Brak
Brak 196

Chapter 196 The Painting Left Behind By Regas

+5 Pearls

Surprisingly, the bedroom was filled with Regas‘ things. Among them was a painting of Cecilia by Regas.

After Regas‘ death, Paula and Magnus struggled to manage the family business. Eventually, they were forced to auction off all of their valuable possessions at home.

This time, after returning to her homeland, Cecilia tried her best to search for her father’s belongings, especially this painting.

In the painting, Cecilia was barely over ten, perched on the balcony in a white dress, cradling at large bouquet of fresh flowers, beaming.

Cecilia slowly approached, looking at the painting that reminded her of her aged father and the loving expression he wore when he painted her portrait.

Cecilia ran her fingers over the painting, her voice choked. “I thought I would never replace this painting again.”

She never expected Nathaniel to actually replace it since it held no monetary value.

Observing Cecilia’s reaction, Nathaniel knew he had chosen the right gift this time.

He approached her step by step. “You can take all these things back to Daltonia Villa.”

By emphasizing the words “back to Daltonia Villa,” he wanted to make Cecilia stay.

Cecilia gathered her emotions, turning to look at Nathaniel. Her eyes brimmed with gratitude. “Thank you.”

“Don’t make a fuss in the future. Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you,” Nathaniel firmly stated.

Make a fuss?

Cecilia’s gaze

dimmed as she nodded half–heartedly.

Nathaniel produced a black card, offering it to her. “Feel free to use this card.”

He had always arranged for Mason to provide Cecilia with living expenses after she married him.

However, it wasn’t until Cecilia left that he discovered she didn’t spend a single penny of the money Mason gave her.

Cecilia looked at the card apathetically, shaking her head. “No need. I have money.”

Nathaniel’s hand froze mid–air. After a moment of silence, he tried to explain, “We’re married now, aren’t we? This is my payroll card.”

He wasn’t sure if, as a husband, this was what he was supposed to do.

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Cecilia had no choice but to accept it, reasoning that once this month was over, they would be

even.

After agreeing to play the role of Nathaniel’s wife for a month, she noticed a startling change in him. He was no longer distant; instead, he constantly sought her affection, wanting her to hold him, kiss him, and intertwine their hands. It felt as though they had truly stepped into matrimony, blurring the line between their pretend marriage and something real.

After three days in Sparaville, they returned to Tudela. That evening, at eight sharp. Nathaniel drove her to the riverside to watch the fireworks. Right on cue, the night sky lit up with dazzling

bursts of color.

Amidst small groups of people, Cecilia and Nathaniel stood side by side. their presence together especially captivating. To those watching, they looked every bit like a married couple. As Cecilia gazed at the fireworks blooming across the sky, a powerful urge welled up inside her–she wanted. to tell Nathaniel the truth, to reveal that Elliot was his child

However, just as Cecilia was about to speak. Nathaniel’s phone rang–it was Stella. Cecilia couldn’t hear what was said, but she noticed the sudden urgency in Nathaniel’s demeanor as he prepared

to leave.

She stepped in front of him, stopping him in his tracks. “Didn’t you promise that no one would interrupt our time together?”

“We’ll talk when I get back Nathaniel replied gravely.

Cecilia tightened her grip on his sleeve, her voice firm. “Think carefully–if you walk away now, I won’t keep my promise.”

I will no longer keep my promise of being your wife for a month.

Nathaniel gently pried her hand away. “Something happened to Stella. She’s in the emergency room. I’ll have someone take

you back.”

With that, he got into the car and drove away, leaving Cecilia standing alone.

As she watched the car disappear into the distance, she didn’t feel sad–she felt foolish. She had nearly convinced herself that he had changed, almost revealing the truth about Elliot. Thankfully. she hadn’t.