Chapter 501: Let Go Of Me

As soon as Cecilia returned home, she gave Elliot the food she’d bought to satisfy his hunger. Afterward, she busied herself in the kitchen, ignoring Nathaniel. He’d assumed her displeasure was temporary, but she remained distant during dinner. Elliot, however, noticed the tension and seemed delighted.

During the meal, Elliot cleverly maneuvered Cecilia into feeding him in front of Nathaniel. “Mommy, I crave chicken. It’s too far; can you feed me?” he asked. Cecilia obliged, tending to Elliot diligently. Nathaniel repeatedly tried, and failed, to serve himself, pointedly ignoring her.

After dinner, they watched television. Only Cecilia and Elliot conversed. When Cecilia went to the bathroom, Elliot seized the opportunity to boast to Nathaniel. “Mr. Rainsworth, you understand now, right? I am Mommy’s forever treasure. You’re replaceable.”

Helplessness clouded Nathaniel’s brow. “Shut your mouth,” he snapped.

“I won’t,” Elliot retorted, making a face. “So, what did you do to upset Mommy?”

Nathaniel frowned. “What would a brat like you understand?”

“You’re the real brat, hmph,” Elliot countered, ceasing his questioning. As long as Cecilia ignored Nathaniel, the reason didn't matter to him. He settled down to watch television, finding the program excruciatingly dull without Martha. Soon, he was yawning constantly.

When Cecilia prepared his bathwater, she found Elliot asleep on Nathaniel’s shoulder. Unwilling to disturb him, she considered skipping the bath, but Nathaniel intervened. “I’ll take him to his room,” he offered softly. Cecilia remained silent, her acquiescence implied by her inaction; her pregnancy made carrying Elliot upstairs inconvenient.

After putting Elliot to bed, Nathaniel returned and gently grasped Cecilia’s hand. “Ceci,” he said.

Cecilia ignored him, freeing her hand. Nathaniel pulled her into an embrace. “Don’t be mad. It won’t happen again,” he promised. What man could endure his wife making a fool of him?

“This isn’t about the future; it’s about now. And what good does your apology do?” Cecilia remained upset. “You put him in the ICU. That’s a crime!”

A lump formed in Nathaniel’s throat. “He provoked me.” He wouldn't have resorted to violence had Calvin not repeatedly provoked him.

“Would you kill me if I upset you?” Cecilia countered.

Nathaniel was speechless.

“Let go of me, or I’ll bite you,” Cecilia threatened, biting his hand.

“I’ll apologize and compensate him,” Nathaniel conceded.

Cecilia released him. “How can you apologize or compensate when we can’t even contact him?”

Nathaniel reaffirmed his promise. He knew Calvin’s importance to Cecilia; had he realized it sooner, he wouldn't have acted against him.