Chapter 245: She Still Cared For Him

Nathaniel's expression shifted slightly. "No returns. Take it or leave it."

He kicked aside a nearby gift and went straight to the bathroom. An overwhelming itchiness seized him, prompting him to take two more antihistamines before showering.

Cecilia surveyed the room. At least a hundred gifts were strewn about. After marrying Nathaniel, she'd used a significant portion of her fortune to quietly support his company, making many purchases feel prohibitive. She meticulously planned, noting items she liked and their prices. Looking back, she realized her naiveté and the depth of her love for him. Even though he could easily afford anything, she saved money, worried about his work.

Nathaniel took an exceptionally long bath. When he emerged, Cecilia's eyes widened in shock. He was covered in hives.

"Nathaniel, what's wrong?"

His breathing was labored.

"It's nothing. The flowers were too fragrant."

"I'm calling Mason to take you to the hospital." Cecilia reached for her phone.

Nathaniel stopped her. "No need. A night's rest will do." He had something to show her the next day.

Assuming it was trivial, Cecilia didn't call Mason. In their bedroom, Nathaniel lay down, his brows furrowing, his breathing growing heavy.

"Nathaniel!"

"Yes."

Half an hour later, an ambulance arrived. This was Cecilia's first knowledge of Nathaniel's pollen allergy.

She sat in the hospital corridor, her hands clenched, her expression a mixture of emotions. In her memory, Nathaniel had never shown any such allergy.

Mason arrived. "I didn't expect the antihistamine to be ineffective. It's good you called."

Cecilia looked up. "Has Nathaniel always been allergic to pollen?"

Mason was startled. "You didn't know?" Everyone knew how much Cecilia loved and cared for Nathaniel. How could she not know about his allergy?

Cecilia nodded.

"Mr. Rainsworth is allergic to pollen," Mason confirmed. It was innate.

It became clear: the Nathaniel before her was her husband, but not the man she'd loved since childhood. She remembered her mother hitting her; Nathaniel had brought her flowers, saying, "I love flowers, but my family doesn't. So I can only give them to you. Can you help me care for them?" From then on, she'd cultivated plants and flowers at home.

"So it wasn't him after all..." Cecilia whispered.

Mason found her sorrow striking. Thinking it was due to Nathaniel's condition, he comforted her. "Don't worry, the doctor says he's alright. Want to see him?" Nathaniel's first question upon waking had been about Cecilia.

Cecilia shook her head. "I don't want to see him." She needed time alone.

Mason returned to the sickroom. "Mr. Rainsworth, Ms. Smith doesn't want to come. She seems…guilty."

Nathaniel's eyebrows rose. He knew Cecilia still cared, but she stubbornly refused to admit it.

The next day at dawn, Nathaniel stood before Cecilia, who'd spent the night in the corridor. She lifted her head, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. He leaned in, gently cupped her face, and kissed her tenderly.