Chapter 46: What Did You Call Me
Having been an orphan all her life, Stella despised being looked down upon. Zachary's words echoed countless past humiliations, the painful memories of trying to fit in with the wealthy elite years ago. The shame was immeasurable.
"Once I become lady of the Rainsworth family," she declared, "no one will dare look down on me!" Stella seemed unaware of Cecilia's return.
Zachary waited outside Ninth Ville.
"Mr. Zachary, Ms. Smith hasn't left today. Should I knock?" The bodyguard dared not keep him waiting.
Zachary declined. "No need. I'll wait here."
News of Cecilia's return yesterday had sparked unprecedented excitement. He yearned to see her, to discuss the past. Yet, the memory of his past mistreatment made a casual approach difficult.
He waited over two hours.
Last night, Cecilia had drunk ice-cold water, leaving her chilled and with a heavy head. Sven bought medicine, but she still felt unwell. She slipped on a coat, concealing yesterday's scratches, and went for a walk to clear her head. Despite the summer heat, dressed in long sleeves and pants, she felt cold. The doctor diagnosed a weak constitution, warning that last night's events nearly hospitalized her. She resolved to be more careful in the future.
Walking obliviously, Cecilia neared Zachary's parked MPV. He rushed out.
"Cecilia!"
She stopped, startled, turning to face him. She remained silent.
Zachary approached, a torrent of questions flooding him. He managed only, "How have you been these past years?"
Cecilia sneered inwardly. Didn't this man always want me to suffer? She pressed her lips together, clutching her pepper spray. She was curious to see his approach this time.
Seeing her silence, Zachary assumed she hadn't brought her hearing aid. "Wasn't it just a slight hearing problem? Why can't she hear me?"
Her long hair concealed the aid. She chose not to explain, continuing her walk.
Zachary followed, quickly seizing her wrist. "Has your condition worsened? Let me take you to the hospital."
Condition worsened? The hospital? His behavior made her suspect a different kind of manipulation.
Cecilia recalled a New Year's reunion two years after marrying Nathaniel. Zachary, surprisingly, called her sister-in-law, inviting her to the party. However, arriving without Nathaniel, the wealthy children targeted her, drenching her with wine. Zachary watched from the head of the table, smiling like a devil. He’d even arranged a rose carpet, thorns intact, demanding, "Little deaf one, do you enjoy being called 'sister-in-law'? Walk barefoot on these roses for three minutes, and I'll make everyone acknowledge your status!"
Cecilia had believed him. The memory of the pain, humiliation, and fear made her yank her hand away. She looked at him, suppressing her anger.
"Sir," she said, "my silence doesn't mean I can't hear you. It simply means I choose not to respond."
Zachary's throat tightened. The usually eloquent Zachary, versed in medicine, law, and international business, was speechless. After a long silence, he finally asked, "What did you call me?"