Chapter 294: Not An Act

Cecilia remained unconvinced about Nathaniel's amnesia, having employed the same tactic herself in the past. She pulled her hand away. "Stop pretending, Nathaniel. I know you haven't lost your memory."

His hand fell, and he resumed his search. "Where are you, Ceci?" Blindly fumbling, his freshly bandaged wound threatened to reopen. The exertion had felt like a massive blow to his head, exacerbated by his severe injuries. After a sedative from the nurse, he succumbed to unconsciousness, murmuring Cecilia's name even as he slept.

The doctor requested a meeting with Cecilia and Elena. "You mustn't agitate the patient further, Ms. Smith. Mr. Rainsworth suffered a concussion and neural damage from the car accident, resulting in memory loss. It's not an act. Such cases are common nationally and internationally."

Cecilia, pondering Nathaniel's earlier behavior, was confused. "Why does he remember me, then?"

"He called your name during surgery," the doctor explained. "I believe that's the reason."

Elena, unexpectedly witnessing her son's genuine affection for Cecilia, felt a pang of jealousy, remembering Nathaniel pushing her aside for Cecilia earlier. "Will his memory return, Dr. Lazlo?" she asked.

"It depends on his condition. Modern medicine is limited in treating cranial nerve damage," the doctor sighed, implying an uncertain recovery.

"What about his eyesight? Will he regain his vision?"

The doctor shook his head, distress evident. Elena was devastated. Nathaniel's blindness and memory loss threatened the corporation's future.

Downstairs, suspicious voices alerted them. "Am I not allowed to see my cousin?"

"Only with Ms. Elena's permission," a bodyguard replied.

"Do you know who I am?" Adrian demanded, lifting the bodyguard by the collar. "Let me in, or you'll regret it."

Hearing the commotion, Elena turned to Cecilia. "Nathaniel is like this because he saved you. You should stay and care for him." She then went downstairs to rebuke Adrian. "Nathaniel's asleep. Are you sure you want to see him?"

Adrian, terrified of Nathaniel, retreated. He'd heard about the accident; how could Nathaniel be merely sleeping?

Returning to the ward, Cecilia considered the doctor's words. The injury affected Nathaniel's cranial nerves; his memory loss was genuine. Indeed, without memory loss, how could he accept his blindness?

She watched the unconscious Nathaniel, falling into deep thought, eventually dozing off beside him.

As dawn broke, Cecilia felt a hand gently stroking her head. Nathaniel had awakened.

"You're awake," she murmured.

He paused, hesitant. "I'm thirsty, Ceci."

Her unease at his tone was palpable. "Alright, I'll get you water."

She moved his hand and fetched water. He spoke again. "Ceci."

"I'm here."

"I need to use the bathroom."