Chapter 417: A Family
Startled by Nicholas's sudden embrace, Cecilia stiffened, her body rigid. She quickly wriggled free, her heart racing. "I'm already married," she said, her voice tinged with confusion and determination. The confusion in her eyes was unmistakable, her resistance clear to Nicholas. His throat tightened as he processed her words; after what felt like an eternity, he slowly withdrew his hand, his eyes clouded with sadness. "Can we still be friends?" he asked quietly, his voice a whisper.
Cecilia, still shaken, looked at him with a softness absent earlier. "We're not just friends, Nicholas. We're family," she replied gently. "I'll attend your engagement party."
Nicholas nodded, attempting a smile despite the heaviness in his heart. "I'll see you there."
"If there's nothing else, I'll leave now," Cecilia said.
She walked back through the snow-covered streets. Nicholas watched her retreating figure fade into the white expanse, feeling as though she was being swallowed by the vast snow, slipping further away with each step.
Meanwhile, in Tudela, Jocelyn waited for Nicholas's return to the company. Hours passed with no sign of him, and worry gnawed at her. His disappearance was unlike him; for the first time, she was completely unaware of his whereabouts. Unable to shake the feeling that something was wrong, she called him.
"Mr. Nicholas, where are you?" Jocelyn asked, her voice laced with concern.
Nicholas, just settled back in his car, replied wearily, "I'm handling some affairs. I won't be returning to the office today."
"But there's a dinner meeting tonight—"
"Turn it down," Nicholas interrupted.
Jocelyn, by Nicholas's side for over a decade, sensed something was amiss. "Mr. Nicholas, if anything's troubling you, please confide in me. I promise I won't tell anyone," she assured him, her voice filled with genuine concern.
Nicholas offered a brief, self-mocking smile. "You're overthinking it, Jocelyn. I'm fine. Just focus on your work."
He ended the call, but not before a fit of coughing overtook him. Though his ailment was mostly cured, its lingering effects haunted him, its unpredictable return a constant threat.
That day, Nicholas didn't drive home. He parked where he could see Cecilia's residence, remaining there for a long time, watching her house in silence, lost in thought.
Meanwhile, Cecilia returned home, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. The enticing aroma of food greeted her as she entered. Nathaniel emerged from the kitchen, wiping his hands. "Where did you go?" he asked.
"Just for a stroll," Cecilia lied.
Nathaniel didn't press her. "Dinner's ready," he said.
"Okay," Cecilia replied, walking to the dining table, laden with her favorite dishes. Martha had arrived early. "Ceci, come and eat. He had this prepared for you—all your favorites," Martha said warmly, nodding toward Nathaniel.
Cecilia smiled. "Okay."
The three of them ate together; for a moment, it felt like a real family. Martha, overcome with emotion, said, "I've always dreamed of this—us eating together as a family. I never thought it would happen."
A family. Cecilia hadn't expected Martha to truly accept Nathaniel, yet here they were.
Nathaniel seized the moment. "Aren't you seeing the doctor tomorrow, Martha? I've arranged for someone to bring medical equipment."
"That's wonderful, you're so thoughtful," Martha said gratefully.
Cecilia watched their interaction, feeling a mix of emotions.
"By the way," Martha continued, "how has Jon been at Vivian's? And Eli at the hospital? My health hasn't been the best, so I haven't visited."
Cecilia realized with guilt that she'd forgotten to check on the children. "I forgot," she admitted. "I'll call them after we eat."
"All right."
After dinner, Cecilia called Vivian. She'd heard Jonathan was doing well, but worried nonetheless. The call connected after some time. Jonathan's voice was hushed. "Mommy, do you need something? Ms. Kennedy is getting scolded by Grandpa?"
"Grandpa?" Cecilia echoed, bewildered.
Jonathan clarified, "Ms. Kennedy's dad. She brought me back to her place."