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."

"Forget it. We're friends. Don't make this transactional. Think of them as

that, Denise let the matter drop, warmth blooming

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

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

together as he managed a shaky laugh. "It's freezing. Let's get inside before I turn into

in his voice was real, but the chill in his bones

just enough for the street lamp to catch

noticed he was wrapped in layers-wool scarf, quilted jacket, gloves—yet still

hard.

he was simply reluctant to admit that he was shivering from nervousness instead

feel tropical

the polished corridor, the heat in his face rose until it eclipsed

but this was the first time he would stand eye to eye with

rewriting his opening line. Should I call

to shake hands first? Compliment

turned out, his anxiety was

stepped into the private room, both parents were already upright, hospital gowns. replaced by casual sweaters, lit with expectant joy

.net

her smile warm enough to thaw any icicle

to

full volume, he suddenly looked less like a man and more like an earnest student waiting

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

supplements. They're nothing