Chapter 296: Selfish For Once

Nathaniel gently released Cecilia, his face resuming its usual icy composure. Cecilia, having concluded he was feigning amnesia, stood up. “I will reopen the divorce proceedings,” she declared, picking up her purse and leaving.

In the corridor, Elena intercepted her. “Even now, you still want a divorce?”

Cecilia met Elena’s gaze with cold indifference. “Did any of you ever consider me—when my father died, when our family crumbled, when my hearing worsened, when I battled depression? You knew your son never touched me, yet you sent me fertility medicine. Did you ever consider my feelings?”

Elena, speechless, retorted, “But you’re carrying a Rainsworth child! You can’t leave, even if you want a divorce; you must leave the child behind!”

Cecilia felt a surge of relief; she hadn’t revealed last night that the child was Nathaniel’s. She smirked. “I’ve told you countless times, Madam Elena, the child isn't Nathaniel’s. If you don’t believe me, ask your son.”

Gazing at her unconscious son, Elena felt a pang of sorrow. He couldn’t even remember his own name; how could he know the child’s father? “How did you become so heartless, Cecilia? I thought you loved Nathaniel, that despite your flaws, you were kind. You disgust me!”

After venting, Elena returned to Nathaniel’s ward. Cecilia completed the discharge procedures. Stepping out into a heavy snowfall, she was soon covered in snow. Tilting her head back, a faint redness welled in her eyes, leaving an indescribable feeling.

Sven’s car arrived. He offered her a large umbrella. “Come on in, Ms. Smith.”

Cecilia climbed into the warm car, yet still felt a chill. As they drove toward Vivian’s residence, she whispered, “Why can’t people change? Does kindness mean being walked all over? Why can’t I be selfish for once? Why can’t I think of myself?”

Once devoted to Nathaniel, she was merely deemed “kind-hearted.” Now, her desire for freedom had transformed her into a villain. The snow fell heavier, obscuring the street. The car window reflected her serene yet tear-streaked face.

Vivian’s apartment was small. Seeking solitude, Cecilia found a new place to stay.

Back at the hospital, Elena hired caregivers for Nathaniel. However, his mood was volatile; he refused to allow anyone near him, chasing them away. Elena pleaded, “Nathaniel, you’re blind; you need care. Don’t chase them away!”

“I don’t need them,” he replied.

Several fresh wounds appeared on Nathaniel in the days following Cecilia’s departure. He wouldn’t let anyone touch him, not even Elena. Desperate, she declared, “I’ll get Cecilia to come over.”

Immediately, Nathaniel spoke—the first words in days. “Tell Ceci this: I’m willing to grant her a divorce. She won’t need to file a lawsuit.”