73| Support

Nelson's gaze lingered on Val for the third time that night, his inquiries about her altered demeanor echoing his return from the company.

Her unusual calmness mirrored the past when she discovered his history, a time he resented, leaving him curious about her current thoughts.

As she rose to fetch a drink, Nelson reached out, grasping her hand. "Val, I've been trying to talk to you since I got home. What's bothering you?" he pressed.

"Nothing," she attempted to dismiss, but he firmly held her wrist. "I know something is on your mind. Remember our promise not to keep things from each other?"

Looking into his eyes, Val questioned the breakup with Natasha, suggesting they could have married for the children's sake. "She's a nice lady, and you both seem to have a history."

Nelson's stoic expression revealed his awareness of Natasha's influence. "I knew it was because of Natasha. What has she been telling you? Be clear."

Val, seemingly too composed, questioned why he hurt Natasha by endin