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.

menial tasks and manual labor that

the night’s events, Cecilia felt a growing apprehension about facing him. Once the two

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

Day, Cecilia was up early, bustling around to prepare a delicious breakfast for the

Christmas but never truly experienced a New Year’s Day celebration.

surprised to find Nathaniel already there, chatting with

an apron, he exuded a warm,

holding and turned his head slightly. “Ceci,” he

recognizing people by the sound of their footsteps when there were

awkward. “Are we having ravioli

chimed in with a smile, “I’ve prepared a variety of pure

was there, she hesitated, not taking

got back. I’m going to do their laundry,” she blurted out

slapped her own face lightly, muttering to herself, “What’s there to be embarrassed about? It’s

times they had been close, unaware that Elliot had been standing outside the door

glanced toward the doorway, her face flushing red once again as she

nothing,” she replied, trying to brush off