I looked between the waiter and Ethan, wondering what could be causing Ethan’s tense reaction. The lady’s expression was indifferent as she asked, “What would the cute couple like for lunch?” She pulled out her notepad and poised a pen over it.“Grilled chicken wrap,” I said, looking at Ethan, hoping he would say something. But he seemed lost in thought.“Ethan,” I called softly.“Yes?” he replied, looking at me and then at the waiter. I noticed he tensed again when he saw her face. I wondered who she was and why she affected him so much.“Turkey and cheese sandwich,” Ethan finally said.The lady wrote down our order and walked away.As the waiter left, I couldn’t shake my curiosity about why Ethan seemed so unsettled. When I saw that the lady was out of earshot, I looked at Ethan with concern. “Ethan, are you alright?” I asked. He tried to brush it off, but I gave him a look that seemed to make him reconsider.“What’s wrong?” I asked, taking his hand. “Who is she, and why did she
Logan's POV Watching Nadine leave my room felt like a sword had pierced my heart. So, she and Asher had been sneaking around behind my back while I was away at work?In a rage, I stormed out of my room, and there was Samantha, standing close by. I looked at her skeptically—had she been expecting this? Was this her plan all along?The anger flared within me. "Get the fuck out of my house right now!" I shouted, my voice shaking with fury. Samantha flinched, but I knew her well enough to know she wouldn't back down so easily.Samantha straightened up, her fear quickly replaced by a cold, defiant look. She wasn’t going to be intimidated, not by me or anyone else. “Logan, you need to calm down,” she said with a steady voice.“Truth?!” I spat back, my anger still boiling over. “You think showing me some manipulated photos is the truth? You’ve been trying to tear us apart from the start, Samantha!”She crossed her arms, her gaze unwavering. “I don't know anything about any photo, or mayb
My eyes widened in shock as I stared at her. For two years, I’d thought I wasn’t good enough for her. I believed I was the reason she had cold feet at the altar.For two years, I lived with the guilt, thinking I wasn’t enough for her to stay. I loved her enough to propose, but now I learned she had known all along she was in love with another woman. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. "This is a joke, right?" I asked, unable to accept the truth.With her eyes still closed, she shook her head, tears streaming down her face.When she finally opened her eyes, her face was wet with tears. "I’m so sorry, Logan. I didn’t know how to tell you. I didn’t want to hurt you, but I couldn’t go through with the marriage knowing the truth."I felt a mix of anger and betrayal. "So you decided to humiliate me in front of everyone instead? You left me to deal with the fallout while you kept your secret?"She nodded, sobbing. "I know it was wrong. I should have been honest with you from the start. I
Asher's face went pale when he saw the picture. He looked at me, clearly troubled. "This isn't Nadine," he said quietly. "The woman in this picture is Isabelle Haines. Livia's mom.""Isabelle Haines? Why does she look like Nadine?" I asked, feeling a rush of confusion.Asher shook his head. "I don’t know. But Isabelle has a history of causing trouble. She must be behind this framing. She's been trying to stir up problems for a while."I stumbled back, my anger and regret overwhelming me. I had let Nadine leave because of my rage. I couldn’t believe I let my anger cloud my judgment."Livia's mother? That’s your daughter, right?" I asked, stepping further into the house.“Yes, Logan,” Asher said, pointing to a couch. “Please, sit down.”I sank into the couch, sweating despite the air conditioning. My mind raced as I tried to process everything.Asher looked at me, concerned. “What’s wrong, Logan? Is Nadine okay? I hope you haven’t done anything stupid because of this picture.”I couldn
"You can track her, right? I know you must have planted something to trace her whereabouts," Asher says, with a sharp tone I froze, caught off guard. "How the hell did you figure that out?""Because I know you, Logan, it's obvious you care about Nadine, but what the hell was Sammie doing at your place? You're such a pussy when it comes to her, and it pisses me off that she knows it, too.""Relax, man," I say, trying to stay calm. "I sent her away. I told him everything, why she left me at the altar."Asher stares at me, speechless for a moment, then finally mutters, "You're in deep shit, Logan. Your priority now should be finding Nadine. I won't forgive you if anything happens to her.""Watch it," I warn, my voice low. "That's my wife you're talking about."He rolls his eyes. "Do you even see her as your wife? Then why the hell did you let Sammie into your house?" I raise my hands in surrender, trying to defuse the situation. "Alright, alright. Let's just check the tracking device."
She pauses for a moment, clearly hesitant to continue. “I’m thinking of not talking any further,” she says.I give her a cold glare, which makes me bite my inner cheek. I love a good story.Zoey finally looks up, “we can’t be together because he’s my stepbrother.”I’m taken aback. “Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry. That must be incredibly painful.”Zoey nods. “Yeah, it’s been tough. I didn’t expect things to turn out like this. It’s like every time we get close, reality pulls us apart.”“I can’t imagine how hard that must be, but it’s clear you both care about each other. Sometimes, life just throws these curveballs.”“Yes, it is,” Zoey agrees. “I can feel that pull whenever we’re together. There’s something that always draws me to him, but then I remember he’s my stepbrother, and everything just falls apart.”“Tell me about it,” I say, genuinely interested.“I’ve consulted books and searched online to see if anyone has ever given in to such a love,” she explains. “I’m so sorry, Zoey,” I
Sydney rushes into the bathroom, her face pale. "Nadine, what’s happening?" she asks, with a trembling voice.I point to the bloodstain on my pants. "I don’t know, Syd. I thought it was just normal cramps, but now... I don’t know.""Oh my gosh, Nadine, this doesn't look good. We need to get to the hospital now," she says urgently. She hurried back to my room, grabbing the dress I had taken off.She hands it to me. "Okay, Nadine, put this on," she instructs."Okay, thanks," I reply, trying to get dressed despite my shaky hands. Panic grips me, something I never anticipated with my pregnancy. All my antenatal visits had been reassuring, but now, with everything seeming off, I wonder why.I’ve been feeling cramps in my lower abdomen, but I didn’t expect them to result in blood. I had dismissed it, thinking it was just the baby growing and adjusting.All I can do is hope that this is just a scare and that my baby is still safe. I need to believe that. I have to.“Hurry!” Sydney’s voice jo
Ethan, the doctor, stretches his hand to shake him. I roll my eyes because he is famous, and his family owns half of the city.“How is she, Doctor?” Ethan asks in a panic. I just stand by, watching him take over. He looks more worried than me. I admire the way he cares about Nadine; sometimes, I wonder if Mason could be as expressive as this.The thought of Mason crosses my mind, and I wonder why he hasn't reached out. What I feel for Mason can’t be love, not now, not ever.It sucks seeing the way Ethan pines for Nadine, but I’m sure her heart still belongs to that cold-blooded Logan. I don’t blame her because love can be funny.“We’ve run some tests,” the doctor says. “The bleeding is due to a minor cervical issue. We’ll need to monitor her for the next few hours to ensure everything stabilizes.”“Thank you, doctor. Can we see her now?” I ask, pointing toward the door.“Of course,” he replies, giving Ethan a reassuring pat on the back before walking away.Ethan and I sigh in relief
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