Chapter 71: Were We Deeply in Love?
When Cecilia arrived, Mason didn't stop her. Nathaniel stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, puffing on a cigarette. Cecilia's words from the previous day still echoed in his mind: she had suffered a miscarriage, the child lost long ago. A knock at the door startled him; he extinguished his cigarette. "Come in," he said.
Cecilia entered, seeing Nathaniel's tall figure silhouetted against the light. He was impeccably dressed in a sharp suit. She remembered their first meeting over a decade ago—he had stood in sunlight, instantly captivating her. His hawk-like eyes now reflected her delicate face and curves. She closed the door and approached him.
"Mr. Rainsworth," she began, "after yesterday's conversation, I checked the records. I misunderstood; we were married. Also, I need to clarify something. When I mentioned a blind date, I was actually standing in for my best friend." Nathaniel had learned the truth since then.
Surprised by her initiative, a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes. "So, you came only to explain this?"
Cecilia met his gaze. "I want to regain my memories, but I have questions." She stood close. Nathaniel could clearly see her form.
"What do you want to ask?" His Adam's apple bobbed.
"Were we deeply in love?"
Nathaniel's expression shifted dramatically. Cecilia, pretending not to notice, continued, "Though I don't remember much, I believe I wouldn't marry someone I didn't love." His deep eyes shimmered with an enigmatic glint. He felt a mixture of joy and something else.
"Yes," he said, each word laced with emotion, "you loved me very much." Tears welled in his eyes. Cecilia noticed, sensing her gamble had paid off, the tension around him easing. She tiptoed closer. "I want to test if I truly love you. Is that okay?"
Before he could answer, she kissed him. Her kiss was tentative, delicate. Nathaniel watched her clumsy attempt, then took control. The drawn curtains plunged the room into dimness; muffled sounds emanated from within. Cecilia pinched herself, trying to stay alert.
A knock at the door. "Nathaniel," Stella called.
Ignoring Mason, she reached the office entrance, sensing something amiss when she found the door closed. Cecilia was surprised someone sought Nathaniel at noon. Frowning, she halted her plans, pushing Nathaniel away. "Someone's coming," she whispered, evading his kiss.
Nathaniel heard the insistent knocking, his longing unfulfilled. A moment later, the door swung open. Stella saw Cecilia's flushed cheeks and bright eyes—she immediately understood.
"What's the matter?" Nathaniel's husky voice broke through the silence. Stella, clutching an invitation, approached him. "Nathaniel, I'm releasing a new song tonight. I hope you'll come. It's for you."