I stopped and turned, voice cold. "Did Richard send you to find me?"
It was the only reason I could think of for him being here.
Nathaniel froze, then rushed to explain. "No, I came on my own. I wanted to find you."
"For what?" I stepped back, voice sharp.
His pained, pleading eyes met mine, cutting like a blade. Bitterness churned inside me. "Sylvia, come back with me. I—"
"Still trying to repay a debt?" I cut him off, my gaze icy. "No need. You've paid it in full. We're done. Leave."
I moved to walk past him, but his hand grabbed mine. "It's not about duty," he said, voice desperate. "I just want you back. I was a fool, only realizing how I felt after losing you."
I frowned, his touch grating. I yanked my hand free. His face fell, like his heart had caved in, pain needling through
