The Unwavering Heart That Broke novel Chapter 44

How could he possibly believe it?

Back then, she’d risked everything to save him during that earthquake. Later, she was willing to get down on her knees in the pouring rain, begging for the chance to marry him. She’d even agreed to the Adams family’s demand to give up studying abroad, just so she could be with him.

Her feelings were never subtle. She loved loudly, always watching him with a shy, happy smile, making her feelings obvious to anyone who cared to look.

All of that really happened.

It was all proof of how much she loved him.

That’s why he thought everything that happened after their anniversary was just her making a fuss. Just because he hadn’t spent the whole day with her.

But now, listening to her say over and over that she was done, it felt completely unreal to him.

He clenched his hand a little tighter, trying to control his breathing, his voice dropping into something deep and serious. “Nathalie, marriage isn’t a joke. You can’t just get married when you want, then leave when you feel like it. Did you forget we promised we’d stay together forever?”

Nathalie stared at him. This face was the same handsome face she had fallen so hard for, but right now, it was like she didn’t know him at all.

“Stay together forever? No kids, no real life of our own, just spending everything we have on Felice and Jasper?” She pressed her lips together in disbelief.

Jasper was already three years old. Lance cared for him way more than any uncle would.

And now he wanted to dedicate his whole life to this? Pull her along for the ride?

She shoved him away, stepping back, shaking her head. “Keep dreaming. Jasper is an Adams. If you want to spend your whole life looking after him, go ahead. Just leave me out of it!”

“I never wanted that,” Lance tried to keep his temper in check. “Once Jasper starts school, I’ll back off.”

“Well, I don’t want that!” Nathalie’s voice was steady. “I don’t even want you looking at him anymore!”

“Better save your voice,” Lance muttered, his breath hot against her ear. “I’ll show you what it really means to be hurt.”

Nathalie’s eyes widened. Her heart wouldn’t slow down, beating so hard it hurt. She tried to get away, but he pinned her in place, so she couldn’t move at all.

The sharp, sterile smell of the hospital was everywhere. They were still in a patient room, and someone could walk in at any time.

Nathalie felt a wave of panic. Her voice came out shaking. “Don’t do this, not here, please, Lance...”

But he was past listening. Anger had wiped everything else away.

His touch was nothing like before. It burned, rough and relentless, and every movement sent a jolt of pain through her. They were almost never like this—he always made her feel cherished, wanted, lit up inside. He would lift her up, not push her down. She’d never felt pain like this from him.

Tears slipped down her cheeks. With nowhere to go, Nathalie bit down hard on the blanket, holding back a scream.