I step out of the room, emotions I can't put into words flood over me. The corridor is quiet, but the soft hum of the hospital machinery fills the air. It's getting late, and I'm not usually one to spend late hours outside, but a thought strikes me. I need to let loose. "Fuck my life," I mutter to myself as I spot a bar just a few steps away. My legs move on their own, carrying me into the bar.Walking into the bar, I notice it’s crowded. Jeez, and it’s not even Friday yet. I thought people came to unwind mostly on weekends. For fuck’s sake, it’s just Tuesday.The music is so loud I can feel the beat in my chest as I move through the throng of people. "Girl, this is not my typical definition of fun," I think to myself. "What then is your definition of fun?" a voice chides me in my head. "Whatever," I reply to the voice and walk over to the bar. The bartender notices me.“Hey, pretty, what’s up? Are you new here? I haven’t seen this face before.”I roll my eyes at him. "How come yo
Logan's POVI’m lounging in the garden with Samantha when I spot Richie driving in. My heart leaps with the thought of seeing Nadine again, but when she doesn’t emerge, my excitement fades.Samantha tries to snap me out of my daze. "Babe, what's up with you? You look like shit," she says, waving her hand in front of my face.I grab her hand, yank it down, and shoot her a cold glare."Oops, sorry," she says, taking a sip of wine from her glass.I stand up and head over to Richie. "Where the hell is my wife?"He bows his head in greeting. "Good day, sir.""Cut to the chase. What’s good about the day? Where the hell is my wife?""I dropped her at the hospital," Richie replies. "She told me not to wait for her."I ball my hands into fists and clench my jaw. I feel like punching him right now, but I manage to keep my composure. "You fucking left her alone? What did I fucking tell you? Take her wherever she wants to go and stand watch over her!" I roar in anger.My mind races with all the t
He is taken aback by the sudden action and turns his face to me. I give him a devious glare that makes him step back, but he gradually regains his composure. "What the fuck, man?" he mutters.Nadine also senses the forceful pull away from him and looks at me. I know she hates my guts; she scrunches her face in disgust, but my name rolls out of her mouth. "Logan."That is my cue to step closer to her. "Let's go home. And what the fuck are you doing here with this dude?" I say, pointing at the guy standing.Nadine's eyes narrow as she looks at me. "None of your business, Logan. I came here to get away from you."The guy steps forward, his fists clenched. "She doesn't need to go anywhere with you if she doesn't want to.""Leave her the fuck alone," I growl, turning to him with my jaw clenched and fists held in check, resisting the urge to punch him. How dare he touch what is mine? He has no right to touch my Nadine, and now he made her rest her head on his goddamn chest. "Who are you
I can't begin to describe how I'm feeling right now, with the way Logan barged into the club and caused a scene. What does he care about? All he ever does is make me feel less than human. I hate his guts right now. He's such a hypocrite. He has Samantha, so why on earth is he still pining for me when he knows that I mean nothing to him?I know Josh doesn't have any ill intentions. He said so from the start, understanding that I needed to escape the overwhelming feelings I was dealing with, especially since he was also married.But wait—how did Logan find me? Something isn't right. Then again, he is Logan West. What do you expect? The voice in my head says.Logan always seems to know where I am, like he has some kind of sixth sense when it comes to me. It’s unsettling, and I can't shake the feeling that there's more to this than just a simple coincidence.I run upstairs to my room, knowing he’ll follow, but I’m not prepared for how quickly he does. Suddenly, I hear a loud bang on my
After my encounter with Logan, I try as much as possible to avoid him. I'm grateful that he seems to feel the same way, as he's usually out for work before I even wake up. When I come down for breakfast, Kayla always tells me that he's already left for the day.Most nights, he returns home late. Samantha is still around, which makes me even angrier because he encouraged her to stay. But who am I to complain? This is his house, after all.I focus on keeping to myself and avoiding unnecessary confrontations, though I find ways to distract myself. Kayla tries to lighten the mood, but it's clear that she's walking on eggshells too.There's a part of me that dreads the moment we might cross paths again, yet I can't help but wonder what he's thinking. I push those thoughts aside, reminding myself that it's easier to keep my distance and maintain the balance we've created.My heart plays tricks on me, as I can still feel his lips on mine after that dangerous kiss we shared. Every night, I
Logan and Nathalie treat me this way, toying with my emotions as if I were some object. Isn't it enough that I have already suffered so much pain from not being accepted by my father, even though I gained the love of a mother?Tears stream down my face uncontrollably. My heart aches for Jake. We were both pawns in this sick game orchestrated by Logan and Nathalie. They know each other, but my mind drifted back to the time when Logan mentioned Nathalie as if he knew her. When I questioned him, he vehemently denied it, insisting he didn't know her. Now, everything starts to make a twisted kind of sense.The file contains an agreement between Nathalie and Logan. Logan has been in love with me for as long as he can remember, while Nathalie had her eyes on Jake. Logan knew about her obsession with Jake and proposed an opportunity to Nathalie since Jake had what Logan wanted. They both wanted the same thing, so the only way to take me out of the picture was for Nathalie to strike a dea
His phone is now on speaker, and I recognize the voice. I can't be mistaken about who Logan is talking to, but I wonder who the other person is on the line. I hold my breath, making sure nothing gives away my location."What the fuck is wrong with you?" Logan says, his voice booming with anger. "I don't know how your picture got out with Ethan; I swear I'm not responsible for it." His voice booms with such intensity that it makes me shiver where I'm hiding. I almost let out an exclamation, forgetting that I was supposed to be hiding, but I quickly covered my mouth with my hand, holding it tightly to keep silent."That picture isn't me! I've never met Ethan in my entire life, so however you did that Photoshop, I don't care. You better fix this mess because it's caused a rift between Jack and me. And if you don't, I'll expose you to Nadine—you know how obsessed you are with her," the voice on the other end of the line says, filled with fury. I’m not mistaken by the voice I hear; it
But she looks at me with disdain. I wonder what she is doing in my room. Then it occurred to me that she must have been watching me when I rushed in, panicking.I'm grateful I didn't say anything out loud, or she would have known the reason for my haste.“I wonder where Logan found a rabid dog like her as his wife. She is no match for him at all. I thought he could do better, but I can see that leaving him cold at the altar made him settle for someone less. I once believed in his potential to find someone who truly matches him. Instead, he seems to have settled for someone who doesn’t deserve his attention. It’s disappointing to see him compromise on what could have been a better future.” Samantha seethes in anger coming close to me.Everything in my room turns red as I hear her calling me a rabid dog and wondering where Logan found me. She gloats about leaving Logan cold at the altar on their wedding day. I want to lunge at her in fury, but I hold back. I need to give her a piece of
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