Chapter 415: Why Did You Tell Me You Were Nathaniel?

Cecilia’s body stiffened at the mention of the name. Nathaniel, sensing the shift in her demeanor, held her closer. “What’s wrong?” he asked, his concern evident.

Cecilia shook her head, trying to dismiss her unease. “It’s nothing,” she replied, but Nathaniel remained unconvinced, his earlier good humor fading. He offered, “If you don’t want to go to the engagement, I can attend alone.”

“Martha said herself—after all, I am his sister-in-law. It’s only right I attend his engagement party,” Cecilia replied steadily.

Hearing Cecilia acknowledge her role as his sister-in-law eased the heaviness in Nathaniel’s heart. Returning home, Cecilia collapsed onto the couch, exhausted. She had barely settled when her phone rang.

Cecilia answered, expecting little, but the voice was familiar. “Ceci, it’s me, Nicholas,” the voice said, causing Cecilia’s heart to tighten. Their past conversations had been brief, constrained by their respective positions.

“Is there something you need?” Cecilia asked, her mind racing with unspoken questions.

“Can we talk in person?” Nicholas asked. He’d tried to see her several times, but she’d refused. This was his last attempt.

He wasn't sure she'd agree, but recalling his childhood help, Cecilia felt it too cold to refuse. “All right,” she finally agreed.

“Turn right when you leave the house. Walk about two hundred meters, and you’ll find me waiting,” Nicholas instructed, glancing towards her residence, near his parked car.

Cecilia hadn't expected him so close. After hanging up, she grabbed a jacket and slipped out quietly, avoiding Nathaniel, who was working in his study.

She could hardly believe Nicholas's audacity. Pulling on her coat and umbrella, Cecilia stepped into the heavy snowfall. The world outside was a vast white expanse, muffling city sounds.

She hadn't walked far when she spotted a sleek black Maybach, discreetly parked beside a modest dwelling. Cecilia hesitated.

A short distance away, the car door opened, and Nicholas stepped out, clad in a black coat, umbrella-less despite the falling snow. He walked toward Cecilia with purpose. He’d driven himself, deciding that if she refused to meet, he would find another way. Cecilia slowed, her gaze fixed on Nicholas's familiar face. She was momentarily captivated by his resemblance to Nathaniel.

As Nicholas approached, unexpected warmth welled in Cecilia's eyes. Before she could speak, Nicholas smiled, breaking the silence. “Don’t you recognize me?”

Memories flooded back. The Nathaniel she remembered from childhood stood before her, causing a pang of pain.

“I… Of course, I recognize you,” Cecilia stammered, her voice trembling. She’d been reluctant to seek clarification; it wasn't just her marriage and children; she was nervous and afraid of what she might learn.

“Why did you refuse to see me before? Even back home, you wouldn’t call out to me,” Nicholas asked softly, his voice laced with hurt.

Cecilia couldn't meet his gaze. She lowered her head and murmured, “I’m sorry.” She didn't notice the slight reddening at the corners of Nicholas's eyes.

“It’s cold outside. Shall we talk in the car?” Nicholas suggested gently.

Cecilia nodded. “All right.” She followed him into the car, where the heater's warmth enveloped her.

Cecilia couldn’t resist asking, “Can I ask why you told me before that you were Nathaniel?”