The Unwavering Heart That Broke (Nathalie and Lance) novel Chapter 178

The room around them was wrapped in shadows. The light over the dining table glowed softly, but it couldn’t quite touch the depth in Lance’s eyes, couldn’t reveal all that he was feeling.

Lance watched her, saw the way her eyes turned red, saw that fragile brokenness shining through. It hurt him, deeper than he cared to admit.

He swallowed, hard. “Nathalie,” he started quietly, “I saw her—saw her in that hospital, in agony, being wheeled into the delivery room. I heard her screaming…I’ll never forget the sound. She almost died bringing a child into this world. And I kept thinking, what if that was you? I’d lose my mind.”

He looked down, voice dropping even lower. “I mean it, Nathalie. I only want the two of us. The Adams family already has Jasper. I don’t need to carry on the family line. I don’t want you to suffer like that.”

She lifted her gaze to him, voice cool and almost weightless. “Did you ever ask what I wanted?”

Lance’s answer came out ragged. “I’m sorry. I got this all wrong. I should’ve asked, before I went ahead with the vasectomy.”

Nathalie let out a short laugh, her disbelief sharp. “So you really think I’d just agree with you on everything?”

Lance’s brow furrowed. “Wouldn’t you? Nathalie, you love me most.”

To him, kids were never the point. Their love was enough, had been enough for the last eight years.

She went rigid, eyes wide and edged with something unfamiliar. She looked at him like she’d never seen him before. “You’re scary sometimes, you know that? You don’t want kids, but I do. I said I wanted it to just be us, sure. But not wanting kids and not being able to have them—those aren’t the same.”

Lance shot back, “So you only started wanting a baby after seeing Jasper, right?”

Nathalie breathed deep. “Lance, this is pointless now. Let it go. I’m going home.”

“If that’s what it takes for you to listen, I’m fine with it.” He caught her hand in his, gentle but unyielding.

She’d come in angry, fists clenched, but his face—handsome, sharp, stubborn—gave her a chill she couldn’t shake. Her fingers slackened. He held her hand without resistance.

Her voice came out rough, her chest tight. “Lance, is this really all you know how to do—push me around?”

He shook his head. “This isn't about bullying you. I just want to keep you safe. It’s late. I wouldn’t forgive myself if anything happened and you were alone.”

Nathalie closed her eyes. Pain flashed across her features.

They stepped out into the night. A gust of cold wind rushed by, making her shiver, and almost immediately, he wrapped his suit jacket around her shoulders, the warmth of him lingering there.