The Unwavering Heart That Broke (Nathalie and Lance) novel Chapter 228

Lance spoke in that calm, almost lazy voice of his. “Nathalie just moved. Aren’t you going up to congratulate her?”

Bagot hesitated, silent for a moment. Honestly, he didn’t want to go at all. If he could escape right now, he would. But with Lance’s icy stare pinning him there, running was out of the question.

He rubbed his nose, cleared his throat, and tried to sound casual. “Yeah, I mean, I should say something, but... isn’t it kind of rude to show up empty-handed?”

Lance just looked at him, expression flat. “Then go buy a gift.”

Bagot fumbled, desperate for an excuse. “Well, Nathalie isn’t the type to care about that stuff. She won’t mind if I don’t bring anything.”

Still making excuses, Bagot walked over and hit the button for Nathalie’s floor.

A moment later, music played through the speaker, and Nathalie’s gentle voice floated out. “Hello? Who is it?”

Bagot took a breath and tried to sound cheerful. “Hey Nathalie, it’s me, Bagot. I thought I saw you earlier, but wasn’t sure, so I even asked security just in case. Turns out, it really is you! Did you move here? Can I come up?”

Nathalie paused before replying. “It’s not really a good time. I haven’t finished unpacking.”

“That’s perfect! I can help you. I’m basically a pro at moving stuff,” Bagot lied, feeling like the world’s biggest fraud. “Seriously, Nathalie, we’ve known each other for ages. Don’t be so polite.”

But Nathalie asked quietly, “Did Lance put you up to this?”

“No, no way! Lance doesn’t even know you moved here. I just saw you by chance, I swear. Nathalie, I wouldn’t lie to you...” Bagot could almost feel tears stinging his eyes. He was in way over his head. He could practically hear thunder rumbling, ready to strike him down for lying.

Nathalie hesitated. “Really? You’re telling me the truth?”

“Absolutely.” Bagot forced himself to sound firm.

Just then, another voice cut in over the intercom. Damaris. “Swear on it. Promise that if Lance comes up with you, you’ll stay single forever. No girlfriend. Ever.”

Lance’s voice stayed cold. “Figure out a way in.”

Bagot huffed, close to giving up. This was impossible.

He slumped down, thinking hard. The air around him felt heavy, like even the building was judging him. He gritted his teeth. “Alright. There’s only one thing I can try.”

***

Back upstairs, Damaris let out a little snort. “He totally came on Lance’s orders. They’re in this together.”

Nathalie nodded. “Yeah, I thought so too.”

They went back to the table, settling in as the hot pot bubbled away, sending that delicious, spicy aroma through the room.