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

Chapter 2036

Elena stood ramrod-straight, fingers carving crescents into her palms as restrained fury pulsed beneath her tailored sleeves. "Nathaniel is my son. If your heart feels nothing, mine does. Keeping him tethered to that old fox Robert only cuts him deeper each day."

Across the room, Wren tasted humiliation like iron on his tongue. With Nathaniel, Cecilia, and the children present, pride slipped from his shoulders and landed on the polished floor for everyone to see.

He waved his hand. "Enough. The children are here-stop this. You were never like this before."

A pause later, he added, "Lately, you sound like some unreasonable shrew who lives to scold."

Elena's blood seemed to freeze. Only the children's wide eyes kept her from unleashing words sharp enough to draw real blood.

Nathaniel finally spoke, calm yet resolute. "Dad, Mom makes sense. If Uncle Robert and his family attend the next dinner, don't invite us."

Wren blinked, stunned that even his son had taken Elena's side.

"You and Mom are divorced now. Please watch your words," Nathaniel added.

Elena's eyes glimmered. The earlier sting vanished, replaced by a rush of grateful warmth. All those years of raising him and taking care of him were worth it.

Wren rubbed a hand over his mouth, suddenly lost for any answer.

there's nothing else, Cecilia and I

on then," Elena said softly. "Spend some

a mute

Elliot waved their small hands, voices

grandparents echoed, the word hanging heavier than it

the corridor, Elena no longer wished to

keep this up?" Wren called,

with an arched brow.

a lifetime together. I know you don't really want this divorce," Wren said, voice low yet pleading. I have thought about. everything. Leaving you alone all those years was wrong. From now on, I will stay home-or return quickly if I must

how essential she was

looked at him as if he were an

divorce? What fantasy fed you

motioned for the servants to send Luke and Gabe back, then faced Wren again,

the scorn beneath her words, Wren stepped closer. "How long

had spent so many years together. He refused to

urge was almost unbearable, yet she forced it down letting it dissolve into a chilly silent

you take a look in the mirror? You're already over fifty now. Your face