The Unwavering Heart That Broke novel Chapter 20

He stopped moving, the towel hovering over her head. For a second, she saw panic flicker in his eyes, but it faded as quickly as it came. He tried to sound calm. “Nathalie, don’t read into things. I got the vasectomy because I didn’t want you to suffer. I watched Felice go through childbirth. It was brutal. I didn’t want you to go through that kind of pain.”

Nathalie shut her eyes. Maybe if he’d said this a month ago, she would have believed him. But now... she’d seen too much. He’d spent Felice’s whole pregnancy by her side, doting on Jasper, completely wrapped up in their little world. So, hearing about the vasectomy now, Nathalie couldn’t believe it was for her. To her, it was obvious: he’d done it for Felice and her child. She didn’t even cross his mind.

The hair dryer started back up, filling the space with white noise, but Nathalie’s voice cut right through it. “I want a divorce.”

Lance kept drying her hair, his long fingers weaving through the wet strands. Her hands were clenched so tight her knuckles turned white. How did he do it? How could he still play the part of the gentle, loving husband after everything he’d put her through? Didn’t pretending exhaust him? Because every new lie wore her down a little more.

Suddenly, she snatched the dryer from his hand, her eyes cold and clear. “I said, I want a divorce.”

The hair dryer hit the floor with a loud thud.

Lance’s jaw tightened, a vein standing out on his temple. His face, always sharp and handsome, was cold as ice. “Everything I’ve done is for you. Are you really going to throw a fit about this?”

“Get lost!” Nathalie finally snapped. “Just leave.”

She didn’t want to argue, didn’t even have the energy for it anymore. All she felt was this bone-deep tiredness and sadness. He’d made his choice, so why was he still pretending it was for her?

Lance stared at her, a flash of something dangerous in his eyes as he loomed over her.

“You’re really set on this?”

“Yes.” Her voice was soft but steady, a hint of red at the corners of her eyes. There was nothing left to say. This was all she wanted.

Inside, Nathalie just sat at the edge of the bed, pale as a doll that someone had forgotten to wind up. The girl set down the tea, her voice gentle. “Here, I made you some ginger tea. Drink it so you don’t catch a chill.”

Nathalie’s eyes flickered, then she said in a raw voice, “Thanks.” She finished the tea in a few gulps.

The girl looked relieved. “Get some rest,” she said, and slipped out.

Nathalie took a hot shower, then left the club without anyone noticing. At home, she sat in silence all night, medical reports scattered across the table.

When the sun finally came up, she gathered everything and made her way straight to the courthouse. Hours passed. By ten o’clock, Lance still hadn’t shown up.