Chapter 431: Is It That Embarrassing to Apologize?

The following morning, the household staff found Nathaniel sound asleep on the couch. Upon hearing a noise, he opened his eyes. "Ceci."

"Mr. Nathaniel, it's me. Mrs. Rainsworth is still asleep," the housekeeper replied.

Nathaniel frowned slightly. "I see. You may all leave now. There's no need to return unless I summon you." He had grown accustomed to life in Sparaville and disliked a large housekeeping staff.

"Understood."

The housekeeper cautiously withdrew, gently closing the door. Awakened, Nathaniel, no longer sleepy, decided to wait for Cecilia. Since her pregnancy, Cecilia slept deeply, often waking late. After a long afternoon shopping with Cassandra yesterday, she didn't awaken until after ten this morning.

After freshening up and coming downstairs, she was greeted by the tantalizing aroma of food. She didn't see Nathaniel in the living room, but found him in the kitchen, awkwardly bustling about the stove. Nathaniel excelled in most things—work, piano—but cooking was an exception. Seeing him nearly burn his hands, Cecilia intervened. "Let me do it."

Nathaniel remained firm. "Don't worry, I bought this outside; it's edible. I'm just warming it up." He thought she worried about the taste, so he quickly explained. Cecilia, however, had wondered how he'd managed to cook so well, only to discover he’d purchased the food pre-made.

"Be careful then; don't burn yourself."

Yesterday's events were separate from today's. Not wishing to burden him, Cecilia moved to the dining table, patiently waiting. She watched his busy, inexperienced movements, and Stella's past words flooded back. Stella had mentioned Nathaniel preparing a feast for her, a lavish spread she'd posted on Instagram, looking professionally prepared. Cecilia now realized Nathaniel couldn't cook, and Stella had misled her.

Nathaniel served the meal. "Let's eat."

Cecilia, snapping back to attention, accepted her plate. "Thank you." During the meal, she asked, "Did you really not know how to cook before?"

He thought she was testing him, mistaking him for Nicholas. "Everything Nicholas knows, I know too."

Frost coated Cecilia's face. "If you keep being sarcastic, I'm going home."

Nathaniel feared her anger, though she rarely lost her temper. His voice softened immediately. "I can't cook, but I'm willing to learn." Had he not been visually impaired, he would have learned quickly. It was just cooking, after all.

Cecilia, noticing his improved attitude, said nothing, focusing on her meal. Her pregnancy had increased her appetite, and she dared not restrict it, fearing it might affect the baby.

After eating, Nathaniel surprisingly rose to wash the dishes. Cecilia, wanting to reciprocate, offered to help, but Nathaniel stopped her. "You rest; I'll wash up."

"It's fine. Since you cooked, I'll do the dishes. We need to establish some boundaries," Cecilia insisted.

Nathaniel gently lifted her onto the living room couch. He then said, "I'm sorry about what happened yesterday." He briskly left. From the couch, Cecilia saw his reddened ears.

Is it really that embarrassing to apologize?

Cecilia chose not to argue. After resting, she began her work.