Chapter 4: I Never Loved You
It seemed Dad had long known Nathaniel didn't love me. Despite everything, he'd always had my best interests at heart. He'd made a contract with the Rainsworth family, enabling me to marry Nathaniel. But before the wedding, he was in a car accident. Had he lived, Magnus and Mom wouldn't have been able to break the contract. After handing over property transfer procedures to Norman, Cecilia saw Stella’s promotional posters lining the street on her way home. The Stella on the poster radiated dazzling beauty, optimism, and charm.
She knew it was time to let go, to free Nathaniel and herself. Returning to Daltonia Villa, Cecilia packed her luggage. After over three years of marriage, her possessions fit into a single suitcase. She'd asked Norman to prepare the divorce agreement the previous year. Nathaniel’s presence often made her self-conscious, humble, and emotional. She’d realized long ago their relationship was doomed and prepared herself to leave. That night, Nathaniel didn't message her. With newfound courage, she texted: "Are you free tonight? I need to talk." Silence. Cecilia's eyes darkened. He wouldn't even respond. She could only wait until morning.
In the Rainsworth Group CEO's office, Nathaniel glanced at the text and casually set aside his phone. Zachary, on the couch, asked, "From Cecilia?" Nathaniel remained silent. Zachary sneered. "That deaf girl thinks she's a Rainsworth. Nathaniel, you're not seriously continuing this? The Smiths are finished. Magnus is a fool, their business will fail soon, and her mother is greedy!" Nathaniel listened impassively. "I know."
"Then why not divorce her? Stella's been waiting," Zachary said anxiously. He considered Stella infinitely superior to Cecilia. At the mention of divorce, Nathaniel fell silent. Zachary blurted, "You didn't fall for Cecilia, did you?" Nathaniel smirked. "Is she worthy?" He handed Zachary a purchase agreement. Zachary was shocked; Nathaniel was considering taking over Smith Corporation. He felt a pang of sympathy for Cecilia. They’d been married for three years, and her affection for Nathaniel was obvious.
Nathaniel is heartless; he couldn't possibly care for Cecilia! Cecilia assumed Nathaniel wouldn't return, but he arrived at midnight. She'd been awake, taking his coat and briefcase—like any married couple. "Don't text me casually," Nathaniel said coldly. He believed she did nothing all day. Cecilia's hand trembled. "It won't happen again."
Nathaniel ignored the subtext and went to his study. He spent most evenings there. Even though they lived together, Cecilia was alone. Perhaps he perceived her world as tranquil, or perhaps he simply didn't care. He discussed acquiring Smith Corporation as usual. Cecilia brought him ginger tea, listening as he instructed subordinates. She knew her brother's incompetence and the Smith Corporation's inevitable downfall, but never expected her husband to be the one to strike the first blow. "Nathaniel."
A voice interrupted Nathaniel's thoughts. He paused, unsure if guilt prompted him to quickly hang up the phone and close his laptop. Cecilia entered, placing the tea before him. "Have some tea and rest. Your health is important."
Nathaniel relaxed slightly at her gentle voice. She probably hadn't heard the call. If she had, she would have argued. He stopped Cecilia as she was leaving. "You wanted to talk. What is it?" Cecilia looked at him and said softly, "I was wondering if you're free this morning to finalize the divorce." Her tone was calm, as if discussing a trivial matter. Nathaniel's eyes narrowed in disbelief. "What did you say?" Throughout their marriage, Cecilia had never mentioned divorce. He knew how much she loved him; he'd known since their childhoods that she had a crush on him, for over a decade. Cecilia's gaze sharpened. "Mr. Rainsworth, I'm sorry for holding you back. Let's get a divorce."
Nathaniel's hand clenched. Zachary had suggested divorce, but he'd refused. He couldn't believe she'd initiated it. "You heard, didn't you? Smith Corporation is failing. What difference does it make who takes advantage? Why the divorce? A child? Money? To stop me? Don't forget, I never loved you. Your threats are useless!" He felt she was using divorce to intimidate him. He knew she wouldn't leave; the Smiths couldn't afford it, and Cecilia wouldn't want to. Cecilia's reflection in his eyes felt alien. A lump formed in her throat, pain in her ears. Even with her hearing aid, she couldn't understand him completely. "I don't want anything," she responded to his earlier question.
Fearing he'd notice something wrong, Cecilia left. Nathaniel watched her go, feeling an unfamiliar melancholy. He wasn't one to control his emotions, and he flipped the table, spilling the ginger tea Cecilia had made.