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.

labor that he had never done before

two little

was the prolonged exposure to the cold, but the fire of desire in Nathaniel’s heart had

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

she had always celebrated Christmas but never truly experienced a New Year’s Day celebration.

the kitchen, she was surprised to find

apron, he exuded a warm,

ravioli he was holding and turned his

to see, he had become adept at recognizing people by the sound of their footsteps when there were

feeling a bit awkward. “Are we having

variety of pure vegetable–filled

was there, she hesitated, not taking another. step

the kids just got back. I’m going to do their laundry,” she blurted out before quickly turning to leave, almost as if she were

slapped her own face lightly, muttering to herself, “What’s there to be embarrassed about? It’s not like we

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

red once again

it’s nothing,” she replied, trying to brush off her