Chapter 414: Unwanted Attention

Some shoppers noticed Nathaniel's striking handsomeness and whispered amongst themselves.

“Being attractive is always advantageous. Even blind, someone would care for you.”

“How do you know he’s kept by a woman? She's quite attractive, too.”

“True. Maybe she's cared for by him? Even a blind man would want that, right?”

The women nearby continued their speculations. Nathaniel distinctly heard them, and the repeated reference to him as a "blind man" felt suffocating.

"I'm stepping outside for a moment," he said to Cecilia, his voice tense.

"Do you need my help?" she asked.

"No need," he replied curtly.

Nathaniel carefully left the store, navigating cautiously to avoid collisions. The female staff, captivated by his appearance, rushed to assist. "Sir," one asked with a bright smile, "where are you going? May I escort you?"

Her smile vanished as Nathaniel abruptly pushed her away. "Get lost," he said, his voice deep and stern.

Startled by his harshness, the staff member lost her balance and fell. The store fell silent as everyone watched. Cecilia, noticing the commotion, saw Nathaniel's outburst—the first since his memory loss.

She quickly helped the woman up. "I'm sorry," she apologized. "He doesn't like being touched by strangers."

The shaken staff member composed herself. "It's all right," she said, her voice unsteady.

Cecilia grasped Nathaniel's arm. "What's wrong with you? Why did you push that girl?" she asked firmly, yet gently.

Nathaniel, uncomfortable from her touch, felt worse under her reprimand. "I didn't push her," he clarified, "I moved her hand away."

"Could you try to be a little more gentlemanly?" Cecilia asked softly.

Nathaniel reluctantly muttered, "Fine."

Once outside, Nathaniel removed his coat and discarded it in a nearby trash can before making a phone call. Shortly after, the gossiping women were "politely" escorted from the store by the manager.

Busy shopping, Cecilia missed the incident. When she went to pay, the manager approached her. "Mr. Rainsworth has already settled the bill. Your purchases will be delivered."

Cecilia looked at Nathaniel, seated in the rest area, wondering about his sudden wealth.

She approached him. "Aren't you supposed to be broke?"

Nathaniel was ready. "How could I possibly let you pay for my brother's engagement gifts?" he said. "This money was saved privately. It's insignificant to me."

Cecilia said little more. They finished their shopping, then took a taxi home. Exhausted, Cecilia rested her head against the window.

"Nathaniel, remember—you owe me a favor," she said, her voice tired but determined. She wanted her actions acknowledged.

Nathaniel gently pulled her into an embrace. "Mhm, I'll remember that."

Heavy snow fell. Too tired to care, Cecilia let him hold her. Nathaniel held her softly, his mood improved, though unable to see her expression or feelings.

"It's almost New Year's," Cecilia said casually. "Why choose now for an engagement?"

Nathaniel tightened his embrace. "They might marry soon after."