Chapter 389: Intimate Moment

Her face flushed crimson. Frozen, she glanced around the room, determined to ignore Nathaniel's touch.

The storeroom, once familiar, now seemed transformed. A cool, modern color scheme and a sense of spaciousness had altered its appearance. Nathaniel's room, however, remained meticulously organized; even a single pen sat perfectly aligned in its holder.

Cecilia noticed scars on Nathaniel's hand. "How did you get those wounds?" she asked. "From glass?"

It had been a while since he'd held her. Breathing heavily, inhaling her scent, he replied, "I don't remember." Only a fool would reveal the truth. If I told her, she'd realize I've regained most of my memory and might drive me away again.

Cecilia sighed softly. "It's a pity you've forgotten so much. Have you forgotten what your previous job entailed?"

"What job?" Nathaniel asked, feigning casualness.

"Nothing," Cecilia replied, recalling his piano playing. She murmured, "You haven't forgotten how to play the piano, though. Is it just muscle memory?"

Unbeknownst to her, Nathaniel had been drawing closer. His nose brushed her flushed earlobe.

"My leg feels much better now, thank you," she said. Her cramp had subsided. As she tilted her head to move from his embrace, her lips brushed his cheek.

Nathaniel's throat tightened; his blood seemed to freeze. As Cecilia prepared to leave, a powerful force pulled her back. Before she could react, his lips captured hers in a swift, passionate kiss.

Time seemed to stop. Cecilia saw a close-up reflection of Nathaniel's handsome face. He gently laid her on the bed.

A faint, unexpected fragrance—from Nathaniel's bed—surprised her. "Nathaniel, you—" she began to protest, but his lips silenced her. Her mind blanked.

The air grew stifling, the contrast with the cool outside air stark. A sharp knock shattered the silence.

"Mommy!" The children's voices jolted Cecilia back to reality. She realized Nathaniel had partially undressed her. She quickly wrapped herself in the blanket.

Nathaniel, feeling her withdraw, was visibly annoyed. The persistent knocking and shouting fueled his frustration. He yelled, "Get lost!"

The roar terrified the children. Jonathan, summoning courage, took Elliot's hand. "Mr. Rainsworth, we're looking for Mommy."

After Martha fell asleep, they'd ventured out, finding Cecilia missing. They'd heard strange noises from Nathaniel's room—what sounded like their mother's voice.

Cecilia, on Nathaniel's bed, wanted to keep this secret. Subtly, she squeezed his hand.

Nathaniel said calmly, "She's not here; she might be in the restroom."

"Oh, all right then. Sorry to bother you, Mr. Rainsworth," Jonathan said. "Let's go look elsewhere."

As their footsteps faded, Cecilia breathed a sigh of relief. Before she could rise, Nathaniel leaned closer, his voice low and steady. "Let's continue."