Chapter 89: The Subject of Gossip

From a distance, he saw the woman sitting at the computer, engrossed in her work. He quickly walked over and pushed open the door without knocking. The sound startled Cecilia, causing her to look up and meet his stern gaze. Recalling the morning's scandalous news about Stella, and remembering Nathaniel's past defense of her, Cecilia instinctively assumed Stella was again blaming her, and that Nathaniel had come to settle the score.

She stood, taking a step back. "Mr. Rainsworth, is there something you need?"

Nathaniel observed her cautious movements, his mind filled with images of their child. "Come home with me right now!" He had no intention of playing along with her amnesia act.

Surprise filled Cecilia's eyes. Home? What home? She looked up at Nathaniel's strikingly handsome face. "Mr. Rainsworth, what do you mean?"

Nathaniel's throat tightened. He didn't speak, instead gripping her wrist and leading her outside. His rapid pace and impatient expression thoroughly confused Cecilia; she could only keep up.

In the car, Nathaniel sat behind the wheel, his right hand still firmly on her wrist. Cecilia had never seen him like this. "Where are you taking me?"

Nathaniel started the car. "Daltonia Villa!"

Only then did Cecilia understand. She continued to feign amnesia. "Where is Daltonia Villa? Mr. Rainsworth, don't forget, we're already divorced."

Nathaniel abruptly stopped the car and leaned toward her, his eyes slightly red. "Where did you get the idea that we're divorced?"

Cecilia was taken aback. They had attempted a divorce, but due to certain reasons and a mandatory cooling-off period, it was never finalized. However, after her supposed death four or five years prior, their marriage should have been null and void.

Nathaniel saw her thoughts. He gave a cold, mocking laugh. "My wife has always been missing, not dead."

Cecilia looked into his eyes, speechless. Wife… hasn’t he always refused to acknowledge that I’m his wife?

Nathaniel resumed driving, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. The child was around four years old, the same age as their child. He'd never felt such excitement; it was strange, yet welcome. He raced down the road.

Soon, they reached Daltonia Villa. A large villa stood majestically, surrounded by a scattering of delicate flowers— remnants of a time gone by, hand-planted by Cecilia. Nathaniel disliked them, so she'd planted them outside; now, few remained.

Nathaniel exited the car first, then opened the passenger door. "Get out."

Cecilia, unable to decipher his behavior, followed his lead. She gazed at the familiar scene; everything was exactly as it was four years ago.

"From now on, you'll live here," Nathaniel stated solemnly.

Cecilia immediately blurted out, "No." She instantly regretted it; it would be a great opportunity to get close to Nathaniel. However, recalling her past indifference in this house, she yearned to escape.

"Mr. Rainsworth, I don't recall marrying you, so living together seems inappropriate. Besides, I have a nice place to live."

There was a time when Cecilia never turned Nathaniel away. Now, she repeatedly rejected him. Nathaniel remained unconvinced about her memory loss, yet she persisted in her charade. Perhaps the drive had calmed him.

"Is that the only reason?"

Cecilia nodded. "Yes."

Nathaniel couldn't believe it. "We could sleep in separate rooms."

"That wouldn't be right either. I don't want to be the subject of gossip."