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."

to sound enthusiastic. "Just... pick whatever

I'll figure it out." She turned and left the room, already talking to herself about rugs and lamps

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

even with the new decoration. I shook my head, annoyed

I even thinking about that

Martin's voice in the back of my mind

I am," I muttered under my breath, trying to convince myself.

Susan, not Sarah. Never

why did it feel

what I had always wanted. She was

with her. She didn't need my constant attention, didn't fuss over every

Susan, things were

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

whatever she was doing. "Kate

deal. I didn't

Sarah... Sarah used to ask. She'd see the look on my face

warm meal, maybe even something I

never made a big show of it, but it was there-those small, unnoticed ways she supported

never thought I needed that.

I had spent hours in meetings, and all I wanted was to

briefcase by the door and walked into the living room. Susan was sitting

hear that. Anyway, I was thinking we should redecorate the guest room this weekend. Maybe add a little color." I blinked, trying to keep up. "Uh, sure. Whatever

said, already back to her

eyes for a moment. I

and the tired look in my eyes. She wouldn't have pushed on

to talk about it or just sit with me

voice snapped me back

I opened my eyes to see her staring

we should go for a lighter shade or something bold?

is fine," I muttered,

let it go. I watched her for a moment, trying to find the comfort I used to feel just being