Chapter 2193

Cradled in the crook of his arm, Cecilia let out a soft breath and allowed her eyes to close.

Hours later, a sharp, hesitant knock shattered the silence, vibrating through the wooden door like a pebble striking glass.

Half-asleep, Cecilia blinked into the darkness. “Who’s there?”

A small, trembling voice answered from the hallway. “Mommy…”

She sat up instantly. “Sweetheart, what’s wrong?”

Nathaniel swung his legs over the side of the bed, fully alert despite the late hour.

Cecilia opened the door. Elliot stood there in cartoon pajamas, rubbing his sleepy eyes, tears clinging to his lashes. “Mommy, I had a nightmare. Can I sleep with you tonight?”