When Her Death Couldn't Break Him (Cecilia and Nathaniel) novel Chapter 2191

Realizing escape was no longer possible, Nicholas let his shoulders sag and forced his steps to a halt.

Without turning, he murmured, "I'm fine." The words were thin, almost translucent, as if they might dissolve before reaching her.

"Then why do you look like this?" Jocelyn asked, her question tumbling out before caution could intervene.

Nicholas drew a slow breath, turned, and pinned her with eyes as deep as midnight. "Why ask?" he said, voice low, roughened by something older than pain. "Do you pity me?"

Jocelyn shook her head so quickly her earrings flashed. "That isn't what I meant at all."

She was still searching for gentler words when footsteps pounded against the stone. Yannick burst into view.

"Jocelyn, finished already?"

He reached them, and only then recognized Nicholas.

The easy, boyish warmth drained from his features. A glacial composure settled in its place.

"So," he said, voice calm in a way that left the air colder, "were you meeting a friend?"

"No," Jocelyn replied at once. "I was picking up the necklace and happened to see him—nothing more."

Seeing how frantically she tried to explain, afraid Yannick might misunderstand, Nicholas was disappointed.

"Pure coincidence," he added softly, offering the explanation she was too flustered to finish.

Yannick frowned. Their explanation only deepened his suspicion.

After all, how often did sheer coincidences happen?

Yet Yannick, now Jocelyn's husband in all but ceremony, reminded himself that the foundation was built on trust, not suspicion.

"Well, fate works in mysterious ways," he said, allowing a measured smile.

Then, studying Nicholas's sunken cheeks, he asked, "Mr. Nicholas, you've lost so much weight. Are you ill?"

Nicholas had wanted to ignore him. Instead, his gaze drifted to Jocelyn before he answered. "I've always been sickly. Jocelyn knows this. Nothing dramatic. Just a body that never quite keeps up."

"Very well."

Nicholas dipped his chin, the gesture measured and unreadable.

Jocelyn hooked her fingers around Yannick's sleeve and tugged him toward the exit.

Yannick couldn't help asking, "Be honest, Jocelyn—was today really just a coincidence?"

"Of course. There's no reason for me to hide anything from you."

Only then did Yannick stop worrying.

Without waiting for permission, he scooped her into his arms and strode toward the car.

"What are you doing? Put me down, right now!"