When Her Death Couldn't Break Him (Cecilia and Nathaniel) novel Chapter 2207

"Ceci, I'm out of options," Phoebe confessed the moment Cecilia arrived. "Talk to your cousin—she actually listens to you."

Cecilia's heart jolted when she learned Chelsea had nearly been hit by a car earlier that day.

She nodded once. "I'll try my best, but if she won't listen, please don't blame me."

"You're an angel for helping," Phoebe murmured, watching Cecilia disappear through the bedroom door.

Chelsea lay on her bed, eyes shut yet restless, stomach cramping with the hunger she stubbornly refused to admit.

The soft click of the handle tightened her brow. "Get out! I'm still not eating!" she shouted toward the sound.

"Chelsea, it's me," Cecilia answered, voice calm but firm.

Chelsea's eyes flew open. The instant she saw Cecilia's familiar face, every wall she had built fell away.

"C-Ceci ..." Embarrassment flushed her cheeks, turning her fierce protest into a fragile whisper.

Cecilia crossed the small room in swift strides. "Tell me everything. What drove you to this?"

Words tumbled out. Chelsea spoke of her love for Jason, her parents' refusal, and the blazing argument that had ended with her virtual lock-in.

Cecilia listened in silence, then said, "Starving yourself won't change their minds."

Privately, she admitted she had only ever seen a stunt like this on television dramas.

It amazed her that Chelsea—grown, poised, and clever—would choose a hunger strike like a rebellious teenager.

Chelsea sat up, sighing. "They're too stubborn. They get an idea in their heads and won't let go. Without a childish move, they'll never let me leave this house."

"I won't lie," Cecilia replied. "Your mom asked me to convince you to eat."

Chelsea blinked, startled by the revelation.

"They love you more than anything," Cecilia went on. "There has to be a better way to win them over."

Silence stretched, then Chelsea exhaled. "Fine. I'll eat."

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