Chapter 259: The Twins

Nathaniel was certain: Jonathan and Elliot were twins, not the same child. One was with Vivian; the other, with Martha. That night, under a large tree, unfazed by the snow-laden wind, Nathaniel received an overnight investigation report from his bodyguard. It detailed Vivian's life since moving abroad—a virtuous life, devoid of boyfriends, let alone children. Both children, then, were Cecilia's. But why had she lied?

He lit a cigarette, a harsh cough interrupting him. His driver offered him a ride, but Nathaniel refused. The cold air, perhaps, was keeping him clearheaded. Elliot had mentioned his last name was Reese, yet this child's surname was Smith. He doubted Calvin and Cecilia would have given them different surnames.

Nathaniel hadn't slept in days. His thoughts were muddled, and he couldn't understand why. An overwhelming urge to see Cecilia consumed him. This time, he was determined to keep her. His eyes were red-rimmed, his handsome face weary.

The next day was the family gathering at Rainsworth Manor. Nathaniel had declined, but Elena insisted on his return. He reluctantly left Vivian and Jonathan in his subordinates' care.

At the Manor, everyone noticed Nathaniel's disheveled state; his usually meticulous appearance replaced by stubble and disarray. A housekeeper emerged from his room, clutching a ring, her eyes filled with quiet apprehension. Nathaniel appeared, asking, "What are you holding?"

The housekeeper, startled, knelt, stammering an apology for any perceived theft. She explained she'd found the ring under his pillow while making the bed. Nathaniel examined the unremarkable diamond ring, momentarily unable to recall its owner.

"This ring…" he began.

"It must have been Ms. Smith," the housekeeper suggested.

Nathaniel's heart sank as he took the ring, noticing the scratches. Then he remembered. Seven years ago, on their wedding day, Cecilia had been alone in the kitchen, crying, contemplating destroying her ring because of his indifference. Her desperate pleas echoed in his mind: "Nathaniel, do you realize that here, anyone can bully me? No one even regards me as Mrs. Rainsworth. What did I do wrong?"

Bitterness choked him as he gripped the ring. "What did you call her?" he asked.

"Ms. Smith," the housekeeper whispered, fearful. "Everyone has always called her that."

Everyone had always called her that. Cecilia's words rang true. Here, no one truly regarded her as Mrs. Rainsworth.

Nathaniel stood frozen, the frightened housekeeper retreating. Alone, he clenched the ring, blood slowly staining his hand. He understood: Cecilia hadn't misplaced the ring; she'd intentionally left it, a symbol of their final separation.

He returned to his room, the strong smell of disinfectant assaulting him. Past familiar faces, he saw his identical twin brother, Nicholas, lying in a hospital bed, hooked to medical equipment. Nathaniel had thought he'd never return to this place.