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

Chapter 391 New Year

The Epean–style mantel clock inside the house chimed softly, signaling the arrival of midnight.

Martha glanced at the time and said, “It’s already midnight. I’m off to rest.”

“All right,” Cecilia replied, watching the elderly woman retreat inside. Her hand instinctively rested on her baby bump as Martha’s earlier words echoed in her mind, leaving her conflicted.

Just a few days ago, Martha had harbored nothing but disdain for Nathaniel. How did her feelings change so rapidly that she’s now suggesting I consider a future with him?

Cecilia glanced again toward Nathaniel and the children, but she still shook her head.

No. I can’t make the same mistake.

Once the branches and snow had been cleared, Nathaniel returned inside with the two kids. Without missing a beat, Cecilia lit the fireplace to warm them up. “Take a warm bath later and then get some sleep,” she instructed.

The children nodded. They had only been directing Nathaniel, so the cold hadn’t gotten to them.

Nathaniel, however, bore the brunt of the winter chill. His slender, graceful hands had turned a frosty red, but his expression remained as stoic as ever.

he undertook menial tasks and manual labor that he had

Once the two little ones were warmed up, she

the fire of desire in Nathaniel’s heart had finally been extinguished, leaving only a quiet resolve

Day, Cecilia was up early, bustling around to prepare

never truly experienced a New Year’s Day celebration. This

the kitchen, she was surprised to find Nathaniel already there, chatting with the

an apron, he exuded a

was holding and turned his

by the

responded, still feeling a bit awkward. “Are we having

in with a smile, “I’ve prepared a variety of pure vegetable–filled ravioli. Would you like to come

she hesitated, not

laundry,” she blurted out before quickly turning to leave, almost as if

lightly, muttering to herself,

of times before… She tried to reassure herself, remembering all the times they had been close, unaware that Elliot had been standing outside the

her face flushing red once again as she

she replied, trying to brush