When Her Death Couldn't Break Him (Cecilia and Nathaniel) novel Chapter 1964

Chapter 1964 A Good For Nothing
Denise was utterly speechless. What kind of weirdo did I end up rescuing?

Between bites, she finally responded. “My parents fell ill. I'm an only child. As for our relatives, they've been avoiding us for years.”

Ever since her parents fell ill, their so-called family had scattered like rats from a sinking ship.

Magnus fell silent, piecing the story together. “Huh. I didn't think there are actually people who have it this rough in the world.”

For a moment, he drifted into thought. If he were still his old self, tossing her a bit of cash would've been nothing and more than enough for her to live comfortably.

Denise heard the sympathy in his voice, but somehow, it rubbed her the wrong way.

“So stop depending on me,” she said sharply. “Once you've eaten, leave. I don't have any money to give you.”

Magnus wasn't ready to give up. “Denise, I swear I'm not lying,” he said earnestly. “Once I get in touch with my sister, she can give you however much money you need.”

Denise shot him a sharp look. “You're a grown man, always running to your sister or relatives for help. Doesn't that make you feel useless?”

“Useless?” Magnus snapped, instantly defensive. “How does that make me useless? Isn't it normal for siblings to help each other?”

“Oh, sure, normal, huh?” Denise's voice rose with each word. “You talk like it's your sister's job to rescue you. Who said life works that way? We're all responsible for ourselves! If someone helps you, especially family, you should be grateful, not act like it's owed to you. Got it?”

Magnus opened his mouth, ready to fire back, but Denise suddenly slammed her palm on the table, the sharp sound slicing through the room.

He froze, his words dying in his throat.

All his life, Paula had drilled it into him: he was the man of the house, the head of the family. It was only natural, she said, for Cecilia to sacrifice everything for him without question.

His grandmother had echoed those beliefs. She used to tell him, “The Escobar family has no sons. One day, you'll carry on our name and inherit our assets.”

But now, hearing Denise's words, for the first time, Magnus began to question it all. He wondered if everything Paula and his grandma told him were true.