"Marry me," I stare at him, stunned, my mind reeling in shock. I didn't see this coming, not at all. Oh my goodness, have I led him on? Was it when I called him my boyfriend in front of Logan? Or when I casually mentioned we've been together for four years? I slowly move away from him. Ethan's eyes suddenly change, his expression changing to something I can't quite put into words. His gaze follows me, but I don't know what to say. I try to wrap my head around this unexpected proposal."Fuck, I don't know," Ethan's face looks frustrated."I know I've dreamt about marriage with you, but I didn't mean to rush you by asking you to marry me all of a sudden when we haven't even put a name to what we have. I know what I feel about you, but it hurts me when I see you lost in your thoughts whenever we're together."I'm startled by his outburst, but I quickly regain my composure. I slowly place my finger on his lips to silence him, and he takes it into his mouth, sucking gently. The sensati
I quickly step away, trying to put some distance between us. Logan tries to catch up, attempting to hook his hand around mine, but I'm not having it. I look at him warily, wondering if he's lost his mind thinking I'd willingly hold hands with him.I spot a taxi driving by and wave it down, trying to make a quick escape. Logan's caught off guard, and I take advantage of the momentary distraction to open the door and hop in.As I give the driver my destination, I turn around to take one last look at Logan. His face is comical: He looks like he can't believe I'm leaving him standing there in the rain.But as the taxi pulls away, I see Logan's expression change.I smile as I gaze back at the road. Ethan's sudden storm-off has me wondering where he went and why his demeanor changed so abruptly. I'm still reeling from his outburst - who wouldn't be? He had built this illusion in his head that we were married, and seeing it shatter when I declared my love for Logan was intense."Here, ple
He stays quiet for a while, collecting his thoughts before speaking. "It's been hell since you left New York, Nadine.”I interrupt him, my words spilling out in a rush. "Since I left New York or since you sent me out of your house?" I ask, in a bitter voice. "Do you think I'd want to be anywhere close to you here in America? I was happy when I was invited to Canada to stay, and that was one of the best decisions of my life. There, I had peace."Logan's eyes narrow, his face tense, but he says nothing, letting the silence stretch out between us. "I know I wasn't the best to you, I've spent every day of my life trying to right my wrongs. But when I saw the huge difference between your face and the picture I was sent, I knew at that time that I had behaved badly."He pauses, collecting his thoughts before continuing. "That's by the way, Logan," I retorted. "I wouldn't want to dwell on something that's a closed chapter in my life. But my question is, who prevented you from coming clos
I understand why Logan is upset, but we can't keep fighting like this. But how can we do that when Logan's still hurting from the past and Ethan's trying to insert himself into our lives? I feel like I'm stuck in the middle, trying to mediate between two men who both want to be involved in my son's life. I wish Logan could see that Ethan's not trying to replace him, but I know that's hard for him to accept right now. "What is he doing here?" Logan growls, his voice low and menacing.My mom appears, a nervous look on her face. "Logan, please calm down. This isn't the time or place."But Logan is beyond reason. He's seeing red, and I know I need to intervene before things escalate further.Ethan is playing hide and seek with my son, his laughter and smiles are rich compared to the anger he unleashed at the flower shop. I turn to Logan, his clenched jaw a visible sign of the anger he's struggling to keep in check. His eyes narrow, his gaze fixed on Ethan with disgust. Ethan's eyes l
Ethan turns to me, "Are you two back together now?" I'm taken aback by the question, not expecting him to be so direct. I slowly make my way beside him and sit down, choosing my words carefully.I know Ethan doesn't need to know the intricacies of my relationship with Logan. His son deserves the chance to bond with his father without anyone interfering. I wouldn't want someone to deny my child that right, and I won't deny Shawn that either.Instead of answering his question, I turn the tables. "Are you aware that Sydney blocked all means for Logan to reach me?" I ask, studying Ethan's reaction, trying to gauge his emotions. He tenses for a moment, before turning to face me. His eyes narrow slightly, and I sense a hint of surprise, maybe even defensiveness. Ethan's expression turns defensive, with his voice rising. "Is that the lie he told you?" he retorts"Just answer my question, are you aware or not?"Ethan's voice grows louder, his words tumbling out in a rush. "Of what use is
