Chapter 279: Lawsuit Approved
Nathaniel didn't respond. For him, anything he desired was always attainable. Cecilia didn't press the issue, settling onto the couch, her gaze distant as she took in the familiar surroundings.
“If you like it here, we can make this our home,” Nathaniel suggested earnestly.
Cecilia felt he misunderstood. Having been unloved by her mother since childhood, she held no fondness for this place. Though her father had been kind, he worked long hours, leaving her feeling like an outsider in her own home.
“I don’t want to live here,” Cecilia stated firmly.
Nathaniel fell silent. Cecilia continued, “You should return the house to Stella. It’s best to keep things clear between us.” Vivian had filed the divorce papers just days prior; Nathaniel would learn of it soon. Cecilia rose. “If there’s nothing else, I need to go to Vivian’s.”
Before Nathaniel could reply, she donned her coat and left, stepping out into the cold. He didn't stop her, but dispatched someone to follow, instructing them not to let her leave the city. Cecilia had no intention of fleeing; she simply awaited the finalized divorce decree. She took a taxi to Vivian's apartment, where Vivian was preparing legal documents. Cecilia had already arranged for her medical records from her overseas hospital stay to be sent.
“Did the court approve the filing?” Cecilia asked.
“Yes, it just passed review. Nathaniel should receive it by tonight,” Vivian replied.
“Then I won’t be returning tonight,” Cecilia said, covering Vivian's legs with a blanket.
Vivian looked concerned. “If you don’t go home tonight, will Nathaniel lose his temper?”
“It would be perfect if he did. You have a recording device, don’t you?” Cecilia asked.
Vivian understood immediately. “Of course. How could a lawyer not?” She fastened a small brooch to Cecilia's outfit. “If he does anything inappropriate, press here; it will start recording.”
Cecilia nodded. “Okay.”
Meanwhile, after Cecilia's departure, Nathaniel found himself in a foul mood. He couldn't explain it, but he noticed a change in Cecilia—once so easily pleased, she now seemed indifferent, regardless of his actions.
A knock interrupted his thoughts.
“Come in.”
Mason entered, distressed, holding a copy of the lawsuit. He handed it to Nathaniel. “Mr. Rainsworth, please don’t be angry.”
Nathaniel took the papers, a puzzled expression on his face, then saw the prominent words at the top: Summons for Divorce. His eyes narrowed as he scanned the document, realizing Cecilia had filed. His throat tightened, his deep-set eyes growing colder.
“When did this happen?” he demanded.
“The notice came from the courthouse this afternoon,” Mason replied.
Nathaniel casually tossed the papers into a shredder, a cold laugh escaping his lips. “I knew there was a reason she agreed to come back. Summons for divorce? I can’t believe she actually thought of that!”
He called Cecilia, his hand trembling slightly as he dialed. She answered quickly. “You’re filing for divorce?” Nathaniel asked, blunt and direct.
“Yes,” Cecilia replied without hesitation. “The reason I returned was to prepare for our divorce.”
“Don’t worry, we can divorce, and I won’t ask for anything. The court has accepted the case. I won’t be returning to Daltonia Villa tonight,” Cecilia stated calmly, ending the call before Nathaniel could respond.