She Was Never Just the Billionaire’s Wife (Natasha and Chase) novel Chapter 169

(Natasha)

I stand in the corridor outside James's office with my hand flat against the wall.

The wall is the only thing keeping me upright.

James went past me a minute ago, murmuring something about getting the transfusion paperwork started, and I have not moved since.

I can’t make my legs do the next thing.

I press my forehead against the wall.

Nathanial is my brother.

I keep trying the sentence on, trying to make it fit.

He’s been a man across a boardroom table from me.

He has been my husband's mistress’s brother.

His business partner.

My friend’s ex from London.

A stranger in expensive suits I disliked on principle.

Shouldn’t I have felt it?

I don’t even want to think about Sonia being related to me.

It makes sense that I’d feel no kinship with her, because I never met her.

She wasn’t born yet.

But I worshiped Nate when I was little.

The lift at the end of the corridor opens.

Chase comes out of it.

He sees me against the wall and stops walking for a beat.

Then he covers the corridor in long strides.

He takes in the expression on my face and opens his arms to try and hug me.

I can’t do this.

I can’t have him hold me in a hospital corridor today.

I’m still so confused about what’s happening between us.

Now Lily’s in danger and I’ve just been told who I am by a man I call Dr. Bailey, but who’s actually my estranged uncle.

When did my life turn into this tangled mess?

I take a step back.

Chase stops where he is and his hurt is naked and obvious.

I want to crawl into his strong arms.

I want to believe he loves me and not a memory.

But things never seem to work out quite the way I’d like them to and I’m too raw to risk any part of my heart right now.

He drops his arms to his sides and takes a deep breath.

“Lily is asleep, I wanted to come and check on you. What did Dr. Bailey want? You look like you've seen a ghost.”

"I'm fine."

"You’re not fine."

"You’re right. I’m not fine, but I can’t do this with you right now. Please."

His jaw locks.

The muscle below his ear gives one small, tight movement, and I look at the floor so I don’t have to watch it.

"They have a match who’s better than Nathanial. Lily’s going to be alright," I tell him quietly.

"That’s not all of it."

"That’s enough of it for now. I can’t go into the rest until Lily’s okay."

"Dammit, Natasha-"

"Please, Chase."

I can’t keep my voice steady on the word.

He hears it crack and steps closer, and I step back again.

I see him register it like a slap.

"Go back to her room please. I’ll be there in a minute."

"Natasha, look at me."

"I can’t."

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