I pour a drink into my glass, lifting it high. "Cheers to finding Mr. Perfect!" My voice bubbles with excitement, the smile on my face bright enough to make Sydney roll her eyes.She doesn’t approve of my wedding to Jake, which is set for tomorrow."Don’t you think you’re rushing things? He proposed less than six months after you met," she says, her tone cautious.I know she's worried, but she can’t see what I do. “Sydney, I love him. Don’t you understand? When Jake looks at me, it’s like every part of me lights up. I’ve spent my life dreaming of a fairytale, and with him, I’ve finally found it. He’s my prince.”She shakes her head. “Whatever you say. I just hope you’re not making a huge mistake. There’s something off about him. I can’t put my finger on it.”“Oh, Syd,” I sigh, trying to brush off the tension. “You’re just being your usual, practical self.”"Nadine, I'm serious. Something feels... wrong. And you’re moving way too fast.”Her words twist something deep in my chest, making
The plan to expose Jake and Nathalie brings a smile to my face. I’ve swapped the original wedding video with the video of their private moment. I discreetly made a video of them yesterday. The guest gasps seeing Jake and Nathalie's intimate scene playing on the screen. I turn around to see everyone's reaction. Jake’s eyes widen in disbelief as he stares at me. He’s speechless, his mouth hanging open. Nathalie, too, looks horrified. "You... you did this?" she asks, in a trembling voice.I smile calmly and whisper, "I did."As I watch everyone’s reactions I feel guilty already for causing the joyous occasion to turn sour.I gather my gown in my hands and run out of the venue. But as I flee, I suddenly stop when I feel a gaze piercing through me. A man stands in the distance, his eyes locked on mine, a sly smile tugging at the corner of his lips. His presence is unsettling like he’s seeing right through me."Nadine!" Sydney calls out, snapping me back to reality. I tear my gaze away f
We walk hand in hand out of the venue, and I can’t take my eyes off him. He is devilishly handsome. Everyone stares, in shock. I know it’s because of the Greek god by my side.In my tipsy state, I feel bold, clinging to him like a schoolgirl. "Take all of me tonight, make me feel whole again," I slur."As you wish, my lady," he replies with a grin.My cheeks flush as I lean in and kiss him, wrapping my arms around his neck. He responds eagerly, his lips warm and inviting."You taste divine," I murmur, lost in the moment."You are beautiful," he says softly, his gaze intense. We stroll down the street, his hand in mine. The connection is exciting and comforting. Without a word, we seem to understand each other perfectly as we stop in front of a hotel. It feels like a spell has been cast on me, making me throw caution to the wind.The hotel lobby is grand, with high ceilings, marble floors, and a majestic staircase. Expensive art lines the walls, and the air smells of fresh flowers.I
Logan's POVWhen I wake up, I can’t stop thinking about what happened last night. I reach out for her in bed, hoping to feel her close to me, but she’s not there.I jump out of bed, calling her name, but there’s no response.I walk to the bathroom, but she’s not there either.Back in the room, I spot an envelope and a note on the nightstand."I need time to reflect on what happened last night between us. Please understand that my choice isn’t about you. I left some money to cover my part of the hotel costs. Take care, Nadine."Immediately, I pick up my phone and call one of my men."Good morning, sir.""Good morning, Mark. Find that lady from last night.""Yes, boss."I head to the bathroom and freshen up, then my phone rings again. Mark’s voice comes through the line."Did you find her?" I ask, praying for a positive response."Yes, sir. She’s at the bridge.""Damn it, tell me the location now."I rush out of the hotel, one of the many I own. My chauffeur is already waiting in the ca
Nadine's POVI wait eagerly for his response, but he stays silent for some time, his eyes locked on mine as if trying to read my thoughts.His intense gaze makes me uneasy, but I gather the courage to ask, "What is it?"He leans back, a smirk tugging at his lips, and finally reveals his proposition. "A contract marriage with me for two years. I'll help you get the revenge you need and settle your mother's medical bill," he says matter-of-factly.I’m shocked at how much he knows about me. My mother has been ill for quite some time, and my father has shown no concern whatsoever. Despite my father’s indifference, she still loves him unconditionally.I’ve tried several times to raise money on my own, but every attempt has failed. My mother’s health continues to deteriorate, and I feel helpless."How do you know so much about me? We’ve never met before," I blurt out, unable to contain my curiosity."I take pleasure in knowing about people who pique my interest," he replies with a stoic exp
Sinking into the softness of the couch, I gaze at the shimmering ring on my finger. How did my life change so suddenly?I was supposed to be Mrs. Nadine Bennett, but fate had other plans. Now, I’m married to none other than Logan West.He’s undeniably the most powerful man in the city. Though he keeps a low profile, his name alone strikes fear into the hearts of many. No one dares cross him; his presence commands authority and his very stance radiates power.Life with Logan has been a whirlwind of emotions. True to his word, he stays out of my affairs, and I do my best to stay out of his.I’m grateful I took a month off while preparing for my wedding with Jake. Now, I have time to figure out what it means to be Logan’s wife.After signing the contract, a priest came in to marry us, and a stranger signed as our witness. I went to see my mom afterward, and thankfully, her dialysis treatment for chronic kidney disease is going well.The media has been buzzing about Jake’s marriage to Na
