Chapter 268: Escaping Together

Cecilia’s heart clenched at his words. It was his first time being a husband; it was also her first time being his wife. Indifference filled her eyes. "Nathaniel, go back to Tudela. Don't make me despise you."

Nathaniel held her rigidly, his voice hoarse. "I'm not going back. I have all the time and patience in the world."

Confusion clouded Cecilia's mind. "You've never liked me. Why are you so insistent on clinging to me now?"

A lump formed in Nathaniel's throat. "I never even considered divorce!" he declared, rising from the covers. "Whenever you need something, come to me. From now on, I'm your landlord."

Nathaniel left before Cecilia realized it. Only after contacting her previous landlord in the middle of the night did she discover the house had been sold. She had no choice but to change the electronic lock.

Recently, Cecilia had composed a new piece of music, and a business owner was interested in a partnership for copyright royalties. Conveniently, this person was in the area and scheduled a meeting that day.

She prepared early, ready to finalize the deal. Having given Nathaniel a substantial sum, her funds were tight. This collaboration would significantly boost her annual income.

They agreed to meet at a nearby five-star hotel. The representative from the other company, a wealthy man from Lushtopia, preferred to be addressed by his Clusian name, Simon Reynolds. Dressed in a suit, with blond hair and blue eyes, he was imposing.

"Ms. Cecille?" The man was surprised and delighted to find the renowned composer was a young woman.

Cecilia hadn't expected him to speak Clusian. "Yes, that's me. Mr. Reynolds, nice to meet you." She offered her hand.

He shook it, but his gaze was unsettling. Just as Cecilia was about to withdraw her hand, he tightened his grip, staring intently. "I have a soft spot for Aplothian girls, and you're incredibly beautiful."

Having lived abroad for years, Cecilia was familiar with such harassment. Calmly, she forcefully removed her hand. "Let's focus on business."

Simon chuckled, settling back as he licked his lips. "You Aplothian women are so… reserved, aren't you?"

Cecilia's gaze cooled. "Is it common for Adrunean men to lack manners?"

Simon burst into laughter, towering over her. "How about this? If you spend the night with me, we'll sign the contract. What do you say?"

Cecilia's face flushed with anger. She grabbed her bag, ready to leave. But he wouldn't let her go and reached out to stop her.

Cecilia pulled out her pepper spray and sprayed him. He cursed in pain as she fled.

As a woman, Cecilia had learned to defend herself.

Walking away, she noticed his bodyguard following. Just as she was about to contact Sven, she realized she'd lost a hearing aid—likely during the struggle. Unable to reach Sven, Cecilia found herself cornered. Before she could retrieve her phone, it was knocked from her hand.

A heavy blow landed on her face, leaving her dizzy and disoriented, with ringing in her ears. Seeing several large foreign men approaching, she scrambled to her feet and ran.

Her vision blurred, her hearing impaired, she stumbled. But instead of falling, she collided with a solid chest.

"Help me, please…" Cecilia looked up, her voice trailing off in surprise. Despite her blurred vision and dizziness, she recognized Nathaniel instantly.

"Run quickly!" Summoning her strength, she grabbed his hand, and they ran together. It was instinct; she couldn't explain it. So many unknown pursuers, bold enough to chase her in public—her instinct was to take Nathaniel with her.