Chapter 39: A Questionable Lapse in Memory
Nathaniel had seen Cecelia’s medical reports and knew she suffered from severe depression, an illness he’d researched. He understood it caused memory loss, but nothing in his research prepared him for her complete inability to recognize him. They had known each other for over a decade!
Seeing his silence, Cecelia asked, “You’re not someone who has hurt me in the past, are you? Otherwise, why wouldn’t I remember you?” Her words pierced his heart.
His lips parted slightly, his voice frosty. “Ms. Smith, you’re overthinking. This is merely a chance meeting.” Nathaniel decided to play along. He hadn't truly felt married to her, not from the beginning. Before leaving, he had someone sign a collaboration contract with her.
Back in his office, Nathaniel resumed his incessant smoking. Cecelia's words echoed in his mind: You’re not someone who has hurt me in the past, are you? Otherwise, why wouldn’t I remember you? He felt suffocated.
When Mason entered, the room was filled with smoke. Nathaniel's smoking had spiraled since Cecelia's disappearance four years ago. Mason wondered, Why are things still the same after she's back?
Nathaniel shot Mason a dark look. “Investigate something for me. I don’t care how you do it, but I need to know exactly what happened to Cecelia these past four years!”
Mason was startled. “Mr. Rainsworth, I sent people to investigate earlier, but they couldn’t find any information. Her overseas records have always been strictly confidential.”
“Then mobilize other overseas resources!” Nathaniel’s insistence stunned Mason. He knew what those resources entailed—Nathaniel had only used them once before, when vying for leadership of the Rainsworth family. And he’s doing this for Cecelia now? Mason didn't dare question his boss; he simply agreed to follow instructions. “Of course. I’ll contact them immediately,” he said.
Four years had passed, and most at Rainsworth Group didn't recognize Cecelia. Her visit for collaboration attracted little attention. Afterwards, she had her driver take her to a cemetery in the western suburbs. As usual, she bought white daisies and placed them on her father's grave.
“Dad, I’m back. I’m sorry it took me so long,” she said, unusually calm. Standing before the tombstone, she recounted the intervening years. “I wanted to bring Jon and Eli for you to meet, but I feared Nathaniel and the Rainsworth family would take them from me. So I left them overseas. I know you won’t blame me.” She knew the Rainsworth family’s desire for a grandson; she couldn't risk Jonathan and Elliot's safety.
Her phone rang, interrupting her. It was Sven. “Ms. Smith, someone’s here,” he said.
“All right.”
After hanging up, Cecelia turned to see a familiar figure. Zachary, in a well-tailored suit, stood in the distance, holding a large bouquet of daisies, his gaze fixed on her. Cecelia’s expression shifted, then quickly steadied. She approached him, her heels clicking on the pavement. Zachary froze, the daisies feeling heavy in his hands. He felt as if he were dreaming. Unlike Nathaniel, he had accepted Cecelia's death. Today was her father's memorial; he'd come to pay respects on her behalf. But now, she stood before him, vividly alive.