Chapter 54: Just Friends

His eyes held emotions Cecilia couldn't decipher.

“In less than five years, where did you get so much money for charity? Did Calvin give it to you?”

Cecilia was unaware that since their separation, Nathaniel hadn't slept soundly. Countless nights were spent awake, haunted by visions of her with Calvin.

“Calvin and I are just friends. I earned all my money myself…”

Before she could finish, Nathaniel's large hand gently rested on her shoulder, then moved lower. “How did you earn it? Here?”

Cecilia stared, disbelief etched on her face. “What did you just say?”

His touch was warm, his words icy. Her throat tightened; she clenched her hand, her fingernails digging into her palm. He leaned close, whispering, “How much did Calvin pay you? Tell me, and I’ll double it!”

His fingers trailed across her skin, yearning to hold her captive. “Do you remember how much your family owes me? I don't care anymore. Just name a price, don't play games. Stay with me, and it's all yours!”

His words unleashed her fury. She slapped him hard. “You bastard!”

The sting was evident, yet he felt no pain. He swiftly seized her wrist, his icy gaze fixed on her. “How much do you want?” he demanded.

Cecilia had known early on that she loved the wrong man, but she'd underestimated how little she knew him. She'd always believed his obsession with cleanliness made him aloof, different. Now, she saw he was no different from others.

“Mr. Rainsworth, please conduct yourself with some dignity.”

He gently grasped her chin. “Call me Nathaniel!”

Cecilia was startled. He gazed at her intently, trying to gauge if she'd truly lost her memory, if she felt nothing for him. After a long pause, she slowly said, “Nathaniel.”

The words lacked warmth, a stark contrast to the past. He vividly remembered her gentle calls of “Nathaniel, Nathaniel…” after their marriage.

His lips tightened. He refused to believe she’d lost her memory or her affection. Lowering his head, he kissed her—a rough, relentless kiss. She tried to resist, but he held her hands firmly.

Then, voices from outside.

“Ms. Ross, Mr. Rainsworth is in a meeting; you can’t enter.”

“I have something important to tell Nathaniel! Move aside!”

Cecilia pushed him away. Stella, ignoring the secretary, burst through the door.

Seeing Cecilia, she froze. “Get out!”

Before she could react, Nathaniel's deep voice boomed.

Cecilia hadn't expected this encounter. As she prepared to leave, Nathaniel stopped her. “I asked her to leave!” He stared at her lips. “Ms. Smith, we still have business to discuss.”

Stella felt utterly humiliated. “Nathaniel, I—let me know when you’re finished,” she said, forcing composure as she left.

Outside, her gentle facade crumbled, replaced by gloom and a chilling thought: Cecilia didn’t die? How is she still alive?