The Unwavering Heart That Broke novel Chapter 71

Nathalie and Damaris messaged Fabian once they arrived. He came out to meet them, a soft, easy smile on his face. “Come on,” he said, “my friends are having a little get-together. Let’s join them for a while before you head home.”

Nathalie shook her head. “It’s alright. Damaris and I have been out all day. We’re both tired. I just wanted to talk to you… about the divorce. Let’s drop it for now.”

Fabian looked a little surprised. “Why the change of heart?”

They were standing in the lounge, half hidden behind a giant potted plant. From the outside, all anyone could see was Nathalie talking to someone, with Damaris quietly beside her.

Nathalie’s expression was serious. “Let’s not go ahead with it right now. Maybe things will settle down soon and it won’t be such a hassle.”

Something unreadable flickered in Fabian’s eyes. He nodded, slow and thoughtful. “Alright. But if you ever need a hand with anything, just say so. After all this time, I still want you to be happy.”

Nathalie gave him a gentle smile. “Thank you.”

Fabian raised his eyebrows, teasing, “You sure you don’t want to come up? Everyone’s someone you know from before.”

“No, I should get going.” Nathalie turned away. But then a waiter rushed past and she didn’t see him, bumping right into his side. She staggered back, but Fabian caught her just in time before she could fall.

Right at that moment, Lance walked in and saw it all happen. He watched as Nathalie stepped out of Fabian’s arms, turning to flash him a shy, blushing smile.

She’d just left the massage parlor. Now she was here. Was she going out of her way just to tick him off?

Bagot, always observant, nudged him. “Lance, isn’t that Nathalie…”

Lance was ice-cold. “I’m not blind.”

Felice answered before anyone could call her out. “Fabian’s home again, so I thought I’d stop by. I got a nanny and a nurse with Jasper. I’m only staying for a bit.”

Lance’s face got colder. “Jasper is still sick. You shouldn’t be here.”

Felice’s expression crumpled, but Fabian stepped in. “Come on, don’t be like that. I invited her. I had no idea her son was in the hospital. That’s on me. Let’s not argue, okay?”

Lance just sat down on the sofa.

Felice stood up, ready to go. But Fabian, trying to keep it light, said, “You’re here anyway, let’s have a drink. We haven’t all been together like this in years. We should stay in touch, help each other out.”

With everyone looking at her, Felice reluctantly picked up her glass. Her hand was shaky, though, and some wine splashed onto her clothes. She set the glass down, already halfway to the door. “I’m going to clean up. You guys go ahead.” And with that, she headed for the restroom.