When Her "Death" Couldn't Break Him (Cecilia and Nathaniel)

Chapter 226 As You Wish

Cecilia had never imagined that Nathaniel, who was known to the outside world as the stoic and composed CEO,

could harbor such a shameless side. She had always assumed that his cold. demeanor meant he simply didn’t

care about such things.

As Nathaniel gazed at the woman beside him, his thoughts wandered. The idea of spending the rest of his life

with her was starting to seem more and more appealing, as though the sacrifices would be worthwhile.

When the first light of dawn began to filter through the curtains, Cecilia finally succumbed to sleep, utterly

exhausted.

During Thanksgiving, the Rainsworth family’s celebration was just as lively as it had been in previous years. The

large estate bustled with activity as numerous relatives gathered to celebrate together. However, unlike previous

years, this tCecilia was found by Nathaniel before she could join the festivities.

Those who had learned of her early arrival whispered amongst themselves, gossiping and speculating about how

Cecilia's presence might bring about yet another round of embarrassment for the family.

“I really don’t know what was going through Nathaniel’s mind. That kind of woman, if she left, she should have

just stayed gone,” one relative muttered, shaking their head.

“Who could argue with that? It's likely we'll find ourselves wrapped up in smess again,” another added with

a sigh.

Outside, the atmosphere was incredibly lively, with laughter and conversation filling the air. But inside the room,

it was a different story entirely.

When Cecilia finally awoke, the sun was already high in the sky, its rays streaming through the windows. She

quickly got out of bed and noticed a gown that had been meticulously laid out for her, complete with luxurious

jewelry placed nearby.

However, instead of donning the prepared outfit, she quickly averted her gaze, opting to change. into her own

clothes before heading downstairs.

Nathaniel had been waiting for quite stime, his patience wearing thin. When he saw her emerge not in a

gown but in her own casual clothes, a hint of surprise flashed across his dark eyes.

“I don’t want to attend the festive banquet,” Cecilia said, getting straight to the point as soon as she opened the

door.

“Givea reason,” Nathaniel demanded, his gaze fixed intently on her, searching for answers.

“Do | still need a reason?” Cecilia retorted, her voice edged with frustration.

Nathaniel rose from his seat and walked over to her, closing the distance between them. “This will be different

from the others.”

But Cecilia took a step back, her stance firm. “I don’t want to go,” she said plainly.

And what could be so different? Will there be a new, unique way of bullying me?

After not seeing these people for five years, she knew they would have more than enough. ammunition to use

against her.

Nathaniel had originally planned to personally accompany Cecilia to the banquet today. He remembered how,

after their marriage, she had once tearfully complained to him, “Everyone else is always escorted by their

husbands to various gatherings, while | am always left alone. Everyone else has someone to protect them, but

not me. I'm all alone.”

But now, standing before her, he realized with a heavy heart that his wife no longer needed him to accompany

her to these social events. It seemed she no longer needed his protection at all.

Nathaniel’s hand froze mid-air, his fingers trembling slightly. “As you wish.”

With a cold expression, he quickly walked out of the room, leaving Cecilia behind. He realized that without her by

his side, he wouldn't have to deal with those hypocritical, mocking gazes that always seemed to follow him at

such events.

At the banquet, Miranda was busy chatting with a group of her girlfriends, but her eyes were constantly scanning

the crowd. She noticed that Nathaniel had arrived, but there was no sign of Cecilia.

Curiosity piqued, one of the women asked, “Miranda, didn’t you say that the deaf girl had returned? Why hasn't

she cover?”

Miranda shook her head, feigning ignorance. “I’m not sure either. Perhaps Nathaniel was afraid of losing face.”

Tightening her grip on the wine glass in her hand, Miranda excused herself, “I have something to attend to,

please excuse me.”

It wasn’t easy for Cecilia to have cthis far, and Miranda wasn’t about to let this golden. opportunity slip

through her fingers. After inquiring with the housekeepers and confirming that Cecilia was indeed staying alone

in Nathaniel’s private quarters, Miranda felt confident enough to make her move..

Inside the house, Cecilia was deeply engrossed in studying a map that Elliot had given her. Her concentration

was abruptly interrupted by the sound of the doorbell. Startled, she quickly shut. off her phone and got up to

answer the door.

When she opened it, she found herself face-to-face with a woman sporting chestnut curls. Despite the five years

that had passed, they recognized each other immediately.

Miranda hadn’t changed much, still exuding the sair of confidence and cunning. But from Miranda's

perspective, Cecilia was always the same-simple, pure, and not particularly fond of dressing up, almost

bordering on plainness.

Yet the Cecilia who stood before her now was a completely different person. Adorned with delicate light makaun «

and descend in haute couture Caciliste sura une mudanishla a stark contret