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

Chapter 2073

Minutes later, they emerged, Cecilia and Nathaniel each carrying a child whose face was now hidden behind bright plastic. Their small breaths fogged the inside of the masks, turning them into mysterious little figures.

Elliot's voice seeped through the pig snout, forlorn. "Jon, why do I have to wear a mask too?"

Jonathan adjusted the elastic at the back of his own monkey mask. "Less chatter. With these on, no one will recognize us. You've got a mountain of online fans. Do you want them lining up for autographs right now?" Even the thought made his shoulders tense.

The image apparently delighted Elliot. His lips curved beneath the plastic, dimpling the cheeks no one could see.

"Actually, that sounds awesome," he said, the words accompanied by an audible grin.

Jonathan let silence answer.

The brothers clearly lived on different planets.

"Mask on, questions off," Jonathan ordered, voice muffled but iron-firm.

Elliot released a long, dramatic sigh, then ventured, "Fine, but why do you get the monkey mask while I'm stuck with the pig?"

"Because the monkey is the elder disciple and the pig is the junior," Jonathan explained patiently. "I'm the older brother, and you're the younger. That's simple hierarchy. Got it?"

"Oh." A tiny sound of belated understanding.

Left with no further argument, Elliot slumped in resigned silence.

A few steps behind, Cecilia and Nathaniel exchanged amused glances, the muted bickering of their sons drawing quiet laughter from their throats.

Sure enough, once the masks were on, the crowd's attention drifted elsewhere like dust in a changing breeze.

suits-still earned him more than

women.

children, remained blissfully unaware of

that and said, "Mommy, I'm tired." His voice, faint behind the monkey mask, carried

let me carry you," Cecilia answered at once,

never the sort of child to fake fatigue. Seeing the slump in his shoulders tonight, Cecilia guessed he

shook his tiny head. "Daddy, could you carry me?" he asked, voice soft

swept Jonathan into his arms, settling the boy against his chest as though that space had been carved

ready to drop? Choosing not to voice the question, he

Nathaniel hoisted a child onto his

women thinned, as if parenthood formed an

the unmistakable aura

the

bright ceiling lights

touched

the children's racks and

naturally straight backs and coltish limbs, Jonathan

Elljotresembled pin size det

runway

draped over them instantly looked tailor-made.

textbook proportions Honestly, these clothes hang better on them than on our catalogue models." The praise rolled

music

"Wrap every last piece, please." Gift boxes

settled the bill without a blink, digits flashing across the screen before disappearing