Chapter 496: Do You Love Me Now

“All right, I’ll give you one last chance,” Nicholas said.

Stella felt as if she had received a royal pardon. “Mr. Rainsworth, we have an agreement. If I succeed, you must help me make my comeback in the entertainment industry.”

“Of course.”

Stella then quietly explained her plan to Nicholas. Though cruel, it was the most effective way to dissuade Cecilia from pursuing Nathaniel. Nicholas agreed.

When Nathaniel returned, he had security check the mansion's surveillance. As expected, it showed Nicholas in a car, interacting with Stella. Nathaniel’s brow furrowed. He needed to send his brother abroad, and soon. His blindness significantly hampered his daily life.

Inside, Cecilia prepared the New Year’s Eve dinner, needing only a quick stir-fry before serving. Seeing Elliot return, she asked, “Didn’t you go for a walk with Uncle Nathaniel?”

Yawning, Elliot replied, “I want to rest.”

“All right, darling, go rest,” Cecilia said, assuming he was unwell.

After Elliot went upstairs, Cecilia went outside, noticing Nathaniel hadn't returned. She saw a familiar silhouette leaving and her heart sank. Despite the time that had passed, she recognized Stella instantly. Cecilia clenched her fists.

Nathaniel ended a call with his subordinate and turned, unaware Cecilia had arrived.

Suddenly, Cecilia called out, “Nathaniel Rainsworth.”

Nathaniel froze. “Ceci? Why are you outside in this cold?” he asked, approaching her.

Seeing his concern, Cecilia abandoned her usual reticence. “Why was Stella here? Do you remember her?”

“I’m not sure why she sought me out,” Nathaniel replied. What could Stella possibly want? Wasn't she after his money and power? He added, in response to another of Cecilia's questions, “Didn't you and Mason often mention her? Even if I don't remember her, I know what she's like. Don't worry, she won't deceive me.”

A lump formed in Cecilia’s throat. Through the falling snow, the distance was blurry. “Nathaniel, do you truly care for me, and not her? Could it be because of your memory loss?”

Cecilia refused to be a compromise, a substitute. If Nathaniel didn't love her, she could leave. The reckless passion was gone; only their child bound them.

Nathaniel’s throat tightened. A lie required countless more to sustain it. He hadn't anticipated his fabricated amnesia tripping him up.

“Ceci, I’ve only ever loved you.” He spoke those words under the guise of amnesia. Fearful Cecilia would mention leaving again, he quickly added, “If I'd been fond of Stella before, how is it that after losing my memory, I only remember you?” He had only remembered Cecilia when his memory loss began.

“Maybe you’re having trouble letting go of me?” Cecilia recalled their past lawsuit, her admission of seeing someone else, her threat of divorce; Nathaniel had been furious.

Nathaniel wanted to confess his recovered memory, but hesitated. “Do you love me now, Ceci?” he asked.