The Unwavering Heart That Broke novel Chapter 96

Lance was losing control again, and this time Nathalie was genuinely scared. The cramped car, his intense mood… she couldn’t shake the fear that he might actually go too far.

Trying to steady her nerves, she managed to say, “Lance, don’t. I have work tomorrow, okay?”

He leaned in, ignoring her words, pressing a hard kiss onto her lips. One of his hands pushed beneath her clothes, tracing the familiar lines of her body. Her whole body started to tremble, but she clamped her mouth shut, biting her lip, determined not to give him any reaction.

Then, a sudden ache hit her lower stomach. Relief swept through her at that dull pain. She seized her chance. “Lance, I just got my period.” Her voice shook, but she didn’t care as long as it worked.

He froze. For a moment, he looked at her, his brows drawn together in deep thought. It seemed he did the mental math, realizing this was probably true. He stared into her eyes, noticing the hint of relief there.

Without warning, he grabbed her chin and kissed her again, harder, almost punishing, until her lips were numb. At last, he let her go and finally opened the car door. Nathalie exhaled shakily, just trying to get her balance, but before she could even step out, he scooped her up and carried her out into the night.

Her nerves coiled tightly. “What are you doing?”

Lance strode toward the villa, not even slowing down. “What, do you really think I’m an animal?” His voice was so cold it almost stung.

Nathalie almost snapped back, Aren’t you? But she held it in. His moods felt like walking across thin ice lately, and she was done risking it.

Inside, the living room looked exactly the same as always, but now the familiar space made her chest ache. She remembered all the nights she’d waited here, watching for him to come home. But every time, he was with someone else, somewhere else, being gentle with another woman and loving another child. The thought made her want to laugh at herself. So stupid, she thought, to ever think this house could really feel like hers.

Gripping the stair rail, she forced herself toward the front door. But when she tried the handle, it stuck fast. The door was locked.

She barely had time to process it before his voice echoed behind her. “I knew you’d try to leave. Why can’t you just relax when you’re not feeling well? What’s so bad about staying here? You’re the one who chose this place, remember?”

Nathalie’s back went rigid. Slowly, she replied, “I chose you too, Lance. But now… I don’t want either.”

Lance gripped the spoon in his hand so hard his knuckles turned white. His jaw tightened, his eyes even colder. “You should know by now, if I don’t want you to go, you’re not going anywhere.”

Nathalie stared at him, her face turning pale with anger and pain. She tried to glare, tried to look tough, but with her energy drained by her cramps, she knew her defiance barely showed.