Chapter 23: Do Not Make Me Angry

She was terrified, clutching her abdomen protectively. She didn't know how much time had passed before the pain subsided. "Cecilia," Nathaniel breathed heavily, "don't make me angry."

Cecilia could barely hear him. Her eyes were vacant. "Didn't you say you would never touch me? What is this?" She buried her face in the pillow. Nathaniel didn't notice her pallor.

"Does your little lover know what you've done?" she whispered. "If she found out, I bet she'd be furious." Once, Cecilia had seen Nathaniel as both heartless and passionate. Now, she found him simply insufferable.

When she mentioned his lover, Nathaniel knew she meant Stella. "Did you ever think about that when you were with Calvin?" His words were sharp, aimed directly at her heart. He never compromised for any woman, especially not Cecilia. Without restraint, he sneered, "Looking at how thin you are, it's hard to believe any man would want you." He was already dressing as he spoke.

Cecilia's ears rang; she felt blood flowing. Before Nathaniel left, she managed to ask, "Mr. Rainsworth, if I died, would you be sad?"

Nathaniel found the question laughable. He didn't answer, simply saying, "Move back to Daltonia Villa tomorrow." Cecilia didn't hear him. After he left, she pulled back the blanket and saw her legs were covered in blood. Nathaniel was unaware that an ambulance siren echoed from downstairs shortly after his departure.

The following day, at the hospital, Cecilia lay half-reclined in her bed, with Calvin at her side. Had she not been admitted in time, she might have lost the baby. After this incident, Cecilia was more determined than ever to leave Nathaniel.

Her phone buzzed. A message from Paula, who had fled abroad: "Cecilia! Since you're alive, please help me smooth things over with Mr. Larke. Magnus and I would be so grateful." Cecilia deleted the message without replying. As long as she lived, Paula and Magnus would continue to make demands.

Another message arrived, this time from Nathaniel's mother, Elena: "Cecilia, you should know how much Nathaniel despises you. He won't divorce you only to make you suffer! Please, just disappear. I beg you."

Calvin arrived just as she read the message. His brow furrowed. "These people are absolutely shameless!"

Cecilia switched off her phone and offered him a strained smile. "But there are good people too. Thank you."

Calvin saw the forced cheerfulness and felt deeply uncomfortable. How much injustice had she endured? Why was she still so cautious, even with an old friend? He sat before her, meeting her gaze directly. "Between friends, there's no need to say thank you."

Cecilia nodded. After a moment's hesitation, she said, "Calvin, can you do me a favor?" He was the only one who could help her now.

At Daltonia Villa, Nathaniel returned home promptly after work. He assumed Cecilia would have calmed down. His eyes darkened. He instinctively checked his phone; only work-related messages. Irritable, he walked inside, tugging at his tie as he sat on the couch. A headache began to throb. Leaning back, he rubbed his temples. As he closed his eyes, an image of Cecilia's serene face appeared. Serene didn't mean meek; her beauty was striking. He remembered the first time he saw her: hair in a ponytail, a shy smile, bright, captivating eyes. But after their marriage… he frowned. She had never smiled again.

The ringing phone interrupted his thoughts. It was Zachary. "Nathaniel, something's happened to Cecilia."