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

Chapter 2071

Magnus had once spoken bravely of going back to borrow money from Cecilia, but even that idea carried a brush with death.

Denise fell quiet for a heartbeat, then offered softly, "Why don't you spend New Year's with us instead?"

After all, she couldn't imagine anyone greeting the year alone.

Hope lit Magnus' eyes like a struck match.

"I'd love that, but would your mom and dad be all right with it?"

“I'm renting a cottage for a week,” she explained, voice brightening. “I'll arrange a short discharge so they can leave the hospital and stay there with us."

She had already combed the listings. Quaint houses edging the countryside, each with quiet rooms and wide windows that framed endless fields.

"When the time comes, just tell my parents that's where I've been living all along."

She could not bear for them to discover the cramped, peeling apartment she actually called home.

"All right," Magnus said quickly. "Do you have a place picked out? If not, let me handle the search."

He had managed to save a decent sum and preferred not to let Denise shoulder every expense.

paid," she reassured him. "Just

gifts, new clothes, and all

curious flutter-part excitement, part nerves


and Mrs. Laney know

that Denise's parents would not be pleased to be in his company as they celebrated the New Year. A shadow crossed his face, so quick

flickering behind his glasses. She reached across the table and gave his shoulder a light, reassuring tap. "Relax," she told

single word ricocheted through Magnus' chest like a

heartbeat drumming

you could pretend to be that boyfriend, just

his

never played fake boyfriend," he confessed, fingers worrying the edge of a napkin. "What if your mom

won't have to worry about a thing" She softened her tone. "But you'r uncomfortable, we

do it—absolutely!" Embarrassed by

pretend for one night? Consider

you,” she whispered, genuine

Magnus raised his fork in a small salute.


dull on his tongue minutes ago suddenly bloomed-spicy fragrant, alive, He shoveled another bite, and for the first time all

was already humming with holiday impatience. School had let out, and Jonathan and not bounced through their first afternoon

waiting for

s

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255