My front collides with his chest as I struggle to break free. "Just let me go, please. I need to rest."But Logan holds tight, his breath fanning my face, threatening to crumble my resolve. "Don't you want to get answers to your questions?" he asks.I try to steel myself, but my heart races at his words. And then he drops the bombshell: "Yes, someone is after your life."He says it so matter-of-factly like he's commenting on the weather. I step back, unsure how to react to this news. I need assurance, "You're lying, right?" my voice barely above a whisper.Logan's face softens, and for a moment, I see pity in his eyes. "Wait, this is true?" I ask, with alarm, as I finally grasp the gravity of the situation.He nods solemnly. "I wasn't lying when I said someone was after your life. I've had two attempts to uncover who's responsible, but both leads ended in dead ends."I'm stunned, my mind racing with fear. I shove my hands into my hair. "Oh my goodness!" I exclaim."My son, is he in
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
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
Nadine’s POV As Logan prepares to leave, I reach out and grasp his arm, "Logan, stay."His face illuminates with a radiant smile, and I'm struck by the uncanny resemblance to Shawn. The same piercing eyes, the same jawline.Logan takes a step closer, his expressions were that of uncertainty, curiosity, and vulnerability.My mom rises from her seat, interrupting the charged moment. "I'll call the doctor," she says, exiting the room."Thanks, Ma," Logan says, turning his head to watch her leave.The room falls silent, with only the sound of our ragged breathing, I'm scared he would hear my heart pounding loudly.I hold his gaze, my heart pounding. What secrets lie beneath his enigmatic smile?Logan's eyes lock onto mine. He takes another step closer, his uncertainty palpable. Time stands still as he stares at me, my heart pounding in my chest.I smile, breaking the tension. Logan's face relaxes, and he smiles back. He leans in, his lips brushing against my forehead in a gentle kiss."W
Her voice bursts through the phone, with an infectious happiness. "Nadine is finally out of her coma!" she exclaims, her enthusiasm making a smile tug at the corner of my lips. "I'll be right there," I respond, already imagining the moment I'll see Nadine.I feel jealous and wish I could have been the first person she saw. I should have stayed by her side, not come home to freshen up. I push the thought aside, chiding myself for being selfish.As I rise from the couch, my body aches from the impact of two weeks of hospital vigils. I hadn't planned to sleep that long, but exhaustion got the better of me. I shake off the fatigue, as my heart races with anticipation. I need to see Nadine, to hold her, and know she's okay. I hurry towards the door, to make my way to the hospital.As I step out of my room, I notice Rosa coming from Shawn's room, her gentle movements showing that she's just put him to bed. I approach her, eager to share the news. "I'm off to the hospital, Nadine is awake
Logan's POVI'm rushing to Nadine's side, thankful for the vest that saved my life. I can see the pain on her face, blood seeping from her wound. I scream for the paramedics, trying to numb my pain because she needs me now more than ever."Stay with me, Nadine!" I shake her gently, desperate to keep her awake. But she smiles weakly, her eyes filled with pain, and holds my face. "Take care of our son," her voice barely audible.My heart shatters as she slowly closes her eyes. "Nadine, no!" I shout, with grief. The paramedics arrive, and I watch in a daze as they place her on a stretcher and load her into the ambulance. I climb in beside her, holding her hand as they work to save her life.The sirens blare, and the ambulance speeds away. My mind raced with thoughts of losing her. I'm trying to stay strong, but my heart is breaking. I'm whispering to her, "Don't leave me, Nadine. Please don't leave me." But she's not responding. I'm left with only the sound of my desperate pleas.I'm liv
Nadine's POV Tears stream down my face as I curl up in a ball, my body shaking with uncontrollable sobs. I feel like I'm slipping away.I never thought I'd be in this situation - it's like something out of a movie. Who would ever want to be here? I realize I've just woken up from sleep. My stomach growls with hunger. I wonder where my essentials are - my credit card, phone, and ID. I must have dropped them when I was dragged into the car. I panic in fear as I scan my surroundings, trying to remember what happened.I try to remember how I got here, but my memories are hazy. I recollect being dragged into a car, but it's all so fuzzy.I try to sit up, but a sharp pain shoots through my head, making me wince. I must have hit my head when I was taken. As I look around again, I notice a small door on the opposite side of the room, and I wonder if I could escape. But what if someone is waiting on the other side?Suddenly Sydney bursts through the door, her face is with rage, and I'm cau
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