Nathalie's eyes were filled with a deep, endless sorrow. "The way he treated me and Nina in the past was nothing short of cold and heartless. Nina's hopes for him are bound to end up being just empty dreams."

Nathan couldn't resist pulling her into a comforting embrace. His heart ached for Nathalie. It takes a mountain of disappointment to reach a point where you have no hope left for someone. "Why is he snooping around about you?" Nathalie asked, curiosity piqued.

Nathan came clean, "Greta seems to have lost it. She fed him some crazy stories about me, and he came running to catch me in the act."

Nathalie chuckled softly, "He's always trusted Greta without question. Even when she's out of her mind, he trusts her. It's laughable, especially since you were with me last night."

Nathan shrugged, "Let him make his fuss. He can't cause any real trouble."

Nathalie had grown indifferent to most things, and she just replied with a nonchalant, "Hmm."noveldrama

Back in their room, Nathan helped Nathalie get ready, doing her hair and makeup.

Sweet whispers flowed naturally between them, as they often do with lovers: "I really like you," Nathan said, watching her reflection in the mirror, her makeup subtle yet striking, and he smiled as if soaking up the warmth of spring. Nathalie blushed, "How much do you like me?"

Nathan replied, "My love for you feels like a divine command, urging me to love you fearlessly and without hesitation."

"Maybe loving you is my life's purpose."

Nathalie frowned, a look as if she had just tasted something bitter. "That sounds like you're a soldier following orders." Nathan's hand holding the comb paused, and he gave a sheepish smile.

Just then, Nathalie's phone rang. It was the hospital. The voice on the other end said, "Ms. Nellie, your father's not going to make it. You Come and see him one last

time."

Nathalie stood there, stunned, as if hit by lightning.

Nathan gently called to her, "Don't be sad. Our time with others is always limited, and eventually, we all have to say goodbye." His voice was tender but filled with sadness. Nathalie suddenly clung to him, "I don't want to be apart from you."

Nathan gently stroked her head, "We will have to part one day. Everyone does."

Nathalie insisted, "But not now. Nathan, you have to grow old with me, and you have to go after I do. That way, I'll feel like we've never been apart." Nathan nodded firmly, "Okay."

With a heavy heart, Nathalie hurried

to the hospice. The director met her personally, expressing regret, "Paige, you know your dad's health has always been poor. We've done our best to care for him, but his organs are failing, and he slipped into a coma this morning. The doctors say there's no hope. That's why we've called the family."

The director's words were filled with attempts to dodge responsibility.

Nathalie asked, her face stern, "If he fell into a coma this morning, why am I only hearing about it now?"

The director replied, "Paige, we're sorry, but we were swamped this morning."

Nathalie shot her a cold look, "You're lucky it's me. Someone else might not have let you off so easily."

She was being honest. Her feelings for Patrick were lukewarm; his passing didn't stir any strong emotions, so she wouldn't expend more energy dwelling on it.

But she was surprised to find

At

Cameron and Greta already in Patrick's room when she arrived. that moment, Patrick was barely hanging on, his mouth slightly open as he approached the end of his life.