The Unwavering Heart That Broke novel Chapter 38

The memory felt so far away now that Nathalie had to blink a few times before it all came back.

Back in her freshman year, she’d wanted to get closer to Lance. She wanted to tell him how she felt, but didn't have the courage to say it face to face. Instead, she wrote him a letter. Once she found out where he lived, she waited outside his dorm building, fidgeting with the envelope, her heart racing with nerves.

That was when Fabian noticed her, walking up with a grin. “Hey, who are you waiting for?”

She’d been mortified, her cheeks burning, but her eyes couldn’t hide their excitement. “I’m looking for Lance.”

“He’s actually my roommate. What do you need with him?” Fabian asked, matter-of-fact.

Nathalie’s eyes got even brighter. She hesitated and then held out the letter. “Could you give this to him?”

Fabian raised an eyebrow as he took the envelope. “What’s this, a love letter?”

“Not really…” Nathalie stammered, instantly exposed and totally flustered. “Anyway, thanks! Sorry for bothering you!”

She made a beeline out of there, barely looking back.

When she snapped out of her thoughts, Nathalie found herself smiling. “It’s really you. I haven’t seen you in forever. Where have you been?”

Fabian let out a sigh. “Got shipped overseas before I could even graduate. My family made all the decisions for me, but now I’m finally back.”

He looked at her, eyebrows tugging together, noticing her pale skin and her tired, red eyes. “So, why are you out here alone? You don’t look great. Are you okay?”

Nathalie shook her head gently. “I’m fine, really.”

“Where are you heading?” Fabian asked. “Let me give you a ride. Walking around out here isn't safe, you know.”

Nathalie tried for a smile. “Thanks, but that's not necessary. I’m just going to grab a cab home.”

But clearly, something was off.

Nathalie gave him a cold, bitter smile. “Just pull over. I’ll go home by myself.”

Fabian wasn’t giving in that easily. “Listen, are you sure there’s not some kind of misunderstanding? Do you want me to talk to him?”

“No. That won’t be necessary,” Nathalie replied. Her voice was icy now, her face even colder than before. “Just please stop the car.”

Fabian could see she wasn’t up for any more questions, so he put his hands up. “Alright, alright. We're almost there anyway. I’ll stop.”

The rest of the ride was quiet and tense. When the car pulled over, Nathalie got out without saying a word and walked away, not even glancing back.

Fabian watched her go and muttered under his breath, “Didn’t even get a thank you.”

He leaned back and told the driver, “Take me to the hospital.”