Chapter 266: I Do Not Want Anything

That evening, Cecilia returned to her room to rest. Lying in bed, she closed her eyes, but the image of Nathaniel’s expression as he left persisted. She had only seen that look once before—during their wedding, after he had been deceived. A sense of unease gnawed at her, hindering sleep.

Meanwhile, Nathaniel stayed at a nearby, top-tier hotel, overlooking the city streets, his expression icy. Calvin had always considered Tudela Nathaniel's territory, but he hadn't realized the extent of Nathaniel's restraint there. Abroad, however, he showed no such restraint. Following Calvin's accident, the Reese family had whisked him away overnight and suppressed the news.

Unaware of the accident, Cecilia woke the next day and arranged for the door repair. She planned a temporary stay, continuing her music composition. Once Nathaniel relinquished his pursuit, she would find Martha and the others.

That morning, while preparing to buy groceries, Cecilia opened her door to find Nathaniel beside a Maybach, smoking a cigarette. Seeing her, he immediately extinguished it and discarded the butt.

Pretending not to notice, Cecilia walked away. After the smell of smoke lessened, he followed.

"Cecilia!" he called.

Cecilia paused, turning. "If I wasn't clear enough yesterday, let me reiterate: I don't want to be with you anymore. Please, let me go. Let's part amicably."

A flicker of sadness crossed Nathaniel's eyes. "Do you know how sleepless my nights have been since you left?"

Cecilia chuckled coldly. "Can't sleep? Perhaps you should see a doctor." In their three years of marriage, she had endured countless sleepless nights.

Nathaniel's throat tightened, and he pulled her into his arms, ignoring her resistance. "What must I do for you to come back?" he pleaded.

The lingering scent of smoke nauseated Cecilia. Fighting back the urge to retch, she asked, "Did you read my letter?"

Nathaniel stiffened. It felt as if all the blood in his body had turned to ice.

She continued, "I'm sorry. For all these years, I've held you back. But now, it's over. I've set you free. Isn't it only fair you do the same for me?" The person she loved was no longer him. She had set him free.

Nathaniel's eyes reddened, his throat constricted with pain. "No, it's impossible!" he choked out.

Cecilia didn't understand. He had been the one who'd never cared, the one who always wanted to leave. Why this reluctance to let go?

Nathaniel tried to maintain composure, to avoid hurting her. He lowered his voice. "I'll return the Smith family assets, untouched. Is that enough?"

Cecilia remained silent.

He continued, "I've also purchased the Smith residence. If you return, we can move in together. If not, we can go back to Sparaville. Whatever you want, I'll support you."

Cecilia had never seen him like this. She pried his hand away, stepped back, and met his gaze.

"I don't want anything."

All she desired was a peaceful life with her children and Martha, free from disturbance. As for love and marriage, she had long abandoned hope.