Chapter 2224

Nathaniel’s gaze sharpened the moment she refused, shadows flickering in his eyes.

His attention settled on the scarf. “New purchase?”

Cecilia nodded. “Mm-hmm.”

“We’re home, and it’s not cold. Take it off,” he said, reaching for it again.

She instinctively leaned back. “No, I still feel chilly. I’ll keep it on.”

His hand paused midair before he finally withdrew it.

“Alright. If you don’t want to take it off, keep it.”

The tension in her shoulders finally eased.

Fighting off drowsiness, she stood. “I’m a little hungry. Let’s eat.”

“Sure.”

She walked past him and headed downstairs to the dining room.

Nathaniel watched her go, certain she was hiding something.

Why wouldn’t she let him remove a simple scarf?

He couldn’t figure it out.

Downstairs, Cecilia found that Chef Gordon had already placed steaming dishes on the table.

She called the children over so the whole family could eat together.

Nathaniel came downstairs as well.

From Cecilia’s seat, she watched the family gather around the table, sharing dishes as warmth filled the room.

Elliot’s gaze landed on the scarf tied around her neck. “Mom,” he called.

“Hm?” Cecilia looked up.

“Are you cold? Why are you still wearing a scarf inside?”

Cecilia quickly came up with an excuse. “Ms. Talbot’s place felt chilly, and I still haven’t warmed up.”

Jonathan, always considerate, added, “Then I’ll turn the heat up a little.”

Embarrassment warmed Cecilia’s cheeks. Her boys were sweet, but neither of them noticed how cornered she felt.

She waved it off. “No, the temperature’s fine.”

Then she quickly changed the subject. “Doesn’t the scarf look nice on Mom?” she asked, forcing a light, playful tone.

Elliot blinked. “Oh, so it’s just fashion.” He shook his head. “People always say girls choose style over warmth, but you want both style and warmth…”

Jonathan nudged his arm. “Doesn’t that sentence kind of contradict itself?”

Elliot frowned. “Why? Doesn’t it make sense?”

Jonathan sighed. “Temperature isn’t just about warmth. It includes cold too. Get it?”

Elliot’s eyes glazed over. “Bro, you sound like a textbook. I can’t follow you, and it’s making me sleepy.”

Jonathan fell silent, clearly at a loss.

Cecilia stepped in. “Enough. Finish dinner, take a walk, then get ready for bed.”

Elliot mumbled an “Okay” and went back to eating.

Jonathan dropped the topic about the scarf as well.

Cecilia focused on her meal, determined not to let the conversation circle back to the scarf again.

Night came.

When it was time for bed, Nathaniel was already lying down.

Cecilia lingered beside the bed, making no move to join him.

Nathaniel looked up. “What’s wrong? Still haven’t finished your work?”

Cecilia shook her head. “No. I’m just not sleepy.”

Nathaniel brushed her cheek gently and murmured, “Then let’s find something fun to do.”

Heat rushed to Cecilia’s cheeks.

Lowering her voice, she doubled down on the lie. “I can’t. My period just started.”

Something unreadable flickered in Nathaniel’s dark eyes.

He didn’t mention that he knew her cycle by heart.

And according to his calculations, she wasn’t due yet.

Still, Nathaniel trusted Cecilia enough to believe she wouldn’t lie without a reason.

He let out a quiet sigh. “Alright. I’ll sleep first.”

Cecilia nodded. “Okay.”

She waited until his breathing slowed and deepened before carefully easing onto the mattress beside him.