She evaluates me with a piercing gaze as if sizing me up to see if I’m fit to be her son’s wife. I shake it off and square my shoulders, take a deep breath, stretch my hand, and say, “It’s nice to meet you, ma’am.”Suddenly, her face brightens into a warm smile, and she pulls me into a hug. I’m startled that she accepts me with open arms.“Logan, are you sure about her being your wife?” she asks, needing to confirm she heard correctly.“Yes, Mother, she is my wife. We’ve been married for quite some time now,” he explains, looking at me with emotions I can't put into words, with Logan one can't be sure he draws me closer and kisses me softly on the lips.It's like my heart stops breathing for a while as I stand there frozen taking in his kiss slowly and steadily like I have been expecting it.Logan’s kiss lingers, leaving me breathless, my heart racing with emotions, I can't put into words. I wonder if he feels this strange pull between us or if it’s just an act for him.“Oh, stop it,
Logan notices my unease and pulls me close in a protective way that makes my heart swell. Despite his stoic nature, he can tell that something is wrong. "Are you alright?" he whispers, his breath warm against my ear.I nod my head because words are caught in my throat. I couldn't tear my eyes away from the man who just entered.His gaze locks onto mine like he's not expecting to see me here. Of course, I didn’t think I’d meet him here.His eyes have always been my weak point. When I stare into them, I am always lost in those eyes.They held so many secrets. I remember how my heart pounded loudly in my chest with just a look from him.He’d been my crush for what felt like forever until he finally asked me out.But like every fairy tale, I foolishly clung to him, thinking he felt the same way about me.Even now, thinking about my time with him makes my stomach twist in disgust.It later dawned on me that I was just a pawn in his game, foolishly in love with someone who never cared.As D
Logan's POV As Nadine exclaims in joy, "I could kiss you right now!" I feel a surge of desire. I have to restrain myself from giving in to her simple request. My cock twitches in my trousers, responding to her proximity, but I know I must resist.Instead, I slowly lean in and kiss her hair, trying to play it cool. I make my way outside, taking a deep breath to calm myself down. I don't want to compromise our budding cordial relationship.The fact that she accepted the gift is a positive sign, but my mind is elsewhere. I'm worried about the impending danger lurking in the shadows. Ethan is nowhere to be seen, and I don't know what he's planning. I need to be prepared, nothing can go wrong with Nadine and Shawn, not while I'm still alive.I pull out my phone to call Asher, eager to share the good news that Nadine accepted the necklace. But as I walk into my home, my mind starts to wander. I can't shake off the feeling that something is off, but I can't quite put my finger on it.I t
"Ethan," I mutter, my voice shaking with relief as he approaches me. But his face is stone cold, devoid of emotions. "Ethan, thank God you're here. Please, tell Sydney I'm not Isabelle. She's got the wrong person."But instead of helping me, Ethan takes a step closer, with a file in his hand. His voice is laced with anger, making my heart quiver. "Do you think I give a fuck what she does to you?" he growls.I'm taken aback, shocked by his words. "But...but I thought you were here to help me," I stutter."Do you think I'm here to exchange talks with you? I'm here to make sure she finishes you, just like planned."Ethan's words are like a death sentence. I'm trapped, with no escape from Sydney's wrath. "Oh, so you mean to tell me that this was a plan worked out between you two?" I ask, trying to process the betrayal.Sydney's face twists in a snarl. "You still have the mouth to say rubbish? Many authorities want you dead. And it will be with great pleasure to end your life.""Imagine
I struggle to break free, but their grip is like a vice. My heart races like a wild animal, and my mind spins with questions. Who are these people? Why are they doing this?I'm manhandled and pushed into the cab I had stopped to hail, my body flailing wildly as I try to break free. I try to shout, "Leave me the fuck alone!" but my voice is muffled by the cloth covering my face.I attempt to move my hand to pull it off, but I'm shocked to find my wrist bound by a cold metal cuff.My mind races with thoughts of my life being threatened. Fear grips me. I think about all the milestones my son will reach without me. His first day of school, his graduation, his wedding day... I'll never get to see them.Tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I think about my mom. She'll think I'm fine, but how long will it take her to realize something's wrong? Will she ever find out what happened to me?Ethan's face flashes in my mind. How will he feel when he finds out I've been taken? Will he be scared
