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

Chapter 2090

The manager blinked, surprised, then nodded as comprehension set in.

"Of course. With everyone else heading home, we'll be grateful for the help, and you'll pocket the overtime," he said.

Magnus inclined his head. "Thanks."

On his way back to the floor, Magnus mapped out a strategy. If he worked nights,

he could ride back with Denise during the day, visit her parents, and still chip away at his debts.

With more money, he could also prepare more gifts for Denise's parents.

Subsequently, he worked harder than ever.

That evening, the supervisor released the pair ahead of schedule.

Denise and Magnus caught a rickety city bus bound for the hospital, the sunset glinting off its dusty windows.

Magnus balanced bulging bags of fruit and tonics on his knees, palms slick with nervous sweat.

"Really, you didn't have to buy so much," Denise said with a small laugh. "My parents aren't well. Some of that fruit is off-limits for them."

"I'm playing the part of your boyfriend, remember? Proper etiquette matters. If I'm going to lie, I might as well lie convincingly so your parents can rest easy," Magnus answered.

"All right," she sighed. "How much did all this set you back? I'll pay you."

waved the concern away. "Forget it. We're friends. Don't make this transactional. Think of them as my first gifts to Mr. and Mrs.

let the matter drop, warmth blooming in

later, the bus hissed to a stop outside the hospital's main entrance, its

car, a blade of winter air slashed across her cheeks. It was the kind of cold that stung like pins pressed straight

hurried after her, shoulders hunched inside his coat. His teeth knocked together as he managed a shaky laugh. "It's freezing. Let's get inside before I turn into a

but the chill in his bones owed less to

cold?" Denise asked, turning just enough for the street lamp

in layers-wool scarf, quilted jacket, gloves—yet still

nodded hard. "Yeah. Absolutely

to admit that he was

air-conditioning will feel tropical by

he muttered, following close behind. With every step down the polished corridor,

time he would stand eye to eye with a girlfriend's parents. The thought alone

ward, he kept rewriting his opening

shake hands first? Compliment

out, his anxiety was

private room, both parents were already upright, hospital gowns. replaced by

.net

must be Magnus, yes?" the mother asked, her smile warm enough

to meet you." His

looked less like a man and more like an

a gift bag toward them, nearly dropping it in his haste. "I brought some fruit

supplements. They're nothing