The Unwavering Heart That Broke (Nathalie and Lance) novel Chapter 255

“Grandma, I’ve got money,” Nathalie insisted, trying to keep her voice gentle. “Really, you should hold onto yours.”

Adelaide shook her head, wearing her sternest face. “Once you’re divorced, everything costs money. A little extra gives you a bit more confidence. No arguing. If you don’t take it and something happens to me while I’m alone in another city, who knows where my money will end up.”

“Don’t say that!” Nathalie couldn’t help stomping her foot. “I don’t want to hear things like that.”

Adelaide’s expression softened, and she started to laugh. “I always planned to give it to you, Nathalie. Don’t refuse, okay? It helps me sleep better at night, knowing you have it.”

Nathalie finally nodded, feeling a slow warmth spread through her chest. Her birth parents had cut off her cards for the sake of their adoptive daughter, making her jump through hoops just for a little cash. But her grandma, she didn’t care about any of that. One look at Nathalie and she was ready to give her everything.

That gentle warmth started melting away all the old bitterness and hurt inside her.

Once she agreed to take the money, it was like Adelaide had set down a heavy burden. She even surprised Nathalie by eating a big dinner that night, something she hardly ever did.

After dinner, they went downstairs for a walk. The summer evening was soft and peaceful. As they wandered through the park, they bumped into Freddy by surprise.

He was out with a fluffy white Samoyed, looking casual in a T-shirt and long pants, the picture of someone who had nowhere better to be.

“Nathalie, who’s this?” Freddy asked politely.

Nathalie beamed. “This is my grandma. Grandma, this is my friend, Freddy.”

Freddy gave a little bow. “Nice to meet you, ma’am.”

He suddenly seemed a lot more formal. Adelaide gave him a kindly smile. “How old are you, young man?”

Freddy froze for a second. Since he’d come back to China, every time an elder asked his age it usually meant they wanted to introduce him to someone...

He glanced at Nathalie, who was crouched down petting the Samoyed. “I’m twenty-nine,” he finally said.

Adelaide grinned. “Not bad, not bad. Handsome and polite. And you’re about the same age as Nathalie.”

The three of them strolled along together, taking their time until the sky finally went dark and they said their goodbyes.

In the elevator on the way up, Nathalie couldn’t hold it in any longer. “Grandma, you asked him so many questions. He’s definitely going to think you’re matchmaking.”

Adelaide just shrugged. “And what if I am? You’re about to be divorced. It’s the perfect time to find someone new.”

Nathalie stared at her. “I haven’t even thought about that!”

“Well, maybe it’s time you start,” Adelaide said, perfectly serious. “You don’t have to get married right away, but you can definitely start dating. A new relationship will help you forget all the pain from before.”

Nathalie mulled it over for a long moment. Finally, she said, “But wouldn’t that be unfair to the new guy? Using him to forget someone else?”

Adelaide pursed her lips and actually thought about it. “You’re right, that is a bit unfair. So don’t rush. Just get to know each other, see how it feels. When you feel that spark, that’s when you go for it.”