Chapter 358: Go Fishing
Jonathan teased Nathaniel, suggesting he'd melt the ice with his body heat to catch fish. Martha saw this and was about to object, but Nathaniel solemnly replied, "Mhm. I will go fishing tonight." Cecilia was surprised by his sudden desire to fish. Martha found it unbelievable; the river ice was at least thirty centimeters thick. She questioned his audacity.
Later, events proved money could overcome most obstacles. Around ten that night, a delivery arrived—a fresh catch of fish from the small river Martha favored. Nathaniel gave them to Cecilia, who immediately prepared a stew. She planned to share the remainder with neighbors. Cecilia wasn't curious about how Nathaniel obtained the fish; she knew money could procure anything.
However, Martha refused the stew. "He caught the fish?" she asked. "Accurately speaking, it was his money," Cecilia replied. Martha shook her head. "I don't want to owe him." Cecilia set the bowl aside, embraced Martha, and reassured her, "He's living in your house every day. There's nothing wrong with him preparing fish for you." Cecilia understood Martha's fear of feeling indebted.
After Cecilia’s persuasion, Martha relented and tasted the stew. "As expected of the fish from our river. It doesn't stink," she said, experiencing unexpected happiness. She reflected on her unexpected later-life companionship with her daughter and grandchild. After half a bowl, Martha fell asleep.
Cecilia gazed at Martha's frail form, gently holding her hand. She worried about her future without Martha. People often said home was where your mother was; Cecilia wondered if she'd still have a home without Martha.
Jonathan cautiously entered. "Mommy," he said. Cecilia tucked Martha's hand into the blanket, then asked, "What's the matter?"
"I'm going to stay at Ms. Kennedy's tomorrow. She asked me to invite you to Ernest's wedding the day after tomorrow." Vivian dreaded attending her ex-husband's wedding alone, but felt compelled to go, hoping witnessing him with another woman would help her move on.
"I almost forgot. All right, I'll drive and go with you tomorrow," Cecilia said. "Mhm," Jonathan replied.
The next day, Cecilia carefully instructed the caregiver and housekeeper to call immediately if anything happened to Martha. After informing Nathaniel she was going to Tudela, she left with Jonathan. Nathaniel immediately followed.
Sunday arrived. Vivian, elegantly dressed, and Jonathan, in a small suit, prepared for the wedding. "Wow, you're so handsome," Vivian exclaimed. "Jon, let me pinch your cheek." Jonathan retorted, "Ms. Kennedy, can't you act a little more mature?" Cecilia smiled at their interaction. "All right, it's time for us to set off." Vivian reluctantly withdrew her hand, and the three went to the Four Seasons Hotel.