Chapter 276: Cannot Keep Going Like This Forever

After discussing the divorce lawsuit with Vivian, Cecilia immediately began drafting the complaint. “We can’t keep going like this forever,” she said, reviewing the draft. She glanced at the document, then at Vivian. “Just let me know what information you need from me,” Cecilia added. “I want to wrap this up as soon as possible. Are you confident we can do that?”

Vivian hesitated. “Back then, if you include your previous medical records, your chances of winning are around eighty percent.” Cecilia had struggled to conceive after their marriage, despite undergoing various treatments. She had also suffered from severe depression and lived separately from Nathaniel for years. The odds favored her.

Cecilia nodded. “All right, I’ll gather everything and give it to you.”

“And any evidence of Nathaniel and Stella together, or of him treating you badly, would help,” Vivian added.

“Should I submit the lawsuit today?” Vivian asked.

“Yes.”

Meanwhile, Nathaniel dealt with shareholders maneuvering behind the scenes, unaware Cecilia had filed for divorce. Afterward, he returned to Daltonia Villa. Cecilia was home, but despite the house’s warmth, she was bundled tightly on the couch.

Nathaniel set aside his overcoat and raised the thermostat. “Have you eaten?” he asked.

Cecilia looked up, her voice detached. “Yes.”

He approached, noticing how tightly she was wrapped. A smile touched his lips. “I haven’t. Let’s eat together.”

“I don’t want to,” she replied, remaining curled on the couch. Her health had deteriorated, making her unusually sensitive to the cold, a condition exacerbated by the lower temperatures than she was accustomed to abroad.

Nathaniel sat beside her and pulled her into his arms. “Are you warm now?” he asked gently.

Cecilia was startled by the sudden closeness.

“Shall we go to the hospital?” he asked.

“No,” she refused immediately. Previous checkups had advised gradual care for her cold sensitivity. She pushed him away, leaning into the couch’s corner.

Nathaniel felt a deep emptiness. “I was too harsh last night,” he began. “If Calvin doesn’t want those two children, I’ll bring them back.” Since the DNA test revealed the child wasn’t his, he had been considering this. As long as he had Cecilia, he didn’t mind raising two more children.

Cecilia looked at him in surprise, doubtful he would raise someone else’s child.

Sensing her doubt, he said, “I will provide them with the best education and life, but you must promise me no further involvement with Calvin.”

Cecilia remained skeptical, knowing his unpredictable nature and past indifference. She looked down. “No need. I can take care of my own child.”

His every word widened the distance between them. His voice was hoarse. “It’s up to you.”

His assistant had brought dinner, but he barely touched it. That night, he held Cecilia tightly as they slept, refusing to let go.

As Cecilia gazed into the darkness, she whispered, “Nathaniel, I don’t love you.”

His body stiffened.

She continued, recalling their childhood. “Honestly, even now, I can’t distinguish between you and Nicholas back then. I was such a fool. If we had known earlier, we wouldn’t have been entangled for so long.”