Chapter 26: Reminisce the Past

Of course, Stella didn't remember any of that. However, she was perceptive and had noticed Zachary's unusual behavior that day, particularly the way he kept looking at her arms upon arrival. Realizing his suspicions, Stella feigned reminiscence.

"Of course I remember," she said. "You were covered in blood, and it terrified me. I still recall forcing open the car door to pull you out before it exploded; my arms were badly cut. You have no idea how terrifying those scars were, even after they healed. Thankfully, surgery helped them fade."

Stella knew the details of her arm injuries; she'd discussed them with Cecilia that day. Zachary, however, was full of doubt. He remembered the girl who saved him repeatedly saying, "You must be strong," not "Don't be afraid." He recalled those words vividly.

After their meal, before leaving, Zachary gave Stella a meaningful, penetrating look. "Stella," he said, "after all this time, you should know my temperament well. The one thing I hate most is being lied to."

Watching him leave, Stella felt a flicker of fear. Then she reminded herself that Cecilia was dead. With no witness, what could Zachary discover? Even if he did, she could simply deny it.

Zachary returned to the Sinclair residence and immediately ordered an investigation into the events of those years ago. When Stella first claimed to have saved him, he hadn't investigated thoroughly. After all, no one else had come forward. But now, he realized... he could only hope he hadn't been wrong.

Outside Daltonia Villa, Nathaniel sat in his car, chain-smoking. He'd visited Cecilia's former residence, finding it deserted. He'd tasked people with locating her, but to no avail. Crushing his last cigarette, a headache blossoming, he exited the car. As he opened the door, a familiar silhouette caught his eye. Nathaniel's gaze sharpened; he rushed forward, intending to embrace her, but the silhouette vanished. He realized he'd been mistaken.

Sitting on the couch, he concealed his disappointment, rubbing his temples. He hadn't slept at all the previous night and was utterly exhausted. He couldn't sleep, even while lying down. He refused to believe Cecilia was dead. How could she be? She'd been fine the night before.

A knock startled him. He stood and opened the door to find Zachary, weary and carrying a thick stack of medical records.

"Nathaniel," Zachary said, "I've brought Cecilia's medical records from the past few years."

Nathaniel, shocked by the over one hundred pages, began flipping through them, noticing most treatments had started three years prior. As he continued, Zachary said, "Nathaniel, Cecilia is really gone. The records show she suffered from severe depression and was pregnant. A few days ago, she overdosed on sleeping pills and nearly died. This time, she chose to slit her wrists, and they couldn't save her."

The word "pregnant" froze Nathaniel. He didn't respond, continuing to rapidly scan Cecilia's records. Each page felt like a crushing weight on his chest. Finally, he said, "Severe depression? Was it my fault? I didn't force her to marry me!"