The Unwavering Heart That Broke novel Chapter 91

“I just don’t want to play with him. Isn’t that allowed?”

Nathalie stared him down, her eyes stubborn and bright with irritation.

She yanked her hand out of his, spun around, and started to walk away.

But Lance called after her, calm and cool. “Then I guess your friend doesn’t need to show up for work tomorrow.”

Nathalie froze mid-step. She whipped around, eyes wide in disbelief. “Are you threatening me?”

His reply was so matter-of-fact, it stung. “Does it work?”

She clenched her jaw, swallowing the urge to slap him right there.

It took her a couple of deep breaths before she managed, “Fine. You’re the reason I’m doing this, don’t forget.”

Turning to Maggie, she tried to keep her voice steady. “You should head back, get some rest for work tomorrow.”

Maggie nodded, a little uncertain, and watched as Nathalie got pulled into this mess once again.

Was Lance really into Felice? The way he looked at Nathalie said something else. There was a kind of possessiveness in his eyes, way too intense for someone supposedly in love with someone else.

Maggie shook off the uncomfortable feeling and finally walked out of the café.

…

Felice and Jasper lived in a huge apartment, the kind you could easily get lost in. When they arrived, Lance just punched in the door code like it was his own place.

Nathalie saw that and scoffed, her tone icy. “Oh, you know the code too? Sure, Lance, keep telling everyone there’s nothing going on between you and Felice.”

Lance gave her a long look, obviously not interested in defending himself.

“Lance!”

Jasper’s childlike voice sounded from the hallway. He was already waiting by the door, and as soon as Lance stepped in, Jasper latched onto his leg, his little face absolutely lighting up.

But the second Jasper caught sight of Nathalie, his smile vanished. Fear flickered in his eyes and he shrank back, clutching Lance’s leg even tighter.

Nathalie’s face stayed distant, almost cold.

Kids always pick up on how adults feel, she thought.

Seeing her expression, Jasper looked even more panicked, refusing to let go of Lance.

He sat down with Jasper, picking up the blocks from the coffee table.

At first, Jasper kept glancing nervously at Nathalie. But after a while he forgot about her. The blocks took up all his attention.

The two of them played quietly, Jasper picking out the exact pieces Lance needed and handing them over.

Sometimes Lance would ruffle his hair or watch him with an unexpectedly soft look.

It was a scene that should have felt sweet, natural, maybe even heartwarming.

But for Nathalie, it felt like someone was pressing shards of glass into her chest.

Her thoughts flashed back, sharp and unavoidable. He’d had a vasectomy.

If he hadn’t, maybe they’d have a kid of their own right now.

Instead, she was forced to watch him act like the perfect dad to someone else’s son.

And Felice would probably come home and smile at the picture they made, just one big happy family.