Forbidden Heat novel Chapter 257

“…what?” She exclaimed, clearly shocked at my words.

“I said, what makes you think that you can take my place?” I repeated my question again.

“I…” Annie said before she realized that she didn’t have any comeback for that.

“You can’t. The good news is that you don’t need to. You need to find your own place in his heart or your own role in his life. To be frank, if you can’t even do that, I would prefer if you would just let Zak go and opt for a divorce,” I said truthfully. I’ve seen so many arranged marriages fail. Just take a look at Lucien’s for example.

“What?!” Annie exclaimed once again in shock.

“Did I offend you with my directness? I’m sorry. I have somewhere to be so I can’t be here with you forever. The last thing I want Zak to be involved in is a loveless marriage. Zak is a free spirit. It’s so sad to see him tied down by something that’s not even close to love,” I said, emotionlessly.

Perhaps, this is for her own good…

I paused as I glanced at Annie to see that she was deep in thought. Perhaps she was seriously considering my words. Regardless of what she chose to do from here on out, I wanted to say what I had to say. The rest will be up to her.

“Zak once told me that if he falls in love, it will be at first sight or not at all. It’s been five years now, and he’s known you before your wedding too, don’t you think that if he’s going to fall in love with you, he would have a long time ago?” I asked rhetorically.

“I hate to admit it but…I know that. But…I just can’t let him go…” Annie replied softly.

“Just think it over. Letting go and starting over isn’t a bad choice but it can be a hard choice to make. I guess, I know that from personal experience. I wish you and Zak both the best…” I said, meaning every word.

“Natalia…how did you manage to forget Zak?” Annie asked, her eyes pleading me for an answer that would save her.

I just threw my head back and laughed at her presumptuous question. This girl is really funny…either that or she’s very dense. It took a while until I was able to compose myself adequately to answer her question.

“Simple. I never managed it,” I replied before I smiled at her.

“Natalia…” Annie said my name as her eyes widened in shock and I could see her lips quiver.

“The tea has gotten cold. I’ll…see you around,” I said before I grabbed my handbag and got up from my seat.

This time I walked towards the exit and never turned back around.

…