Chapter 36: Keep a Close Watch on Her

Uninterested in further conversation, Cecilia immediately wrote a check and handed it to him.

“I’ve paid the money, so I’m taking the necklace.”

Nathaniel held the check tightly, watching her leave without a backward glance. He ordered, “Keep a close watch on her.”

At Ninth Ville, upon her return, Cecilia stood on the balcony, steadily sipping wine. She’d never been a drinker, but since going abroad, she’d numbed herself with alcohol whenever overwhelmed. After her children were born, their presence gradually helped her overcome this habit. But seeing Nathaniel today had undone her progress.

Speaking of amnesia, she hadn’t been lying. The burden had been immense. Her physical and mental health suffered greatly during her time abroad, exacerbated by depression and pregnancy. Her memory deteriorated; she even intermittently forgot Martha. That period was filled with immense pain. Her mind would drift back to her childhood, her student years, and even to her marriage with Nathaniel. Once, she even forgot about their divorce, about faking her death and leaving the country. All she remembered was their wedding. Despite her pregnancy, she’d bought a plane ticket home, intending to find Nathaniel. She almost returned to Tudela, but at the airport, she saw a photograph of Nathaniel and Stella at a banquet. Only then did she remember their relationship had ended.

The chaotic jumble of memories, offering fleeting hope only to dash it, was a uniquely agonizing experience. The depth of her pain was unimaginable. She’d always known Nathaniel didn’t love her; his relentless search over the past four years stemmed from resentment, not affection. Therefore, she’d feigned amnesia. Her plan was to obtain Nathaniel’s sperm, but not through intimacy.

Her phone rang, interrupting her thoughts. She answered, and Calvin’s deep voice filled her ear.

“How’s it going?”

“The first step is a success,” Cecilia replied.

Noticing something amiss in her voice, Calvin frowned. “Have you been drinking again?”

Cecilia lied, “No, not lately.”

Calvin murmured, “Mm-hmm.” After a pause, he added, “If there are any difficulties, I’ll come back—”

Cecilia interrupted, “No need. I can handle it.”

Over the years abroad, Cecilia had learned that Calvin’s life was demanding, leaving him with little free time. She wouldn’t burden him with her problems.

“Remember, contact me immediately if you need anything.”

“All right.”

The call ended. Cecilia tossed the empty wine bottle into the trash, then turned on the television to combat the loneliness. An entertainment news story caught her attention.

“Does Stella Ross’s rise to superstardom have a connection with Rainsworth Group’s CEO, Nathaniel Rainsworth? Rumor has it their secret affair has lasted over a decade…”

Over a decade…

Cecilia scoffed inwardly. If they’ve been together for over a decade, where do my three years of marriage fit in?

A video call appeared. It was her younger son, Elliot. Cecilia waited until she appeared sober before accepting the call.