Chapter 357: Dream About the Past

The two sat close together. Nathaniel listened intently to her question, his Adam’s apple bobbing slightly as he inhaled her pleasant scent.

“I did,” he said, his voice raspy.

He had occasionally dreamed of his past with Cecilia, including intimate moments. “Do you still not trust me?” he asked.

Observing him, Cecilia shook her head. “It’s not that. I just think you’re incredible. Despite your blindness, you still play the piano and help me correct my music sheets.”

Nathaniel sensed the melancholy in her voice, understanding her earlier sadness. “Because I must excel,” he said slowly.

Cecilia was startled.

Nathaniel continued, “I’ve been having dreams about my childhood. I was constantly educated and indoctrinated with the idea that I was destined to lead the Rainsworth family. I had no choice but to grow up.”

He paused, then turned to Cecilia. “And now, how am I supposed to care for you and our unborn child if I’m not good enough?”

Cecilia was speechless.

Nathaniel pulled her into his embrace. “Can we start over, Ceci? I love you very much.”

He would never have said those words before his memory loss. He had always been the one loved, never developing feelings for others. Even if fond of her, he wouldn't have shown it.

Hearing his confession, Cecilia was so shocked she didn't push him away. Nathaniel held her tighter, leaning in to kiss her.

“Mommy, Mr. Rainsworth…” a voice interrupted.

Snapping back to reality, Cecilia pushed Nathaniel away, rising and stepping outside. “Jon, you’re back.”

Jonathan ascended the stairs, backpack in hand, observing Cecilia and Nathaniel leaving separately. Something felt amiss, though he couldn't pinpoint it. “Yeah.”

They descended the stairs together. Cecilia summoned Martha and the caregiver. Jonathan and Nathaniel walked side-by-side. In a small voice, Jonathan asked, “What were you and Mommy doing in the music room?”

Nathaniel raised a sharp eyebrow. “You want to know?”

“Spit it out. Did you bully her?”

Nathaniel, noting the urgency, remained silent. “Is that an appropriate way to ask a question?”

Jonathan grew anxious. “Nathaniel, if you bullied my mommy, don’t blame me for being impolite.”

Nathaniel scowled at the direct address. Instinctively, he lifted Jonathan into the air.

Jonathan struggled. “Put me down, you big bad guy!”

Nathaniel, hearing Martha cough, immediately released him. Jonathan realized Nathaniel feared someone.

Martha, Cecilia’s mother and Nathaniel’s mother-in-law, confirmed the stereotype of a son-in-law fearing his mother-in-law, Jonathan mused.

An idea struck him. He approached Martha, unzipping his backpack. “Grandma Martha, I miss you. How are you feeling?”

Martha’s mood brightened. “I missed you too, and I’m in good health.”

Jonathan continued, “Grandma Martha, didn’t you want to taste the small fish from our hometown? Mr. Rainsworth said he’s catching some for you tonight.”

Martha was surprised. So that’s what they’d been discussing. Nathaniel hadn’t been bullying Cecilia.

“The stream is frozen,” Martha said.

Jonathan replied, “It’s fine. Mr. Rainsworth said he’ll melt it with his body heat.”

Nathaniel was speechless. He can’t believe he’s saying this with a straight face.