The Unwavering Heart That Broke novel Chapter 8

He reached for her hand again, his grip firm and warm. For a moment, his intense, dark eyes lingered on her before he spoke to Daniel. “Dad, Nathalie’s upset because I didn’t handle things right. Let me fix this.”

Daniel didn’t bother to hide his frustration as he sank into the couch. “Keep pampering her like this and she’s just going to get more out of hand.”

Lance gave a gentle smile. “She’s my wife. Of course I’ll spoil her, always.”

Daniel set the whip on the coffee table with a heavy hand.

Camilla stepped closer. “Lance, does your back hurt? Need any ointment?”

Lance shook his head. “I’m fine. The gift’s already on its way. I’m taking Nathalie home. Call me if you need anything.”

He tightened his hold on Nathalie’s hand and started leading her outside. They had only gone a few steps when she suddenly pulled away.

She remembered what it felt like to be hit with that whip before. That burning, raw pain, as if her skin was being torn right off... She’d never forgotten. She wasn’t about to be touched just because Lance had taken a few lashes for her. After all, he was the reason she’d been through so many storms. If he got hurt, that was only fair.

Forced into Lance’s car, Nathalie barely spoke. As he leaned over to buckle her seatbelt, she shot out a question, cool and sharp.

“Have you slept with Felice?”

Every trace of warmth vanished from Lance’s eyes. “She’s my sister-in-law. Can you stop making things up?”

“Mm!” Nathalie jerked away and bit down, hard. Blood flooded their mouths, sharp and metallic.

“You’re such a jerk!” she snapped, landing a hard slap across his face. “I want a divorce! Let’s go to the civil affairs office right now, Lance. I’m done.”

Lance turned his face, jaw tense, tongue pressing against the inside of his cheek. When he looked at her again, his eyes were colder than ever. “You really want to end our marriage over something that isn’t even real? Nathalie, are you actually serious?”

“Yes,” she said, dead serious. “Divorce.”

“Alright. Just don’t regret it.” The chill in Lance’s gaze was almost icy. He slammed the passenger door shut, climbed into the driver’s seat, and the car tore down the street toward the civil affairs office.