The Unwavering Heart That Broke (Nathalie and Lance) novel Chapter 240

Nathalie’s brows drew together. “Did he actually die?”

Bagot gave a strained little smile. “Nathalie, come on… don’t joke like that.”

“I’m not joking.” Nathalie’s voice was cool and steady as she met his eyes. “I used to tell myself that after eight years together, we could separate peacefully. But now? I’m starting to hate him. Honestly, I wish he’d just disappear… maybe even die.”

Bagot fell silent. He had no idea what to say to that.

Nathalie turned away, her tone icier than before. “Go tell him I’m not feeling well. I need to go home and rest.”

He could only nod, looking resigned. “Alright.”

Nathalie flagged down a taxi and went straight home to The Observatory. By the time she walked through the door, it was late. She headed straight to the shower, letting the hot water wash away everything that clung to her skin. When she crawled into bed, sleep didn’t come easily.

Her phone buzzed.

It was Freddy.

Freddy: Still out this late?

Nathalie: Yeah. You’re still awake, Freddy?

Freddy: Just wrapped up a meeting. I was out on my balcony and noticed your lights were on.

Freddy: If you ever need help, you know you can call me.

Nathalie stared at the screen for a long moment, her thoughts spinning. For a second, she wanted to open up to him. But she held herself back. Nighttime always made things feel messier than they really were. Everything could wait until morning.

Sleep was a mess of broken, restless dreams. She woke up feeling worse than before. Groggy, drained, her mind heavy.

One look in the mirror confirmed it. Her reflection was pale and tired, like she barely recognized herself. She scowled. This wasn’t the Nathalie she wanted to be.

She dug into her makeup bag and went to work, adding color and life back to her face. When she was done, she finally felt human again and managed a small, satisfied smile.

It was already seven o’clock.

She texted Fabian, letting him know she’d be bringing breakfast, and he simply sent back: OK.

When she showed up, Fabian was waiting at the door, practically bouncing on his toes. As soon as he saw her, he groaned, “Thank god, I thought you’d never get here. I’m starving.”

Just then, a low, chilly voice echoed from behind her. “Nathalie, are you feeling any better?”

She stiffened instantly, rising to her feet. Her whole posture shifted, nerves on high alert. Her eyes went cold as she locked onto the man entering the room.

Lance. He was here again.

Fabian didn’t even look up, staying focused on his bowl of porridge.

Nathalie looked at Lance, voice even. “Do you need something?”

He stopped in front of her, his gaze sweeping over the flawless makeup on her face. Something cold flickered in his eyes. Did she really put in this much effort just to see Fabian? Was he that important to her?

“You look especially beautiful today,” Lance said quietly.

Nathalie stayed tense, watching him carefully.

“I tried to see you last night,” Lance said, his voice slow, almost too casual, “but Bagot told me you weren’t feeling well so I didn’t push. Looks like you’re doing pretty well today, though.” There was something threatening in the way he said it, a sharpness just beneath the words.