The Unwavering Heart That Broke novel Chapter 7

“Nathalie.”

Lance strode over without a pause, reaching out first to help Felice and Jasper up. Then he grabbed Nathalie by the arm and his voice cut through the tension. “What do you think you’re doing?”

His grip was almost rough, making Nathalie stumble. She didn’t bother with his anger, though. Instead, she shot him a questioning look.

“What are you doing here, Lance? Didn’t they tell you? The birthday’s off this year, right?”

As she said it, her eyes flicked to Camilla and Daniel. Both looked away, guilty.

“So… just me, then? I’m the only one who’s not invited?” She gave a dry little laugh. “Figures. Felice is the real family, huh? You’re all just perfect together.”

She smiled, but there was something sharp about it. “Keeping the party secret, only inviting you and Felice…”

Then, with a quick, mocking gesture, she aimed another kick toward Felice.

“I thought I was being pretty clear. I’m picking on her.”

Lance shoved her hard, sending Nathalie stumbling back until she slammed up against the trunk of a tree.

“Nathalie,” his tone changed, a bit gentler now. “It’s Dad’s birthday. If you need to say something, can’t it wait until after today?”

She shrugged. “Sure. I don’t have anything to say, anyway. It’s your family’s celebration. What does that have to do with me? I’m not even really part of this family, right?”

Slowly, she straightened her clothes, brushing off her sleeves. Then she looked up. “Just don’t forget. After the party, make a stop at the civil affairs office. Once we get our divorce certificate, you can all have your happy family moments without me.”

“Nathalie!” Camilla rushed toward her, panic in her eyes. “Don’t say that. You and Lance have been together for so long. Divorce isn’t something you can just throw out there so casually.”

Nathalie glanced at her, lips curling into a smirk. “If we don’t get divorced, how’s your precious Felice supposed to become the official one here? Or do you want her to be the other woman, carrying a kid around and playing the mistress?”

He glared back. “All right, you won’t admit it? Then I’ll beat the truth into you if I have to.”

He raised the whip, fury shaking his arm, and swung it in her direction.

Camilla clapped a hand over her mouth, sobbing.

Nathalie’s eyes scrunched shut, bracing for the pain she’d never forgotten. But the burning sting she remembered didn’t come.

“Lance!” Daniel shouted, shocked.

Nathalie’s eyes snapped open.

Lance stood between her and Daniel, his back taking the full hit of the whip.