The Unwavering Heart That Broke novel Chapter 97

Lance turned his gaze away. “You can wait in the living room or go lie down upstairs.”

Nathalie didn’t even argue. She felt terrible, and there was no reason to push herself. Without a word, she headed straight for the stairs.

Periods were honestly the worst. The second she realized hers had started, her whole body began to ache—her back, her stomach, everything just hurt. And, as always, it only got worse.

She curled up under the covers, pressing her hand to her lower belly, but it didn’t do much. The pain was sharp, enough to make cold sweat break out across her forehead. Her thoughts got fuzzy, slipping in and out, as if she were floating.

She had no idea how long she lay there before someone scooped her up. A spoon nudged against her lips, and Lance’s low voice murmured close to her ear. “Nathalie, drink this soup. It’ll help.”

On reflex, she opened her mouth. God, this had happened so many times she didn’t even have to think about it.

After the soup, a gentle warmth filled her, easing some of the discomfort. When she opened her eyes, she watched Lance set the bowl aside, then crawl into bed with her, slipping right under the covers.

Every fiber in her body tensed. “Please, don’t. Just go.”

He ignored her. “No.”

Lance didn’t ask permission. He pulled her closer, wrapping an arm around her waist and sliding his warm hand right up under her shirt to rest against her icy stomach.

Instant relief washed over her as his palm soaked up the chill and quieted the pain.

She stayed rigid, biting her lip. “I don’t need you. Will you just leave?”

His breath was warm on her skin. “But I need you. If I don't hold you, I won’t get a wink of sleep. I’ll be a wreck. Honestly, I might die.”

Nathalie just stared in disbelief. Where did he even learn to say things like that?

Pinned in his arms, there was nowhere to go. She gave up, closed her eyes, and let the warmth soak through her. The pain faded, and the exhaustion pulled her under.

Lance’s eyes snapped open. “What did you say?”

“I’m serious. The ring—the one you paid a fortune for. Are things that bad right now? Are you really selling your wedding ring?” Bagot asked, sounding nervous.

Lance turned to look at Nathalie lying beside him. Her eyes were closed, breathing even, pretending to be asleep.

But he knew she wasn’t.

A muscle in his jaw twitched. “Call the organizers. Tell them to take the ring off the list.”

Bagot hesitated on the other end. “I don’t think that’s possible. It’s already on the list. Unless it gets auctioned off officially, no one can just take it back.”

Lance’s eyes went cold. The look on his face could’ve frozen the whole room.