The Unwavering Heart That Broke novel Chapter 12

Nathalie finally blacked out.

Half-conscious, she could feel someone lift her, setting her down on a soft, warm bed. Gentle hands worked quietly, cleaning and bandaging the wounds on her knees.

The sting made her gasp, and before she knew it, tears slipped down her cheeks.

“Lance, it hurts…” she whimpered.

In her heart, it was still like before. Back then, even the smallest scrape would have him worried sick, fussing over her until she smiled. She had grown so used to leaning into his comfort, used to being cherished that way.

That old habit still lingered in her dreams. She saw Lance pulling her close, his lips brushing against her brow and eyelids, his voice soft as he tried to calm her down.

He kissed every stray tear, but somehow, that only made her cry harder. She clung to his shirt, her words tumbling out, half-broken by sobs. “Why are you being so nice to Felice? I hate her, I really do and you should hate her too. But you changed. You fell for her. You stayed with her, helped her have a baby… Lance, I don’t want you anymore.”

Even in dreams, the pain wouldn’t stop. Eventually her sobs faded into exhaustion, and she sank into heavy, dreamless sleep.

The next morning, she woke up in her own bed, looking down at the neatly bandaged wounds. For a moment, she felt lost, uncertain if last night had been a nightmare or reality. Slowly, it dawned on her. It had all happened.

Closing her eyes, she pressed her lips together. What was this supposed to be? First, he’d watched her being punished, cold as ice. Then he’d rushed over to take care of her, gentle as ever. Wasn’t it just like him, always keeping a foot in both worlds — sometimes with her, sometimes with Felice.

Were all men just experts at juggling their time?

When she opened her eyes again, any trace of softness was gone. She got out of bed, washed up, and walked out of the bedroom.

Laughter drifted up from downstairs.

“Lance, can you be my daddy?” came Jasper’s little voice, sweet and certain.

Leda’s laugh tinkled up. “Jasper, do you like Lance that much?”

Jasper nodded so seriously. “Yes. I want him to be my daddy, and to be with Mommy.”

Felice tried to hush him. “Don’t say that, Jasper. If Nathalie hears, she’ll get upset.”

Lance stepped in, his tone low and steady. “Nathalie, enough. We know the truth about last night now. We were wrong to blame you.”

Felice came over, reaching for Nathalie’s hand. “Thank you for bringing Jasper home last night. If it weren’t for you, who knows what could’ve happened to him.”

Out of view from the others, Felice’s fingernail scratched Nathalie’s skin.

Nathalie jerked away, shoving her hard. “Don’t touch me.”

Felice dropped to the floor, tears already gathering in her eyes. “Nathalie, I’m sorry. This is all my fault. I didn’t teach Jasper right, he lied about you, it’s on me. Jasper, come here and apologize.”

She dragged Jasper forward, trying to make him kneel. “Now. Apologize for lying to Nathalie.”

“That’s enough.”

Lance stood. His handsome features were clouded, all warmth gone from his eyes as he pulled Felice to her feet. He looked at Nathalie, cold and unyielding.