Chapter 329: A Misunderstanding

The icy hand Cecilia placed against his chest sent a shiver through him, not from the cold, but from the heat rushing through his blood. As they continued their trek, Cecilia’s other hand accidentally brushed his face. “Nathaniel, you have a fever,” she said weakly, noticing his burning skin—a clear sign of illness.

Nathaniel’s lips, as red as ripe cherries, were pressed into a thin line. His Adam’s apple bobbed slightly as he replied, “What I said last night still stands.” Cecilia could only see his lips move; the words were lost on her. She responded with a faint, “Okay,” not fully comprehending. Nathaniel quickened his pace, determined to get her home safely.

When they reached home, Martha was waiting, noticing the snow covering them both. She quickly handed them towels. “Why are you returning at this hour?” she asked, her voice laced with worry. Nathaniel brushed the snow from Cecilia, who, still feeling the cold, tried to reassure Martha. “Martha, it’s late. You should rest. The car broke down.” She omitted her hearing difficulties to avoid further concern.

“All right, but make sure to take a hot bath,” Martha advised before heading to the kitchen to prepare ginger tea. Nathaniel carried Cecilia to her room and gently placed her on the couch. He selected clean clothes for her. “I’ll fill the bathtub. You can undress and get ready. Then change into fresh clothes.”

Cecilia, interpreting his actions, assumed he was simply asking her to change. “All right, you should change your clothes as well,” she replied. Nathaniel hummed softly. Instead of changing, he grabbed a bathrobe and went to the bathroom to shower.

Cecilia changed into fresh clothes and wrapped herself in a blanket. She was drifting off to sleep when Nathaniel, in a bath towel, picked her up. Startled, Cecilia’s eyes snapped open, her hand brushing his arm. “What are you doing? Put me down!” she demanded.

“The bath is ready,” Nathaniel said seriously. Cecilia couldn’t hear him clearly and protested, “Let me go; you’re free to leave.” Nathaniel, however, held her tightly and carried her into the bathroom. “Why didn’t you undress?” he asked, mistaking her reluctance for shyness. He began to help her.

Panicked, Cecilia intervened, “Nathaniel, don’t you dare!” He chuckled softly. “Didn’t you ask for this when you came back?” he teased, his hands brushing against her hearing aid. “What are you wearing?” he asked, confused.

Cecilia wanted him gone. She slapped him. “I can’t hear you! Don’t provoke me!” Nathaniel stiffened, stunned by the slap.

A knock came at the door. “What happened, Ceci?” Martha called, concerned. Nathaniel quickly donned a bathrobe and opened the door to Martha’s icy stare. “What did you do to Ceci?” she demanded. Before he could respond, Martha swayed, nearly collapsing.

“Martha!” Cecilia cried, quickly dressing and rushing to her side. Half an hour later, Mason braved the heavy snow to find a doctor. Outside the room, Cecilia took the prescribed medicine; her hearing slowly returned. Only then did Nathaniel understand his terrible misunderstanding. Cecilia’s silence stemmed from temporary hearing loss, not anticipation of intimacy.