Chapter 479 Always By Your Side

Nicholas reached out to brush the snow from Cecilia's body, but she instinctively recoiled. "Nicholas, how are you here?"

Her polite greeting left his hand frozen mid-air, retracting only after a pause.

"I saw the news report about Martha," he explained. "Knowing how close you were, I knew you'd be devastated. I came to check on you." He then turned to Martha's tombstone and paid his respects.

Cecilia, surprised by his clear memory of their childhood, forced a smile. "Thank you. I'm fine."

Nicholas observed her purplish face and red-rimmed eyes. "You don't have to be so strong with me," he said gently. "I've told you before, I'll always be by your side."

She merely nodded, unsure how to respond. After a long silence, she said, "I'm going home."

"I'll take you," Nicholas offered immediately.

"No need. My car's nearby," she replied.

"How can you possibly drive in your current state?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

Cecilia, unable to refuse, accepted his help. He handed her a small towel. "Brush off the snow, or you'll catch a cold."

"Thank you," she said, using the towel before getting into his car.

Nicholas started the heater and played a song Cecilia loved as a child. She was startled. "I'd almost forgotten this song."

"I listened to it often during my treatment abroad," he revealed.

Hearing this, Cecilia felt guilty. "How have you been all these years?"

"I'm alright," he answered softly. "Just… sleeping more than I'm awake."

He was about to start the car when a Bentley pulled up, and Vivian and Jonathan emerged. They had left at five a.m., but New Year's traffic had delayed them.

Seeing them, Cecilia quickly got out of Nicholas's vehicle. "Jon, Vivian."

Their red-rimmed eyes showed their grief. "We're so sorry we're late, Ceci," Vivian said. Heavy snowfall had blocked the roads the previous night.

Cecilia shook her head. "It's okay." She knew Martha wouldn't blame them.

Vivian embraced her, and Jonathan took her hand, offering comfort and support. As he was about to greet Cecilia, he noticed Nicholas exiting the car. Recognizing him as someone other than Nathaniel, Jonathan said, "Ms. Smith, don't be sad." He deliberately avoided calling her "Mommy."

Cecilia understood. Vivian, however, mistook Nicholas for Nathaniel. "Has Nathaniel's vision improved?" she asked.

"That's Nicholas," Cecilia clarified.

Vivian was astonished. "They really do look identical," she murmured.

Nicholas extended his hand. "Hello, Ms. Kennedy."

Vivian shook his hand. "Hello, Mr. Rainsworth." She'd heard of him; he was, as rumored, very gentle. "No wonder Ceci likes him," she thought. "He's handsome and kind, unlike that scoundrel Nathaniel."