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

Chapter 18

Richard's POV.

It had been two weeks since I got engaged to Susan, and she was on top of the world.

Everywhere we went, she flashed the ring, her smile wide and bright. At home, she took charge of everything. "We need new curtains," she said one day. The next, it was, "Let's change the dining table. It's too old-fashioned." She wanted to make the house feel 'new,' like a fresh start.

I didn't care much. She could change whatever she wanted. It was her home too now.

But as the days passed, doubts started creeping in, like shadows I couldn't quite shake off.

I remembered what Martins had said. He had looked me in the eyes and asked, 'Are you sure you're happy?'

At the time, I brushed it off. What did he know? I knew what I wanted. I wanted Susan.

I wanted the thrill and the spark, not the dullness I had with...

I paused, trying not to let my mind finish the thought. But it was there.

Sarah.

For all the things I didn't feel for her, she put effort into our marriage. She planned everything-events, dinners, even simple things like managing our household.

She was always involved, making sure everything ran smoothly. There was a structure, a routine that I relied on without even knowing it.

Now, with her gone, things felt... chaotic. I couldn't find my shoes half the time because they weren't where they used to be.

My schedule was a mess because Susan kept filling it with things I didn't even know about until the last minute.

"Richard, have you seen the paint samples?" Susan's voice cut through my thoughts.

She walked into the room, holding a fan of colors. "I'm thinking we should repaint the living room. Make it feel more 'us'. What do you think? Blue, beige, maybe a soft green?" I stared at the colors in her hand, feeling strangely lost. "I don't know, Susan. You pick."

She frowned slightly. "I want us to decide together. It's our home now."

I muttered, trying to sound enthusiastic.

a moment, then shrugged. "Fine, I'll figure it out." She turned and left the room, already talking to herself about rugs

corner where Sarah's old vase used to sit. It

looked bare to me, even with the new decoration. I shook my

I even thinking

Martin's voice in the back of my mind

course I am," I muttered under my breath,

wanted Susan, not Sarah. Never

did it

I had always wanted.

no tiptoeing around with her. She didn't need

that was perfect. With Susan,

went on, I found myself noticing the small things. Like when I had a long day at

from her phone or whatever she was doing. "Kate would serve you dinner" she'd say, not even looking

big deal. I didn't expect her to drop

used to ask. She'd see the look on my face and say, "Tough day?" Even though,

a warm meal, maybe even something

it, but it was

that. Now,

had spent hours in meetings, and

my briefcase by the door and walked into the living room. Susan was sitting on the couch, scrolling through her tablet. "Hey," I said, collapsing into

that. Anyway, I was thinking we should redecorate the guest room this weekend. Maybe add a little color." I blinked, trying

to her tablet. No

for a moment. I remembered how Sarah would have

my voice, and the tired look in my eyes.

talk about it or just sit with me quietly.

Susan's voice snapped

my eyes to see her staring at

for a lighter shade or something bold? You're the

is fine," I muttered, not

but she let it go. I watched her for a moment, trying to find the