Chapter 435: Checking Out Nicholas
“Don’t worry, my baby won’t be setting foot in Rainsworth Manor. If you could persuade Nathaniel to expedite our divorce, I’d be grateful,” Cecilia replied with a smile.
Elena gritted her teeth. “Don’t worry! Once Nathaniel regains his memory, he’ll surely divorce you without my persuasion!” She had intended to question her about Jonathan, but lost interest, abruptly leaving in a huff.
Witnessing Elena’s troubled departure, Cassandra approached, feigning concern. “Are you alright?” She sought information about her future mother-in-law and to cultivate a caring image.
“I’m fine.”
Disappointed by Cecilia’s brevity, Cassandra tried again. “Is Madam Elena difficult?”
“I can’t answer that,” Cecilia replied casually.
Cassandra dropped her pretense. “Come on, Cecilia! I’m marrying Nicholas. He’ll lead the Rainsworth family. You should show me more respect.”
Cecilia paused. “I don’t know much about Madam Elena’s affairs. You’re marrying Nicholas; ask him.”
Cassandra’s expression soured. She had questioned Nicholas, but despite his outward gentleness, he remained emotionally distant. She couldn’t understand his engagement.
Failing to glean information from Cecilia, Cassandra searched for Nicholas. She soon spotted him, tall and prominent, holding a wine glass, his gaze fixed on Cecilia arranging flowers. A troubling thought crossed her mind, but she dismissed it as Nicholas looked away.
Cecilia, born with a hearing impairment and already married, seemed an unlikely object of Nicholas’s affection. At his engagement, even distant relatives had arrived early, primarily to see Nicholas, Nathaniel’s twin, and secondarily to visit the sightless Nathaniel (who was unfortunately absent due to his condition). Some guests even began to bully Cecilia.
“Ms. Smith, could you pour me some water?” a lady requested. Cecilia, unlike before, replied indifferently, “Get it yourself.” The lady, surprised by this unexpected defiance, had a servant fetch the water.
Others remained oblivious to the tense atmosphere. Nathaniel's cousin, Adrian, slightly inebriated after parting with his wife, Miranda, approached Cecilia. “Cecilia, you must have been lonely these past years.”
Cecilia, detecting the strong smell of alcohol, moved away. Adrian persisted. “You’re beautiful. Nathaniel was blind to let you go.” He leaned closer, suggesting, “If you’d…sleep with me, I’ll cherish you.”