I take a step back, trying to create some distance between us, as Logan’s face inches closer to mine. He notices my movement and hesitates."I'm sorry, I didn't mean to...you know," he trails off, his eyes searching mine for understanding.“I just wanted to say thank you...for choosing to have Shawn, despite everything between us before you left.”“He's my boy too, and I don't regret...any of it," I sayLogan nods, with a small smile on his lips. "Thank you anyway.”I study Logan's face, trying to read his intentions. I kinda like this new, softer side of him, but I wonder if it's just an act for Shawn’s sake. Either way, it's a welcome change."So..." I draw out the word, curious about what he's going to say next.Logan’s hand slips into his pocket, and he pulls out a small box. He holds it out to me, his eyes hopeful.I shake my head, hesitant to accept whatever is inside. "No, Logan, I don't want anything from you."He takes a step closer, his hand still extended. "Just take it, Na
"Wait, sorry, my bad," I say, moving the phone away from my ear to double-check the number. I was expecting Ethan's call, but this number is unfamiliar. Yet, the voice on the other end is unmistakable - Logan.I try to sound civil, for Shawn's sake. "What's up?" attempting to keep the tone light."Nothing much, Nadine. Did you sleep well?" I'm not interested in small talk, so I cut to the chase. "Yes, I did. Why are you calling?" The pause is brief, but I sense he hesitates before Logan speaks again. I wait, wondering what he wants to discuss."I was wondering if I can have my time with Shawn today," I recall Shawn's excitement earlier, asking to see his buddy today."Okay," I say, and I can almost hear Logan's sigh of relief on the other end of the line. I'm taken aback - I know he thinks I'll say no. But I'm done fighting; all I want is what's best for my son."What time are you coming?" I ask."I'm right outside your mom's house," his voice is a little stronger now. I glance out
As I turn to face him, my body stiffens, and my mind races with thoughts of what he might say. I hope it's not something that will break my heart. I try to compose myself, thinking of Shawn's needs first. "Please, I'll need to take care of Shawn, then I'll be back," I say, trying to sound calm."Can I carry him in my arms?" he asks, with emotion in his voice."Yes," I reply, but as I try to hand Shawn over, he clings to me like a lifeline. I couldn't force him to let go."I'm sorry, I'll need to go now, but I'll be back," I tell him, trying to reassure him as I make my way to take care of Shawn. I can feel his gaze on me, but I know I need to prioritize Shawn's needs right now.Part of me wants to turn back and confront whatever it is he wants to tell me.I focus on Shawn's tiny hands wrapped tightly around my finger, his big brown eyes looking up at me. I take a deep breath and push aside my worriesAs I care for Shawn, my mind swirls with a hundred thoughts. After finishing with his
I glance around the room, my heart pounds as I shift my gaze between Mum and Gabriel, trying to make sense of their argument or the secret they’re hiding.“Mum, please,” I say, my voice trembling. “What is going on? Can you just say it?” I gesture toward Gabriel. "I don’t even know this man, but if he can donate a kidney for you, he must mean something. Who is he? What does he want?"Mum meets my eyes for a second, then looks at Gabriel. Her lips press into a thin line as she squeezes her eyes shut. For a long moment, she’s silent, shaking her head slowly, as though wrestling with thoughts she can’t bring herself to say aloud.“Mum, what is this? Can you just say it and get it over with?” my patience wears thin. I can feel she has a secret she’s holding onto tightly.Before she can respond, a sharp, piercing scream echoes through the house. Shawn. He’s awake, and the absence of anyone around has startled him.Without a second thought, I dash to his room. He’s sitting on the bed, his
Nadine’s POVI toss and turn, barely getting a wink of sleep last night. But today is Saturday, and all I want to do is curl up in bed with my boy by my side. The thought of going back to my apartment exhausts me - I don't have the strength to face it. And honestly, I'm scared of unwanted guests showing up unannounced. My mind still reels from the near-attack at my apartment. All I crave is a peaceful day with my son, in the comfort of my mother's home. I need my coffee, so I quietly make my way downstairs to the kitchen, trying not to wake my son or mother, who I'm sure is still sleeping soundly in her room. Just as I'm pouring myself a cup of coffee, a sudden knock on the door startles me. I wonder who it could be, so I cautiously make my way to the door and slowly open it. On the other side, I see a well-dressed man around my dad's age, with a kind face and a warm smile. "Hello," I say nervously. "Hello," he replies, "I'm Gabriel, the kidney donor." His words take me by surp
Logan's POV As I watch, Ethan storms out of the house, his face thunderous. I know exactly what that means - the discussion between Nadine, and him in the backyard didn't go well. My mind starts racing with thoughts, each one tumbling over the other in a jumbled mess. I know I need to act fast, to be there for Nadine and Shawn. I can hear the panic in Nadine's voice, and my heart aches for her. In this moment, I wish we were a family - Nadine, Shawn, and me - united in our love for our child.But I know that's not possible, at least not yet. What I can do is make time for Shawn, to build a connection with him. I'm determined to make co-parenting work, no matter what it takes.I look at Nadine, I know I need to be careful. I shouldn't reveal too much to her, not yet. I'm not sure how well she can take it, and I don't want to add to her stress. So I'll bide my time, waiting for the right moment to share my thoughts and feelings with her. For now, I'll just be here for her, supporting