Chapter 498: Prioritize Ourselves
Two girls, seemingly eighteen years old, their faces flushed rosy, approached Nathaniel and Cecilia. Cecilia was surprised; Nathaniel, at least ten years their senior, could practically be their uncle. He frowned, his thin lips parting to form a single word: "Scram."
The girls blushed deeper, their initial shyness replaced by embarrassment and surprise. Cecilia was shocked by Nathaniel's outburst; since his memory loss, he rarely raised his voice. She realized, though, that some things never change. He couldn't feign gentleness. Quickly, she intervened, "I've finished buying everything; let's go."
Nathaniel's icy expression softened slightly at her voice. The girls, awestruck by Cecilia's beauty, grew bashful, whispering amongst themselves before hurrying away, one commenting on Nathaniel's attractiveness.
Cecilia offered Nathaniel a barbecued snack. The scent evoked memories of her childhood, sharing skewers with Calvin, sometimes receiving them free from a kind vendor. Although Nathaniel usually avoided street food, he readily accepted hers and ate slowly.
Later, while buying food for Eli, onlookers noticed Nathaniel's blindness, prompting whispers of pity and surprise. When Nathaniel's expression darkened, Cecilia immediately took his hand. Having experienced hearing impairment, she empathized deeply with those facing disabilities.
"Let's ignore them," she said. "They're strangers; they won't remember us. My psychologist taught me to prioritize ourselves, then family, then friends—strangers are least important."
For the first time in months, she held his hand tightly, easing his tension. He finally understood the judgment she had faced, and his remorse for not supporting her weighed heavily.
His Adam's apple bobbed. "Ceci," he said, "can you tell me you love me, one more time?"
Cecilia was startled. Ignoring the onlookers, Nathaniel embraced her deeply. "Just once," he murmured.
Lost in his embrace, Cecilia held the remaining food. The moment reminded her of their wedding anniversary, Valentine's Day. She recalled standing amidst a crowd, clutching roses, confessing her love.