He had a small smile on his face that made me feel a bit jittery. How could someone be so cute and not realize how much they affect others?“You look peaceful when you sleep,” he said. “I just can’t get enough of looking at you.”A blush spread across my face, and I raised my hand to cover it, feeling crimson red from his simple compliment.“Come here,” he said, stretching out his hand. “Let’s go join the others.”I nodded and took his hand. With my bag in my other arm, we walked together toward the party.As we walked toward the party, I wondered if I could allow myself to feel this sense of peace more often. Ethan seemed to offer a security I hadn’t felt in a long time.I hoped this party might be a step toward finding some normalcy and joy, even if just for tonight.“You made it!” Zoey said as Ethan and I approached the backyard where the party was in full swing.“Let me get you something to drink,” Ethan said, heading off as Zoey came into view.“I see you came with Ethan,” Zoey s
I lowered my face to the food on my plate, then slowly looked up at Ethan. His eyes were wide like he’d been caught off guard.Why was he showing interest in me when everyone knew he had a girlfriend? It made me realize why it’s hard to trust people and let my guard down, even when they seem genuinely nice.So, he has a girlfriend and he’s been hitting on me. I decided not to look up again. Instead, I focused on my food.True to their word, the food was delicious, and I found myself feeling full and satisfied. I made a mental note to ask Mason for the recipe later. I hoped he might be willing to share it, even though he had been secretive about it.Zoey soon disappeared from view. I noticed she was talking with a guy and couldn’t stop blushing at whatever he was saying. He was blonde and had a well-built physique, making him quite attractive.Once I finished my meal, I headed towards the swimming pool where people were having fun. I took my drink with me.As I walked towards the poo
Ethan stood there, looking at me with his dreamy blue eyes. I had been trying to ignore it. He sparked something inside me that I feared might consume me if I wasn’t careful. I’d been hurt before and didn’t want to go through that again.He held my hand and gently guided me towards the dance floor. I thought about protesting and keeping my guard up, but he noticed my hesitation. His grip was gentle as he slowly tugged me along. I realized there was no point in resisting; he wasn’t going to take no for an answer.As we approached the dance floor, people started to move away, giving us space. It seemed like they respected Ethan, but it made me uncomfortable to have all eyes on us. Suddenly, Ethan pulled me close, and I ended up pressed against his chest. He held me tight, and it felt like the world around us had stopped. All I could focus on was him. The sensation was powerful and familiar, reminding me of moments with Logan. It was both comforting and frightening to feel this way
Ethan’s POV My heart broke seeing Nadine like this, and I felt helpless. I know what I feel for her is real, something I’ve never felt for anyone else. She has a past she’s trying to escape from—I can tell by how jumpy she gets whenever I touch her. She’s new in Canada, which makes me even more curious.I told her I wanted her to trust me enough to share what was going on because it was clear something was not right. But I had to do what I had to do—I ran a background check on her as a new employee. The things I found out were so shocking, they made me wonder how she’ll ever be able to trust anyone again.When I was about to tell her that I discovered something about her life, I noticed the way she stiffened. It made me pause, and I had to step away for a moment.I wanted to protect her, to make her feel safe, but I didn’t know how to approach her without making things worse. It made me realize how deep her wounds must be and how carefully I needed to act.The last thing I wanted
“Congratulations, your wife is two months pregnant,” the doctor said, and I stood there, stunned. Of all the things I expected, this wasn’t one of them.Nadine was married—to Logan West, a powerful and ruthless billionaire. I’d heard about him. The news was full of stories about a big auction she recently won, an entire island. But nothing explained why she left him and ended up here in Canada.We run background checks on all our new employees. We have, to avoid hiring anyone with a questionable past. So, being told that she is pregnant, it hit me—Logan West must be the father. The thought overwhelmed me. I didn’t know whether to laugh, cry, jump up, or throw my fists in the air. The emotions were so intense, that I couldn’t even make sense of them.But why didn’t she tell me? The question slipped out, directed at no one in particular. “Because you two aren’t there yet,” a voice in my head whispered.My eyes stayed fixed on the floor, my mind racing. What if she thought I’d judge h
"Checked out?" I repeated, barely believing what I was hearing."Yes, she left earlier today."I stood there, trying to process the news. How could she leave without saying anything? Why didn’t anyone tell me? I was so lost in thought, trying to make sense of it all. How could she just leave like that?I quickly pulled my phone from my pocket and dialed Sydney’s number. She picked up on the third ring.“What the hell happened? Why didn’t you tell me you were taking Nadine out of the hospital?” I was furious that she made such a decision without informing me. Sydney knew how much I cared about Nadine, and how worried I was.“Chill, big man,” Sydney replied calmly. “That wasn’t my decision. Ethan, she said she doesn’t want to see you.”“She doesn’t want to see me?” I repeated, my anger quickly turning into confusion.It felt like my heart stopped beating. I slowly pulled the phone away from my ear. Maybe I hadn’t heard her right. I placed the phone back to my ear and asked again, “Wha
She didn’t answer right away. Instead, she finished pouring the drink and then looked at me with pain in her eyes."I don’t know," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "Maybe. Everything’s just... a mess right now.""Sydney..." I started, but she quickly shook her head, cutting me off."Don’t," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don’t want to talk about it."I wanted to push, to get her to open up, but the look in her eyes stopped me. It was a look full of pain, confusion, and a desperate need to hold it all together.I nodded, taking the glass she handed me. "Okay, we don’t have to talk about it," I said quietly.A few minutes passed in silence before Sydney suddenly gulped down her drink in one go. "Sydney!" I shouted, alarmed. "You’re going to hurt yourself!"She stared at me, her eyes glistening with tears on the verge of spilling over. "I don’t know anymore," she choked out, her voice breaking. "I just don’t know."The tears began streaming down her face, and
Nadine's POV I curled up in bed after being discharged from the hospital. When Ethan visited, I often pretended to be asleep because I couldn’t face looking into his eyes and seeing the pain there.I hoped he’d lose interest when he found out I was pregnant, but I was wrong. He kept coming back to check on me.I kept replaying our conversations in my head, trying to make sense of everything. I knew Ethan cared, but I was scared of what it meant for us. My heart ached as I lay in bed, my thoughts drifting back to Logan. I wondered how things might have been different if he knew about the pregnancy, or if he hadn’t seen that picture of me with Asher.He wanted an heir, and I could see how that picture broke down his defenses. It was as if it exposed the cracks in the facade he had been hiding behind. "Was it all just about the heir? Was everything I felt for him just an illusion created by the circumstances?""Nadine, you need to face him instead of staying here all day," Sydney's vo
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