Chapter 413: She Owes You Nothing
“Silly girl, no doctor is that miraculous,” Martha said with a gentle smile, knowing Cecilia was joking. She patted Cecilia’s hand softly. “I don’t want to live too long. As people age, they can become burdensome. I’ve lived a full life.”
Cecilia’s eyes filled with unshed tears, but she held them back. “Don’t say that,” she replied firmly. “You still have to watch Jon and Eli grow up, see them marry, and become a great-grandmother.”
Martha, touched by Cecilia’s words, allowed herself a moment of hope. She longed to see those things, but deep down, knew her body wouldn't last much longer. She had lived a long life, blessed with a child like a daughter, and was content in many ways. Yet, leaving Cecilia alone weighed heavily on her heart.
A few days earlier, Martha suspected Nathaniel had regained some memories. She realized he wasn't financially destitute and, more importantly, saw his genuine desire to be with Cecilia. Though mostly confined to her room, she knew Nathaniel had arranged for foreign specialists. She'd noticed other subtle changes; he had truly transformed.
“All right, I’ll live well and wait to see them marry,” Martha finally agreed, her voice a mix of determination and resignation.
“Good,” Cecilia nodded, reassured. “I’ll have the specialist come the day after tomorrow.”
“All right.”
After ensuring Martha was asleep, Cecilia sighed with relief. She left quietly, her heart heavy, and sought the specialist’s advice.
A knock came as soon as she left. Martha opened her eyes slowly. “Come in.”
Nathaniel entered, his expression somber. “Thank you,” he said, his voice unusually sincere. Genuine thanks were rare from him.
Martha didn’t offer a warm smile. “Don’t thank me yet. I’m not doing this for you.” She knew Cecilia still had feelings for Nathaniel, and she’d seen his change. That’s why she intervened.
“I understand,” Nathaniel assured her, nodding. “I promise I will treat her well.”
Martha studied him, uncertain. She wasn’t sure if she believed him. “If I were alive, I’d keep a close eye on you. But if I pass away, I hope you’ll live with a clear conscience; knowing Cecilia owes you nothing.”
Nathaniel knew words weren’t enough. He’d long planned to show his intentions through actions. But to truly protect Cecilia and ensure her happiness, he needed to remove obstacles.
The next morning, Cecilia and Nathaniel went gift shopping. Jonathan was staying with Vivian, so she didn't need to worry about his food. She wondered, however, if Vivian’s decision had upset Roland.
“What kind of gift should we get?” Cecilia asked.
Nathaniel, never having chosen gifts himself (Mason or his secretary always handled it), said, “Hold on, let me check,” stepping aside to call Mason.
Cecilia, nearby, overheard him asking Mason for gift advice. She felt embarrassed. Even without his memories, even not being the powerful Mr. Rainsworth, he still carried himself with a leader’s confidence.
Mason sent a list of carefully selected gifts, needing only purchase.
“If I’d known we’d be buying so much, I would have asked Sven to help carry everything,” Cecilia remarked, glancing at the list.
Nathaniel, feeling a pang of jealousy at the mention of Sven, immediately said, “I’ll take care of it.”
Cecilia was surprised. Nathaniel carrying things? His hands were once considered extraordinarily precious. He rarely even carried his own phone.
“If you’re willing, that’s fine,” Cecilia said.
She studied the list, considering Mason’s suggestions. As sister-in-law, she needed to gift both Nicholas and his bride-to-be. The gifts, worth over a million, would be delivered directly.
As they entered the store, Nathaniel drew considerable attention.