Chapter 323 No One Will Think You Are Mute

Cecilia tightened her grip on Nathaniel’s hand, lowering her voice. “Even if you don’t speak, no one will think you’re mute.”

Nathaniel, seemingly impervious to pain, addressed Calvin. “Apologies, Mr. Reese. My wife and I have plans for a private evening, so we won’t be able to invite you to dinner.”

Calvin’s handsome face tightened. He knew Nathaniel was provoking him, yet he couldn’t maintain his composure. Mason, initially worried his boss was being bullied, relaxed upon seeing the situation unfold.

Passersby occasionally glanced their way. Initially, everyone assumed Cecilia and Calvin were a couple; only later did they realize Nathaniel was her husband. Under curious eyes, Cecilia purchased ravioli, including a portion for Calvin, fulfilling her promise to treat him.

“I’ll be heading back,” Cecilia said.

“All right, see you next time,” Calvin replied, watching her go.

Later, Mason sat in his car while Cecilia and Nathaniel were in hers. The ravioli steamed, a contrast to the cool car interior. Cecilia didn’t start the engine immediately. Instead, she gently released his hand.

“What did you mean earlier?” she asked coldly.

Nathaniel remained silent. Cecilia’s anger flared. “Why did you suddenly seek me out? Who mentioned spending a private evening together?”

He remained silent, his handsome face controlled. “Say something! Weren’t you quite talkative just now?” Cecilia pressed.

Nathaniel pulled her into a strong embrace, pressing her head against his chest. “Ceci, I’m angry, and I don’t want to talk.”

Startled, Cecilia looked up. Despite his inexplicable actions with Calvin, he claimed anger. “What are you upset about?” she asked.

Nathaniel’s voice choked. “You’re asking the obvious.”

He hadn’t held her this close since the hospital. Cecilia was unaware of the intimacy he remembered. Night after night, alone in his cramped room, her image dominated his thoughts. In the confines of the car, he breathed her scent, longing to merge with her. He pulled her close, and she became acutely aware of his physical changes.

Blushing, she exclaimed, “Shameless!” She quickly wriggled free. He too, was aware of his arousal. Instead of explanation, he grasped her hand again, his voice hoarse. “I’m a man. It’s normal.”

Tired of the conversation, Cecilia started the car. She didn’t speak to him again during the drive.

When Martha saw them return, their expressions sullen, she knew her earlier actions had been justified. Addressing Nathaniel directly, she said, “Mr. Rainsworth, I advised against seeking Ceci, yet you insisted. Now you need her to care for you. Was it necessary?”

“Martha, don’t mind him. Let’s have some ravioli,” Cecilia said, guiding Martha toward the dining room.

“All right.”

Their footsteps faded. Nathaniel sensed Martha’s underlying animosity. He pinched the bridge of his nose and returned to the couch, recalling Mason’s earlier words: Cecilia had betrayed him once, bearing twin sons with Calvin.