Chapter 101 Chapter 101
It was already past midnight when Nathaniel drove into the compound.
The lights in the mansion were off, only the soft garden lamps were on.
He sat inside the car for a while, holding the steering wheel tightly. His mind was full.
He didn’t even know why he came back. Maybe it was guilt, or maybe it was the way Cassandra’s voice kept echoing in his head even after their fight.
He sighed deeply, got down from the car, and walked toward the door. The guards greeted him, but he only nodded and went inside quietly.
The house was silent.
He walked past the living room and noticed an empty cup on the table, the coffee stains still fresh. He frowned and looked around — the place looked lonely, cold, and messy.
Nathaniel went upstairs slowly. When he reached the bedroom, he opened the door gently.
Cassandra was on the bed, sleeping deeply. Her hair was scattered over the pillow, and her face looked tired.
He stood there for a long moment, watching her.
She didn’t look like the proud, strong woman who always shouted orders around the house. She looked small, soft, and fragile.
He walked closer and saw a dried tear line on her cheek.
Nathaniel felt something heavy inside his chest. He didn’t like seeing her cry.
He sat quietly on the edge of the bed, his hand brushing her hair from her face.
She moved a little, murmuring in her sleep. “Nathaniel…”
He froze, his heart skipping a beat.
Her voice was low, almost like a child’s. “Please don’t go.”
Nathaniel closed his eyes for a moment.
He didn’t want to admit it, but he missed her too. No matter how angry she made him, a part of him still cared.
He whispered softly, “I’m here.”
Cassandra didn’t wake up, but a small tear slipped down her cheek again.
Nathaniel took a deep breath and looked around the room. Everything looked dull — the flowers in the vase were dry, the curtains half closed. It was clear she hadn’t been herself.
He stood up quietly and walked to the window, looking outside. The night breeze touched his face, but his mind was far away.
He remembered the days when Cassandra used to make him laugh. When they were happy and free. Before everything turned cold.
Before the secrets. Before the lies.
He turned back and looked at her again. She shifted a little in her sleep, hugging the blanket close to her chest.
Nathaniel sighed softly. “You make me angry, Cass,” he whispered, “but I can’t hate you.”
He walked to the couch in the room and sat down, removing his jacket. His eyes stayed on her until sleep slowly took over him too.
When the morning came, Cassandra opened her eyes slowly. The sunlight was soft and warm. She stretched a little and turned to the other side — then she froze.
Nathaniel was there, sleeping on the couch.
For a few seconds, she just stared at him, not believing it. Her heart began to beat fast.
She slowly sat up, covering her mouth with her hand. “He came back…” she whispered to herself.
She got out of bed quietly and walked toward him. His face looked calm, peaceful. She hadn’t seen him like that in a long time.
Cassandra smiled a little. “You still look the same,” she said softly.
Just then, Nathaniel opened his eyes slowly. Their eyes met.
Neither of them spoke for a while. The air between them was thick, heavy with things left unsaid.
Finally, Cassandra whispered, “You came back.”
Nathaniel sat up and rubbed his eyes. “Yeah.”
“Why?” she asked quietly.
He looked at her for a while before answering. “Because this is still my home.”
She lowered her eyes. “I thought you wouldn’t come back.”
Nathaniel stood up and faced her. “I didn’t plan to. But… I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”
Cassandra’s throat tightened. “I’m sorry for yesterday,” she said slowly. “I shouldn’t have shouted at you.”
Nathaniel nodded but didn’t say anything.
She walked closer and added, “I’ve been trying to change, Nathaniel. I know I’m not easy to love, but I still want to try.”
He looked at her face — tired, scared, but honest. For the first time in a long while, she looked real.
“I’m not ready to talk about everything,” he said quietly, “but I didn’t come back to fight.”
Cassandra smiled weakly. “Then maybe we can start again.”
He didn’t reply, but his silence was softer this time.
They both stood there quietly, the morning light falling between them.
For the first time in months, there was peace — not much, but enough to start breathing again.
Nathaniel finally said, “Go get dressed. Let’s have breakfast together.”
Cassandra’s lips curved into a small smile. “Okay.”
As she walked to the wardrobe, Nathaniel sat back on the couch, watching her quietly.
He still didn’t know if things could ever go back to how they were, but for now, he was just glad he came home.