Shattered Then Healed By His Love (by Haley Blanton) novel Chapter 44

Chapter 44 Stubborn Drunk Proves Nothing

Chapter 44 Stubborn Drunk Proves Nothing

The two beer bottles clinked together with a crisp sound.

She took a sip, then curved her lips in a faint smile. “Thank you, Mr. Collins.”

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Their eyes met briefly in the dim light; before he could respond, Natalie strode off quickly.

She had no idea that behind her, in the shadows, the corners of the man’s mouth were slowly lifting.

Natalie had never had much tolerance for alcohol; one can of beer was usually enough to send her into a good night’s sleep.

She dragged a chair to the balcony, leaned back, and stared out at the night.

The bottle in her hand slowly emptied.

Her eyes went unfocused; through the blur, she caught sight of a tall figure leaning against the balcony next door.

The man spoke slowly. “You’re drunk?”

“I’m not drunk!”

Natalie pushed herself up from the chair with one hand braced against the edge.

Marcus saw her swaying as she walked toward him; his brows knit in an instant.

“You can barely walk straight, and you’re saying you’re not drunk?” His lips tugged faintly, his tone casual. “Stubborn.”

“Mr. Collins!” Natalie suddenly pointed a finger at him. “Step back a little.”

“And why’s that? Don’t tell me you’re planning to climb over here again.”

“I just want to prove to you that I’m not drunk…‘

Her words stumbled out.

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Before he could stop her, her hand was already gripping the glass railing.

“You’re not just drunk–you’re drunk out of your mind.”

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10:58 Sat, Sep 27

Chapter 44 Stubborn Drunk Proves Nothing

Marcus instinctively reached out to stop her.

But before his fingers could close around her wrist, she smacked his hand away.

The next second, she lifted her leg and swung herself right over the railing.

Seeing this, Marcus couldn’t decide whether to laugh or sigh.

The scene before him was completely unexpected.

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The way she climbed the railing… the image of her treating a patient… even the memory of her charging into a burning house to save someone…

How could all these versions of her exist in the same woman? Which one was the real her?

“Ms. Foster, you’ll fall like that.”

He wanted to steady her, but her position left him no room to intervene.

Her body dangled on the railing; he truly feared she’d tumble the next moment.

“No, I think I’m a little sleepy. I want to go back to bed…”

Natalie tried to lean back, but found she couldn’t.

She was stuck, unable to move forward or back.

With no other choice, she turned to him for help. “Mr. Collins, I…”

He nearly laughed aloud, though he swallowed it down.

He extended a hand toward her. “I’ll help you.”

“Thank you.”

Natalie instinctively put her hand in his. She thought he meant to help her climb back; instead, he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her straight onto his side of the balcony.

By the time she landed, her eyelids were already drooping shut.

Marcus released her, watching as she dropped onto one of his chairs.

She slumped forward onto the table, eyes sliding closed.

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10:58 Sat, Sep 27

Chapter 44 Stubborn Drunk Proves Nothing

At the sight, Marcus‘ smile finally broke free.

Awake, she was an ambitious, sharp–edged woman.

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Drunk, she was like a child–simple, defenseless. How could a woman like this be capable of scheming against someone? How could she have spent three years in prison for it?

“Ms. Foster, wake up.”

“Ms. Foster…”

No matter how softly he called, she wouldn’t stir.

There was no way he could let her remain in his room this time.

Once might have been brushed off, but twice would not.

Marcus scooped her up into his arms and carried her swiftly inside. Crossing the room, he headed for the door, intending to return her to the bedroom next door.

But just as he reached it, footsteps sounded from the stairs below.

His room was close to the staircase; from his vantage point, he could clearly see the man coming up.

It was Jackson–back again.

He was looking down at his phone, mid–call, and hadn’t noticed.

Marcus turned on his heel, still holding Natalie, and shut the door firmly behind him.

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