted her; startled, she quickly silenced her phone and answered the door.
Face-to-face with a woman with chestnut curls, they recognized each other instantly.
Miranda hadn't changed, still confident and cunning. To Miranda, Cecilia remained simple, pure, and understated, almost plain. But the Cecilia before her was different. Adorned with… (The sentence ends abruptly and incompletely).