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.

tasks and manual labor that he

a growing apprehension about facing him. Once the two little ones were warmed up, she quickly

to the cold, but the fire of desire in Nathaniel’s heart had finally been extinguished, leaving

bustling around to prepare

years abroad, she had always celebrated Christmas but never truly experienced a

she was surprised to

a warm, homely charm that caught her

set down the ravioli he was holding and turned his head slightly. “Ceci,” he said, his

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

Cecilia responded, still feeling a bit awkward.

of pure

there, she hesitated, not taking another. step

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

slapped her own face lightly, muttering to

unaware that Elliot had been standing outside the

doorway, her face flushing red once again as she saw the little boy standing

she replied, trying to brush