Chapter 322: Did Not Know Better

At the ravioli shop entrance, Cecilia quickly withdrew her hand from Calvin's face. "I didn't know better when I was young," she murmured. As a child, she hadn't understood the differences between boys and girls. Calvin, then a chubby child shorter than she, had been like a younger brother; she'd share Martha's cooking with him. Now, however, he towered over her, handsome and possessing a defiant nobility that would deter most young women from touching his face.

Calvin's eyes reflected Cecilia's polite distance; a hint of desolation clouded his gaze. "Actually, you don't need to do that in front of me," he said softly. He remembered the harsh winters of his childhood, Cecilia's secret gifts of clothing, blankets, and food, and her unwavering cheer. Without her, he wouldn't have survived.

Cecilia shook her head. "We all must learn to be sensible. Childishness can easily annoy people." Her past immaturity had led to a loveless marriage and disdain. Regret washed over Calvin. He wished he'd taken her with him when he left Sparaville, or returned sooner. Had he met her earlier, before Nathaniel, she wouldn't be so guarded. Leaning closer, he began, "Ceci, how about we—"

A familiar, icy voice interrupted. "Darling."

Nathaniel and Mason stood nearby; Mason glared at Cecilia. Nathaniel approached, his hand finding hers despite his blindness. "Darling, why so long? I worried about you. Why are your hands so cold? Let me warm them."

Cecilia's blood boiled at his actions and words. Crimson flooded her cheeks before Calvin as she tried to pull away. Nathaniel held firm, drawing her into his embrace. "Darling, you're so cold. I'll warm you when we get back." Had they been alone, she would have sworn at him. Instead, she pinched his waist. "My friend is here. Watch yourself."

Nathaniel endured the pinch, refusing to release her. "What friend?" His voice hardened.

Calvin, surprised by Nathaniel's apparent blindness—the news had been misleading—remarked, his voice and expression cold, "Mr. Rainsworth, I'm Calvin Reese. We grew up together. When she wasn't with you, she was with me. You should remember, if your memories still serve you."

Tension crackled between the two men. As Cecilia prepared to intervene, Nathaniel addressed Calvin harshly, "Usually, I remember what my wife tells me." He then turned to Cecilia, "Darling, why didn't you mention this male friend?" His implication was clear: Cecilia no longer cared for Calvin.