Chapter 416: I Am Sorry
Nicholas finally asked the question he’d been anticipating. His lips barely moved as he said, “Ceci, you visited the Rainsworth family when you were very young. Have you ever heard of them having twins?”
Cecilia shook her head. Had she known Nathaniel had a twin brother, she would have questioned whether she’d mistaken the man she loved. Throughout her childhood visits to the Rainsworth family in Tudela, no one had ever mentioned Nathaniel having a twin.
Nicholas explained, “From birth, I suffered a severe condition. I was extremely sensitive to cold, terrified of sunlight, and spent most of my early years in intensive care. My family even feared I might not survive. Because of this, my existence was kept secret.”
He continued, “Later, when my health improved slightly, I returned to the Rainsworth family. But I was still incredibly weak, with very little interaction with the outside world. The only person I connected with… was you.”
His voice softened as he recalled those memories. “I initially told you I was my elder brother, Nathaniel, because I feared you’d reject me due to my illness. Also, the Rainsworth family didn’t want anyone perceived as weak or useless exposed to the public.”
Cecilia listened silently, finally understanding the complexities of his situation.
“I’m sorry,” she said quietly, her voice filled with regret. “I was unaware. It wasn’t that I deliberately avoided you or pretended not to recognize you. I simply didn’t know how to face you, what to say.”
“I’ve never forgotten how you helped me when we were young. Those memories are vivid,” Cecilia added, tears welling in her eyes.
Suddenly, overwhelming guilt washed over her. The weight of her actions, her past decisions, and her present reality, especially regarding Nicholas, the man who once loved her so deeply, now pressed heavily on her heart. Nicholas reached out to wipe away her tears, but Cecilia instinctively flinched and turned her face. His hand froze.
“Do you remember the promise we made when we were younger?” Nicholas asked, his voice steady but emotional.
Cecilia looked up at him.
“Do you remember promising to marry me when I returned?” he asked, emphasizing each word.
Cecilia stiffened, her complexion paling as the memory resurfaced. She’d been injured saving him. He’d held her tightly, whispering, “Wait for me. When I return, we’ll get married.”
The scars from that incident still marked Cecilia’s back, a constant reminder of that promise. It was because of those words that she’d unhesitatingly married Nathaniel. But it had all been a misunderstanding.
“I’m already married,” Cecilia said, her voice strained. She clenched her hands. “And you’re engaged. We should forget our previous agreement.”
Nicholas’s throat tightened. “If you’re willing, I’ll call off the engagement immediately,” he offered.
Nicholas had agreed to marry Cassandra to please Elena and to gauge Cecilia’s reaction. Now, he was pushing Cecilia to choose.
But Cecilia didn’t hesitate. She shook her head. “I’m sorry.”
Even if she divorced Nathaniel, she couldn’t imagine marrying Nicholas. She wasn’t the same. Now, she had Elliot, Jonathan, and the child growing within her. She felt unworthy of the present Nicholas.
Nicholas hadn’t expected such a swift rejection. He couldn’t accept it. “Ceci, is there something holding you back?” he asked, desperation lacing his voice.
“I’ll handle my brother’s affairs,” Nicholas continued. “I’ll ensure he divorces you, and I’ll arrange for his future care.”
But Cecilia remained indifferent, her heart heavy. Nicholas offered a bitter smile, realizing he was losing her.
“If it weren’t for him,” Nicholas whispered, “the man you should have married would have been me.”
Had Nicholas returned earlier, within the first three years of her marriage to Nathaniel, Cecilia might have agreed without hesitation. But now, everything had changed.
All Cecilia could do was apologize again, “I’m sorry.”
She reached for the car door, but before she could leave, Nicholas pulled her into his arms, holding her close.