Chapter 646: Mistaken All This While

Cecilia instructed Norman to keep a close watch on Paula's subsequent actions. Unless she was truly in the late stages of cancer, Cecilia wouldn't let her off the hook.

Returning home, she again asked Sven to investigate her father's car accident years ago. Despite Norman's warning that much of the evidence was likely destroyed, she craved the truth, a definitive answer. Exhausted, she collapsed onto the couch, but sleep evaded her. Her mind raced.

Memories of her childhood flooded back: her father's kind face, his words praising her mother's love. Bitterness welled up; she clutched a pillow to her chest. She lay there, unaware of the passing time, until finally drifting off. The housekeeper gently covered her with a blanket.

Elliot was spending the night at school. Nathaniel, swamped with work, arrived home late. The housekeeper quietly informed him, "Sir, Mrs. Rainsworth has been on the couch since this afternoon. She just fell asleep. I didn't want to wake her, but she might catch cold."

"Got it. You get some rest," Nathaniel replied.

The housekeeper left. Nathaniel went to the couch, gently lifting Cecilia and her blanket into his arms. He carried her upstairs, settling her in bed. As he was about to wash up, she grasped his hand.

"Don't leave…"

He paused. Was she awake? Then he heard her murmur, "Dad… please… don't leave me… alone…" Sleep-talking. Her voice was tinged with sobs. He gently touched her face, discovering tear-streaked cheeks. A lump formed in his throat. He sat beside her, letting her hold his hand.

Eventually, Cecilia awoke to find Nathaniel sleeping lightly beside her, leaning against the headboard. Their hands were clasped. The memory of her dream lingered: a childhood scene of making ravioli with her father, his impending departure, her terrified grip on his hand, his unexpected promise to stay.

Looking at Nathaniel's hand, she understood. She'd had this dream only twice before—once after the car accident caused by Stella's ex-boyfriend. Then, she'd awakened clutching a blazer, which she'd assumed belonged to Calvin. Now, looking at Nathaniel's hand, she realized she might have been mistaken all along.

Nathaniel stirred. Seeing her still holding his hand, he said, "They're ugly, aren't they?"

Cecilia noticed the scars on his hands. "When did you hurt your hand? Why are there so many scars?" She'd noticed them during his amnesia, but hadn't asked. He hadn't told her he'd saved her; perhaps it felt too awkward.

"Mason dragged me into the woods, and I got scratched," he said.

Cecilia examined the scars, puzzled. "What kind of plant could have cut your hand like that? You even have scars on your palm. These cuts… they look a lot like mine."

A tightness in his throat made his voice hoarse. "Do you know what it means when a woman continually holds a man's hand and stares at him?"