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 a few intrigued side glances from

women.

children, remained blissfully unaware

I'm tired." His voice, faint behind the monkey mask, carried

let me carry you," Cecilia answered at once, arms already opening to gather

never the sort of child to fake fatigue. Seeing

his tiny head. "Daddy, could you carry me?"

his arms, settling the boy against his chest as though

felt nowhere near tired, yet why did his brother look ready to drop? Choosing not to voice the question, he simply

moment Nathaniel hoisted a child onto

if parenthood

the unmistakable aura of

rode the

polished tiles reflecting bright ceiling lights

touched

racks and in began hunting for outfits.

naturally straight backs and coltish limbs,

Elljotresembled pin size det

runway

fabric draped over

"Ma'am, sir, your boys have textbook proportions Honestly, these clothes hang better on them than

music few

"Wrap every last piece,

his black card and settled the bill without a blink, digits flashing across