Max's throat tightened as he saw Nat stepping back, her hands trembling even as her face remained firm. His chest heaved as he fought to find the right words, anything that could make her stay, that could undo the hurt he had caused. But he found none. He knew she was disappointed in him.
"I'll fix this," he said hoarsely, stepping toward her again. "I'll make everything right. I just, I do not want to hurt both of us. Lisa had shown her trust in me and I wanted to make it up for her."
She gave him an incredulous look!
"By giving her money!" she scorned but Max nodded.
"You do not know her, I do! She would be happy to have money." at least this much was clear in his mind. "I am doing this for both of us, Natalie. I swear to you, Nat, I never meant to leave you alone."
She stared at him, silently but her jaw clenched. Then, in one sharp movement, she walked up to him and slapped him hard across the face. The sound echoed in the room like a thunderclap.
