Chapter 600: Dejected and Disheartened
The cold wind whipped past their ears as Nicholas’s grip on Cecilia’s arm remained firm. He looked down at her, asking again, “Ceci, have you…?” He was abroad, in a hospital, constantly longing to return to her, yet she had fallen in love with someone else—his brother, no less, a man who bore an uncanny resemblance to him. Cecilia was bewildered, vehemently denying it.
“No.”
She had once married Nathaniel, mistaking him for someone else. She had persevered with him then for the sake of their two children. When Cecilia’s words fell, Nicholas’s heart remained tense, unyielding. “What about me?” he asked. In the darkness, his lips held an unnatural redness.
Cecilia shook her head. “We’re history. Let go. I’m sorry.”
“I don’t want to hear apologies.” Nicholas lifted his free hand, about to touch her cheek. A discordant clap of applause rang out.
“Mr. Rainsworth, what’s this?” Zachary, in a black coat, fixed his fox-like eyes on Nicholas, his tone laced with mockery.
Nicholas didn’t release his hold. “Mr. Sinclair, I wasn’t aware of your penchant for interfering in others’ affairs.” His voice remained gentle, yet chillingly cold.
Zachary hadn’t intended to interfere, but Cecilia was his friend’s wife, and she had saved his life. “People say you’re gentler than your brother, Mr. Rainsworth. I’m not so sure. By holding Cecilia’s hand like this, are you trying to show everyone how a brother-in-law flirts with his sister-in-law?” Zachary pointedly emphasized their relationship.
Nicholas recalled the day’s online rumors about Cecilia and a celebrity. If their encounter became public, Cecilia would face considerable controversy. He slowly released her hand.
“It’s cold. Don’t stay out long.” He glanced at Zachary and quickly left.
Watching Nicholas go, Zachary dropped his spoiled-brat façade and approached Cecilia. “Cecilia, are you alright?” Concern filled his eyes.
Cecilia ignored him. Finding further conversation unproductive, Zachary looked towards the entrance, wondering why Vivian hadn’t arrived. George claimed he wanted Vivian there to meet people, but Zachary knew he hoped to foster feelings between them. He decided to go look for her.
Finding a seat, Cecilia overheard wealthy businessmen discussing a newly established company, Imminence Corporation. Their actions were ruthless; several companies had recently been acquired. Cecilia paid little attention.
Minutes later, a commotion outside drew her attention. She saw Zachary and Ernest unexpectedly fighting, while Vivian stood pale in the distance. Zachary’s carefree extravagance was well-known, but the usually reserved lawyer, Ernest, losing his composure, was a surprise. Ernest rarely stood up for others, always weighing pros and cons. Yet, inexplicably, he found himself in a heated confrontation with Zachary.
Neither yielded, and soon both were bruised and injured. When Vivian regained her composure, she shoved Zachary away and yelled at Ernest, “Get lost!” Ernest, seeing Vivian like this for the first time, left dejected and disheartened.
Cecilia, Vivian, and Zachary left together. In the car, Zachary had lost the imposing air from his fight with Ernest. Vivian chided him, “Who told you to hit him first?” Cecilia’s presence silenced Zachary. He remained quiet until they reached the hospital entrance, then exited the car. Only then did Cecilia begin to understand what had happened.