Chapter 8 Her Heart Skipped A Beat


    When Corrine opened her eyes, she found herself gazing into Nate''s striking features. His unexpected presence startled her into an unguarded question. "What are you doing here?" The words tumbled from her lips before she could contain them.


    Their earlier parting felt like mere moments ago, yet here he stood.


    Nate cut an impressive figure in his bespoke suit, every inch of him exuding refined sophistication.


    "Visiting an elderly family member," he exined, his prating gaze studying her face. Something flickered in his eyes before he repeated his earlier question. "Are you alright?"


    Their eyes met and held, the intensity of his gaze causing her heart to falter. "I''m fine," Corrine managed, struggling to maintain herposure.


    "I meant here," Nate rified softly, touching his chest. "Most women would allow themselves to break down in such moments. Perhaps you should consider it?"


    He extended a crisp handkerchief toward her.


    A faint smile touched Corrine''s lips after a moment''s hesitation. "Tears solve nothing. Why waste them on


    someone undeserving?"


    "But it hurts, doesn''t it?" Nate''s expression softened as he observed her.


    Corrine''s gaze drifted to the dancing willow branches overhead, her voice barely above a whisper. "How could


    it not..."


    The pain of realizing her passionate devotion had been met with emptiness still cut deep.


    Nate''s eyes lingered on her profile before he spoke, his rich voice carrying an unexpected warmth. "It''s futile to fight for things unworthy of the effort. Save your tears for those who truly value them."


    His words sent her heart racing unexpectedly. Their eyes met briefly before Corrine looked away, suddenly


    unsettled by the intensity of the moment.


    Hesitation flickered across Nate''s features as he continued, "Why fight for his love when his heart has already departed? A clean break surpasses prolonged suffering."


    His directness surprised her.


    Their acquaintance hardly warranted such intimate counsel, yet his words resonated with truth.


    Corrine had never been one to hesitate, and the prospect of watching Bruce''s and Leah''s daily disys held no appeal.


    Drawing a steadying breath, she recovered herposure. "We''ve already separated. There''s nothing left


    between us."


    Shock registered briefly on Nate''s face before he mastered it, suppressing a smile as he responded with careful control, "Unrequited passion deserves release. Miss Hond, your spirit is more free than I anticipated."


    "As you said, a clean break surpasses prolonged suffering," Corrine replied. “Besides, what must be begged for is mere charity. True gifts flow freely from the heart."


    Admiration flickered in Nate''s gaze as he arched an eyebrow. "It seems we share simr philosophies."


    Their conversation flowed easily, time slipping away unnoticed until an elderly woman''s voice interrupted them.


    "Sir, your grandmother requests your presence," she announced, offering Corrine a warm smile. “Perhaps this youngdy would care to join us?"