Chapter 571: My Confidence Is From You

At Nathaniel's words, Cecilia was speechless. She lowered her head and ate silently, unsure what troubled her. It felt as if she feared accepting help or kindness, fearing a resulting debt of gratitude.

This was precisely why she hadn't told Vivian and Nathaniel that Queenie and Cassandra had harmed her and Elliot.

As Nathaniel listened to her eating, he felt helpless, the silence unbearable. He barely ate.

When they were ready to leave, Cecilia took his hand. "Let's go."

Unexpectedly, Nathaniel remained seated. Cecilia was bewildered. "Are you leaving or not?"

Shooting to his feet, Nathaniel pulled her into a tight embrace. Cecilia found it difficult to breathe. She patted his arm. "Let go, please. Why are you hugging me like this?"

The private room door was open, and Cassandra and Nicholas, having just finished their meal in the adjacent room, witnessed the scene. Nicholas froze.

Dumbfounded, Cassandra exclaimed, "I didn't expect to see Nathaniel and Cecilia here. Despite being married for so many years, they're surprisingly still so affectionate." Nicholas's gaze was gloomy; his fists clenched.

Finally, Nathaniel released Cecilia, and they left together, encountering Nicholas and Cassandra. Cecilia felt awkward.

Worried Nathaniel hadn't noticed them, Cassandra spoke first. "Nathaniel, Cecilia, are you celebrating Valentine's Day too?"

Nathaniel glanced at Cecilia. "Yeah," she replied. Cassandra held Nicholas's arm.

"Nicholas and I are too. What a coincidence we're at the same restaurant."

Cecilia smiled politely. She wanted to leave, but Cassandra persisted. "What happened to your face, Cecilia? Why is there a large bandage?"

"A minor injury," Cecilia replied.

Cassandra feigned sympathy. "You're practically disfigured, huh? Thankfully, Nathaniel can't see it."

Cecilia, initially reluctant to argue, couldn't restrain herself. She looked directly at Cassandra.

"I think I'd still be prettier than you even disfigured. Otherwise, why would you be so interested in seeing me that way?" This was her way of letting Cassandra know she knew the truth.

Cassandra's expression stiffened, fearful of revealing herself to Nicholas. "How confident of you, Cecilia."

"My confidence comes from you, doesn't it?" Cecilia took Nathaniel's hand. "But you should be careful with your face too. I'm ordinary, but you're a dancer. A dancer's face is more important, right?"

Cassandra's gaze turned icy, understanding the threat. Watching Cecilia lead Nathaniel away, she seethed.

"Did you hear that, Nicholas? She wants to disfigure me? I only said a few words!"

Meanwhile, Cecilia and Nathaniel reached the car. Nathaniel suddenly grasped Cecilia's hand.

"Is it embarrassing to be with me?"