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.

manual labor that he had never done before

the night’s events, Cecilia felt a growing apprehension about facing him. Once the two little ones were warmed up, she quickly ushered

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

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

always celebrated Christmas but never truly experienced a New Year’s Day celebration. This year was different, and she was

surprised to find Nathaniel

he exuded a warm,

him, Nathaniel set down the ravioli he was holding

adept at recognizing people by

bit awkward.

in with a smile, “I’ve prepared a variety of pure vegetable–filled ravioli.

Nathaniel was there, she hesitated, not

I’m going to do their laundry,” she blurted out before quickly turning to leave, almost as if

lightly, muttering to herself, “What’s there to be embarrassed about? It’s not like

had been close, unaware that Elliot had been

flushing red once again as she saw the little boy

nothing,” she replied, trying to brush off