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."

friends. Don't make this transactional.

matter drop, warmth blooming in

stop outside the hospital's main entrance, its neon

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

her, shoulders hunched inside his coat. His teeth knocked together as he managed a shaky laugh. "It's freezing.

but the chill in his bones owed less to the weather than to the storm of nerves

Denise asked, turning just enough for the street lamp

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

hard. "Yeah. Absolutely

admit that he was shivering from nervousness instead of

the air-conditioning will feel tropical by comparison," she said, tugging

polished corridor, the heat in his

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

he kept rewriting his opening line. Should I

shake hands first? Compliment

out, his anxiety

hospital gowns. replaced by casual sweaters,

.net

Magnus, yes?" the mother asked, her smile warm enough to thaw any icicle still clinging to

yes, ma'am. Sir. It's an honor to

up to full volume, he suddenly looked less like a

toward them, nearly dropping it in his haste. "I brought some

supplements. They're nothing