When Her Death Couldn't Break Him (Cecilia and Nathaniel) novel Chapter 2084

After Queenie's departure, Alphonse and Bethany kept polite smiles fixed in place, but Cecilia saw the sorrow hovering behind their eyes.

Not wanting loneliness to take root, she sent them daily snippets of her life, including short clips of the boys chasing sunlight across the rug, photos of uneaten cookies, and funny anecdotes typed at midnight.

The elderly couple, in return, video-called often to check on the children and Cecilia.

Little by little, life seemed to find its rhythm again.

“Ceci, will you and the children be able to come back for a visit?” Bethany asked, voice hesitant.

She knew Cecilia now belonged to the Rainsworths, so her priorities were pulled toward her husband's side of the family.

Cecilia's fingers flew across the keyboard. “Nathaniel and I have decided. We'll come right after the New Year to visit you and Grandpa.”

“Wonderful! Come as soon as you can. Your grandpa and I will prepare every one of your favorite dishes,” Bethany replied, her delight practically shimmering through the screen.

Cecilia laughed aloud, chatted with Bethany for a good while longer, then finally ended the call with a reluctant wave.

Upstairs, after the final outfit change, Jonathan and Elliot collapsed onto their beds, fast asleep within minutes.

The living room fell into a rare hush, holding only Cecilia and Nathaniel amid scattered shopping bags and the distant tick of a wall clock.

Cecilia leaned back against the couch, eyelids drooping, intent on stealing five minutes of calm when Nathaniel suddenly shifted closer.

“Ceci.”

She jerked in surprise. “What is it?”

“Is this all we're doing today?” His question hovered, fragile.

“I don't follow. What do you mean?” Confusion knitted her brows.

Disappointment clouded Nathaniel's eyes. “Nothing,” he muttered.

He turned his head, letting the full weight of his displeasure sit plainly on his face.

Cecilia finally read the room. Something inside Nathaniel was storming, evident from the faint tension at his jaw and the way his gaze refused to settle.

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