When Her Death Couldn't Break Him (Cecilia and Nathaniel) novel Chapter 2023

Hearing April’s answer, Cecilia continued, “You’ve already graduated from university, haven’t you?”

“Yes, I just graduated not long ago,” April replied.

“Have you found a job yet?” Cecilia asked.

Another long silence hung between them before the girl on the other end finally stammered, “N-Not yet. My parents... are already making plans to marry me off...”

She hurried to add, “I-I don’t want to get married, Cecilia...”

Her parents’ chosen groom was a twice-divorced man, far older than she was. He was both unpleasant to look at and unpleasant to be around.

Cecilia understood the situation without needing further explanation, and she said, “April, life is already hard enough. Think about yourself first. If you don’t want this wedding, then refuse it. Don’t let anyone shackle you with so-called morality.”

“But... they’re my parents...” April’s voice overflowed with helplessness.

What April was living through now was exactly what Cecilia had lived through once upon a time.

Cecilia knew how deep the wounds of one’s birth family could run; they were not easily healed. All she could do was keep trying to guide the girl.

“April, our parents chose to bring us into this world—we didn’t choose them. When they make unreasonable demands, you have to learn to say no, or the rest of your life will be ruined.” She paused, then added, “If you’d like, come work at Jamieson Group. We can tackle the future together.”

Landing a job at Jamieson Group was something countless people dreamed of.

Sweat dampened April’s palm as she clutched her phone. “R-Really? You mean that?”

“Of course, I mean it,” Cecilia replied. “And about Eloise, don’t worry. I have my own plans for her.”

“Thank you, Cecilia. I’ll come to your company. I’ll tell my parents that I’m not getting married!”

With those words, Cecilia drew a clean line between them.

Eloise heard the hidden meaning. Her face tightened, but she still said, “Nothing else. I just wanted to apologize. We’re family, after all.”

“I’ve said many times that I share no blood with the Escobars, no ties at all. Keep your apology. If there’s nothing else, stop calling me,” Cecilia enunciated, calm and firm.

Before Eloise could answer, Cecilia ended the call again, this time without blocking her.

Eloise, stunned by Cecilia’s coldness, decided to make April mediate.

She called April, but the girl said, “Sorry, Eloise. I can’t help. Cecilia and I haven’t spoken in ages. Even if I tried, it wouldn’t matter.”

“You dare refuse me? Aren’t you afraid I’ll complain to your father?” Eloise snapped, convinced April and Cecilia were much closer than they claimed.