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

Chapter 2047

"Pretty well, actually. Yannick has treated me with nothing but kindness. He planned to bring me over to see you today, but when you weren't here at first, he headed in to work."

She chose those words carefully, hoping to sweep away the old tension that still lingered between the two men.

A flicker-almost irritation-crossed Nicholas' face, though he masked it quickly. "If he treats you well, that's all that matters."

"Mm." Jocelyn lowered her eyes, then took a half-step back. "If there's nothing else, I should go."

She needed to let Yannick know she had found Nicholas.

Nicholas' voice softened, almost pleading. "It's been ages since we sat down and really talked. Stay and share a meal with me before you go, will you?"

Jocelyn shook her head. "I'd better not. Yannick is waiting for me to come home."

Nicholas arched an eyebrow. "Didn't you just say he was at work?" He chuckled, gentle yet persistent. "Relax. It's only dinner-nothing more than a conversation." Cornered by his sincerity, Jocelyn could only nod. "All right."

They walked the short distance to a quiet restaurant.

Inside, Jocelyn selected a bright table pressed against the window-visible to anyone who might pass by. She wanted no misunderstandings.

Nicholas studied the deliberate choice, understanding the unspoken fear behind it. A shadow crossed his eyes before he forced it away.

slid the leather-bound menu

she used to

memorized after years as his assistant. It felt

"Don't you

"I'm easy. I'll

long finger against the menu, hesitated, then told the waiter, "Bring every signature dish you

with a small shock, that he did not know Jocelyn's

jotting notes before vanishing

folding in her lap. "Mr. Nicholas, you didn't have to go to this

only then filling one for himself. Steam curled upward between them, carrying an unspoken

tone was gentle yet firm. "You're not my assistant anymore.

can be So stop taking care

we can

feel you have

her expression did not alter. She dipped her chin in a

"All right," she murmured.

the movement of her shoulders, sensed

keep looking after him

the cup and brought the coffee to his

swirling steam. "Jocelyn, lately I keep