The Unwavering Heart That Broke novel Chapter 86

Before anyone could react, Nathalie used the brief lull to push open the car door and slip away.

"Nathalie!"

Lance frowned and hurried after her.

Fabian, caught off guard, reached out, blocking his path. "Whoa, Lance, hold on a second. She didn't look great. Why not just let her have a minute to herself?"

Lance shoved his hand away. "Maybe you're the one who needs a minute. What do you even want?"

Fabian gave him a sheepish smile. "I really do need something. I just got back to The Green Group and started on a new project. The client’s someone you've worked with before, so I was hoping you could introduce us. Just a quick favor."

"Talk to my secretary," Lance answered, his voice sounding tired.

He turned, ready to chase after Nathalie.

But Nathalie was already gone, a taxi whisking her away in just those few moments.

Lance whipped around, annoyance sharp on his face as he looked at Fabian.

Fabian threw up his hands in surrender. "Hey, I swear it wasn't on purpose. Please don't be mad at me."

Lance took a long, slow breath, fighting to keep his frustration in check. He pulled a cigarette from his pocket and lit it.

The taste of nicotine filled his chest. He narrowed his eyes, feeling some of the anger start to fade.

"When did you start smoking?" Fabian said, surprised. "You never used to."

Lance leaned back against the car, face unreadable. "Want one?"

Fabian shook his head. "No, thanks. Not my thing."

Lance smirked. "Guess you haven’t had anything worth stressing over yet."

Fabian hesitated, glancing at him. "This isn't all because of Nathalie, is it?"

Lance said nothing.

Fabian let out a sigh. "You know, I still remember back in college. You two were stuck together like glue. Same classes, same meals, writing every paper together. You basically did everything side by side."

As night fell and the room faded into shadows, she just felt tired. More than tired. It was like the weight of everything caught up to her at once.

How could he think that just because she wasn’t pushing for a divorce, everything was fine between them?

There was no way things could go back to the way they were. The moment he’d done those things, he should have realized they couldn't go back.

Eyes closed, Nathalie picked up her phone and ordered food, barely caring what arrived.

After eating, she made herself go to the study, hoping work would dull the ache in her chest. The script on her desk was complicated, but she forced herself to focus.

She barely got a few pages in when her phone buzzed.

Madonna had sent her a string of photos.

Madonna: [Pics]

Madonna: Nathalie, look at this girl. Don't you think she and Lance would be a perfect fit?

Nathalie went still. For a moment, she couldn’t breathe. Then, after a pause, she tapped on the photos.