Chapter 391 New Year


    The Epean–style mantel clock inside the house chimed softly, signaling the arrival of midnight.


    Martha nced at the time and said, “It’s already midnight. I’m off to rest.”


    “All right,” Cecilia replied, watching the elderly woman retreat inside. Her hand instinctively rested on her baby bump as Martha’s earlier words echoed in her mind, leaving her conflicted.


    Just a few days ago, Martha had harbored nothing but disdain for Nathaniel. How did her feelings change so rapidly that she’s now suggesting I consider a future with him?


    Cecilia nced again toward Nathaniel and the children, but she still shook her head.


    No. I can’t make the same mistake.


    Once the branches and snow had been cleared, Nathaniel returned inside with the two kids. Without missing a beat, Cecilia lit the firece to warm them up. “Take a warm bathter and then get some sleep,” she instructed.


    The children nodded. They had only been directing Nathaniel, so the cold hadn’t gotten to them.


    Nathaniel, however, bore the brunt of the winter chill. His slender, graceful hands had turned a frosty red, but his expression remained as stoic as ever.


    Here, he undertook menial tasks and manualbor that he had never done before in his life.


    Reflecting on the night’s events, Cecilia felt a growing apprehension about facing him. Once the two little ones were warmed up, she quickly ushered them off to bathe and fetch fresh clothes.


    Perhaps it was the prolonged exposure to the cold, but the fire of desire in Nathaniel’s heart had finally been extinguished, leaving only a quiet resolve in its ce.


    On New Year’s Day, Cecilia was up early, bustling around to prepare a delicious breakfast for the two little ones and decorating the house.


    Having spent the past few years abroad, she had always celebrated Christmas but never truly experienced a New Year’s Day celebration. This year was different, and she was eager to embrace it.


    As she headed toward the kitchen, she was surprised to find Nathaniel already there, chatting with the chef.


    Dressed casually in an apron, he exuded a warm, homely charm that caught her off guard.


    Hearing footsteps behind him, Nathaniel set down the ravioli he was holding and turned his head slightly. “Ceci,” he said, his tone resolute.


    Though unable to see, he had be adept at recognizing people by the sound of their footsteps when there were fewer people around.


    “Hi,” Cecilia responded, still feeling a bit awkward. “Are we having ravioli for breakfast today?”


    The chef chimed in with a smile, “I’ve prepared a variety of pure vegetable–filled ravioli. Would you like toe over and help wrap them?”Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Since Nathaniel was there, she hesitated, not taking another. step forward.


    “No, the kids just got back. I’m going to do theirundry,” she blurted out before quickly turning to leave, almost as if she were fleeing the scene.


    As she washed the children’s clothes in theundry room, she pped her own face lightly, muttering to herself, “What’s there to be embarrassed about? It’s not like we haven’t slept together before.”


    We’ve done this plenty of times before… She tried to reassure herself, remembering all the times they had been close, unaware that Elliot had been standing outside the door for who knows how long. With a yawn, he asked, “Mommy, what are you talking about?”


    Cecilia nced toward the doorway, her face flushing red once again as she saw the little boy standing there.


    “No, it’s nothing,” she replied, trying to brush off her embarrassment.


    Elliot, who had noticed Cecilia’s odd behavior since the previous night, stepped closer. “Mommy, Jon and I actually saw what happened between you and Mr. Rainsworthst night. Don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone.”


    Cecilia was momentarily speechless. “You guys saw everything?”


    Elliot shrugged nonchntly. “It was just a kiss. No big deal–think of it like being bitten by at dog,” he said, trying to reassure her.


    Cecilia felt utterly mortified. I can’t believe the kids saw that! This absolutely can’t happen again.


    Trying to regain herposure, she said, “All right, sweetheart, why don’t you head downstairs and check if the ravioli are ready? Go on and have some.”


    “Sure thing,” Elliot replied before heading out.


    Once he was gone, Cecilia pped her flushed face again, frustrated with herself. Just then, her phone rang, breaking the silence. She checked the caller ID and realized it was Elena.


    “Come back to the Rainsworth residence with Nathaniel to celebrate New Year. I’ll arrange for someone to pick you up.” Elena said over the phone.