Chapter 414
Chapter 414 Unwanted Attention
Some people in the store couldn’t help but notice Nathaniel’s strikingly handsome face, and they began to whisper among themselves.
“Being attractive is always a plus. Even if you lose your sight, there will still be people willing to take care of you.”
“How do you know he was being kept by a woman? I think that woman is quite attractive too.”
“True. Maybe it’s the woman being taken care of by the man? Even a blind man would want that, right?”
The small group of ladies shopping nearby carefully discussed their speculations among themselves.
Nathaniel distinctly heard their conversation, and being repeatedly referred to as a “blind man” made the atmosphere around him feel suffocating.
“I’m stepping outside for a moment,” Nathaniel said to Cecilia, his voice tense.
“Do you need my help?” Cecilia asked.
“No need,” he replied curtly.
Nathaniel cautiously ventured out of the store, remembering the way well enough, though he was mindful of the possibility of bumping into someone.
The female staff at the store, smitten by his looks, immediately rushed forward to assist him. “Sir,” she asked with a bright smile, “where would you like to go? May I escort you?”
But the smile on her face vanished within seconds as Nathaniel abruptly pushed her away, his voice deep and stern. “Get lost.”
The staff was startled by his harshness and recoiled, losing her balance and falling to the ground.
The store fell silent as everyone around them turned to look. Cecilia noticed the commotion and cast a glance in their direction. She hadn’t seen Nathaniel lose his temper in a long time. This wast the first time since he had lost his memory that he had shown such anger.
Cecilia quickly stepped forward and helped the fallen woman to her feet. “I’m sorry,” she apologized on his behalf. “He doesn’t like being touched by strangers.”
The staff, still shaken by Nathaniel’s intensity, took a moment to regain her regain her composure. “It’s all right,” she finally said, though her voice was unsteady.
Cecilia then reached out and grasped Nathaniel’s arm firmly. “What’s wrong with you? Can’t you express yourself properly? Why did you push that girl?” she asked, her voice firm but gentle.
Nathaniel felt particularly uncomfortable where the woman had grabbed his arm earlier. Hearing Cecilia’s scolding only made him feel worse. “I didn’t push her,” he clarified, “I just pulled her hand away.”
“Could you try to be a bit more gentlemanly, please?” Cecilia asked, lowering her voice.
Nathaniel reluctantly muttered, “Fine.”
Was I not gentlemanly earlier?
Once they stepped outside the store, Nathaniel immediately took off his coat and casually tossed it into a nearby trash can. Afterward, he made a phone call.
Not long after, the group of women who had been gossiping about Nathaniel were “politely” escorted out by the store manager.
Busy with selecting gifts, Cecilia didn’t notice the minor incident that had just occurred. When she was ready to pay after making her selections, the manager approached her respectfully. “Mr. Rainsworth has already taken care of the bill. I will personally ensure your items are delivered to your home later.”
Cecilia glanced over at Nathaniel, who was sitting in the nearby rest area, and couldn’t help but wonder where on earth he had gotten so much money.
She walked over to him and asked, “Aren’t you supposed to be broke?”
Nathaniel had already thought of his response. “How could I possibly let you pay for my engagement gifts?”
brother’s
“The money I had was saved privately in the past,” he continued. “It’s just a drop in the bucket for me.”
After hearing his explanation, Cecilia didn’t say much more. The two of them spent the entire day shopping, finally managing to buy everything they needed. On the way back home, they caught a taxi. As the driver navigated through the streets, Cecilia, exhausted, leaned her head against the window.
“Nathaniel, remember this–you owe me a favor,” Cecilia said, her voice tired but determined. She no longer wanted her efforts to go unnoticed. She wanted her actions to be acknowledged, to be reciprocated.
Nathaniel gently lifted his hand and pulled her into his embrace. “Mhm, I’ll remember that.”
Outside the window, heavy snow began to fall again. Too tired to care, Cecilia simply let him hold her. Nathaniel held her softly in his arms, his mood lifted. However, he couldn’t see her face, so he had no idea what kind of expression Cecilia was wearing, or what emotions she was feeling at that moment.
“It’s almost the New Year,” Cecilia said casually, her voice trailing off. “Why choose now for an engagement?”
Nathaniel tightened his hold on her slightly. “They might get married soon after their engagement.”