Chapter 97: All Women Love Beauty

Cecilia continued, “There isn’t a woman alive who doesn’t love to look beautiful. Perhaps I was too humble, always hiding my own preferences.”

Nathaniel felt a tightness in his chest. “Are you saying everything you did was for me?”

Cecilia met his gaze. “I don’t remember. However, I love makeup, vibrant clothes, and jewelry.”

In the past, she’d worn grey and avoided makeup, fearing Nathaniel’s anger. Her family’s deception had made her hesitant to draw attention, worried about causing him distress. Once, she’d simply worn a red dress and hummed while gardening, only to be met with his mockery: “You Smiths are impressive, sleeping soundly and dressing up after lying to everyone!”

Since then, she’d dared not be happy, laugh, or dress well at home. Nathaniel, mistakenly, believed she disliked those things. What a joke. Cecilia’s grip tightened, her fingertips digging into her palm until she bled, but she didn’t stop.

Nathaniel crept closer, resting his head against hers, inhaling her scent, a hint of drowsiness creeping in. “Why didn’t you tell me?” he murmured.

He wrapped an arm around her waist, his chin on her shoulder. “Why do I get the feeling you hate me?”

Cecilia felt her throat constrict. I should have been the one to say that! she thought. He’s the one who hates me!

She choked slightly. “Can you let me go?”

Nathaniel refused, holding her tightly. “Cecilia, do you have any idea how long I’ve been searching for you? Forget it! You’re nothing but a heartless creature!”

Cecilia regretted feigning amnesia. Had she not, she would have questioned him about who was truly heartless.

Since Nathaniel remained awake, Cecilia continued, “Mr. Rainsworth, aren’t you afraid Ms. Ross will be angry if you speak to me like this?”

Nathaniel’s lips brushed her ear. Cecilia shivered. Before she could react, he kissed her, simultaneously shrugging off his jacket.

Cecilia felt her blood freeze. He tossed his coat aside, his hand cradling her head, his body leaning over her. She struggled to breathe, trying to push him away, but he was too strong.

The domineering kiss ended after a long time. Leaning against her, he ran his fingers through her hair, his eyelids heavy. “Cecilia, I’m so sleepy.”

She lowered his hand and patted his shoulder. “You should sleep, then.”

He gently lifted her onto the couch, lay down beside her, inhaling the scent of her hair, and fell asleep.

Only when his breathing evened did Cecilia remove his hand and rise. She was about to fetch her tools when he embraced her again.

His eyes closed, he asked languidly, “Where are you going?”

Cecilia frowned. How is he still awake? “I’m cleaning the kitchen.”

Again, he pulled her close. “I’ll have someone clean tomorrow. You don’t need to.”

Cecilia lay beside him. Throughout the night, she tried several times to get her tools, but each time she moved, he awoke. She hadn’t expected him to be such a light sleeper. Had she known, she would have increased the dosage. Infuriatingly, he refused to drink anything once asleep.