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

Chapter 2020 Winter Doubts

A frigid wind howled across the yard, and snowflakes drifted down in thick, steady sheets.

Charlotte stared up at the sky, the usual sparkle gone from her eyes, her expression distant and hollow.

Cecilia stepped up beside her and called softly, “Lottie.”

Charlotte blinked back to herself and turned toward her friend.

“Boss, what's up? Are the dumplings done already?”

Cecilia sighed. “They've only just gone into the pot. They're nowhere near ready."

"Oh."

“What's wrong? You look completely lost. Missing Sven?” Cecilia asked gently.

Sven had said he needed to go home to take care of something, though no one knew what. Cecilia hadn't pried.

After a long silence, Charlotte murmured, "I feel like Sven and I won't make it in the end."

“Why would you think that?” Cecilia frowned, unable to understand.

Charlotte drew a deep breath. "I don't know. We've dated for so long, yet I still don't really know him. I don't know where his family lives, who they are, or even what's on his mind most of the time."

Cecilia listened, at a loss for words.

"When he gets back, sit down and talk all of this through," Cecilia advised. “Ask him outright—some people are just oblivious."

Charlotte nodded quickly. "Got it."

her shoulders, and said, “Come on, Boss. Let's get back

though she were fine, as

clasped her hand. “All

was nothing to do but wait until Sven

was already floating at the top of

ready. Come taste them,

over and began eating

the house buzzed with the warmth and noise of a

bowl to Queenie. The latter could

slipped by, and dusk arrived in the blink of an

and the others headed home. Cecilia saw each guest to the door, and Charlotte went next door to

her shoulder. "Don't overthink it. Give Sven a call

agreed

she left, Nathaniel emerged

day playing with Jonathan

Jonathan, meanwhile, had gone

Sinclair Manor

Zachary. George's

wanted to keep the

vast living room now held

side, sat down, and murmured, "Come on,

wrapped her arms around his narrow waist and

me

lately

first, allowing her

after a long