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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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 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