Nadine's POV I wake up with a jolt, my heart pounding as I feel a hand tightly gripping mine. I try to move, but something, no, someone, holds me still. Slowly, I sit up, and there he is, Ethan, his head resting on the edge of the hospital bed, fast asleep.My chest tightens at the sight. He didn’t go home last night. He stayed here with me.I close my eyes, hoping to steady the storm inside me. How can I be so fortunate to have someone with such a pure heart by my side, yet feel nothing for him? I search my heart for any trace of love, but everything is blank.I can't even begin to count how much he has shown me love, whether it's been easy or difficult, all in such a short time.I know he cares, he’s shown it in countless ways, ways that should matter. But no matter how hard I try, my heart refuses to respond.My hand moves toward his hair, hesitating for a moment before I let my fingers brush against the silky strands. The softness surprises me, each strand smooth and well-kept.
My stay in Canada has been peaceful so far, and I'm grateful for the friends I've made here. Zoey has been incredibly supportive at the flower shop, even on the days when I just don’t feel like going to work.Pregnancy has its ups and downs. Some days, all I want to do is curl up in bed and not move, while other times I find myself craving ice cream in the middle of the night. Thankfully, I’ve stocked the freezer with plenty of it.Sydney's parents left after their last visit, and I admire the love they share. It's hard to believe there was a time when they were apart, and Mr. Blake had to chase her back. The baby's kicks have become more frequent, reminding me that my life is about to change in ways I can’t fully prepare for. Every time I feel those little movements, I’m filled with a mix of excitement and fear—excitement that I’m about to become a mother, and fear that the responsibility ahead is both thrilling and terrifying.Just as I’m lost in these thoughts, a customer walks i
I breathe out his name, "Logan," and slowly close my eyes tight, trying to ignore the pains shooting all over my body from the contractions. Is this just a dream that I'll wake up from soon, or a flash of memories? Memories of our time together flooded my mind - the good, the bad, the ugly, and the look of contempt on his face when he saw the picture of me and Asher, a lie that changed everything. I remember the look on his face when he sent me away from the house.I wish more than anything that this is just an illusion, a trick my mind is playing on me. I've thought about him so much, wondering how things would be different if he hadn't seen that picture and sent me away. I wish that when I open my eyes, I'll realize it was all just a product of my mind, a cruel trick played on my heart.I feel a contraction coming on, and I grit my teeth, trying to breathe through the pain.My heart pounds in my chest, pain shooting through my body like wildfire. I clench my fists, willing myse
Six months laterThe past few months have been a wild ride, I've been fortunate to have a supportive network, always ready to help at a moment's notice. Ethan has been incredibly supportive, and Sydney has been a rock for me too.As I gaze at my newborn son, Shawn, I'm struck by his beauty. He's the spitting image of Logan - the same piercing eyes, nose, mouth, and smile. Even his hair color is identical. Sometimes, I feel like I've been cheated; I carried him for nine months, and he came out looking just like his father!But I love my son to pieces and would do anything for him. Seeing him every day brings up memories of Logan. But as I look into Shawn's eyes, I know that my love for him is pure.More often than not, I find myself wishing Logan would come crawling back, begging for forgiveness, and asking me to take him back home. But after his sudden appearance at the hospital, he vanished into thin air. Now, I'm left wondering if I should be relieved he hasn't returned or worri
Three years laterMy mom has been nagging me for years to return to America, but I'm still unsure if I'm ready to give in. She's been missing me terribly, and now that she's fully recovered, I have Logan to thank.Speaking of Logan, he's been absent since our encounter in the delivery room - with him, you can never be sure what to expect. But I'm choosing to focus on living my life to the fullest.Ethan and I have decided to take a chance on each other, and I can see the joy in his eyes whenever I think about it. He's already the star of Shawn's world, and now he's capturing my heart. With my plans to move back to America, Ethan is being his usual supportive self, since he also has some important investments to attend to. So, we've decided to make the move together.Now, I'm settling into my new apartment in New York, feeling a sense of relief wash over me as I unpack and organize my space. My mom has taken Shawn under her wing, giving me some much-needed time to focus on myself.
As I sit on the bed, I ask, "What's wrong?" A part of me yearns for Ethan's touch again, but another part of me dies inside when Logan crosses my mind. Damn you Logan, I think, as he's consumed my thoughts. Every time I consider giving in to Ethan completely, Logan somehow waltzes into my mind, dampening my spirit.I notice Ethan has finished his call, and he wears an apologetic expression. "I'm sorry, Nadine. I have to go," he says. I nod, relieved he hasn't sensed the change in my demeanor. He hovers over me, giving me a gentle kiss on the lips before slowly moving his mouth down to my breast. He grazes my skin with his teeth, and I part my lips, smiling, as I gently push his head away.As Ethan raises his head, our eyes meet, and I wish I could simply curl up with him all night. But he has to leave, and he quickly gets dressed, grabbing another shirt from the closet to replace the one I tore apart. He walks out the door, and I sigh in reliefI hold my hair tightly, trying to sh
As our lips meet, I'm swept away by a kiss that's both familiar and foreign. It's a kiss that awakens a part of me I thought was long dead, a part that's been dormant for four long years. I feel myself melting into him, my resistance slipping away with each tender touch. I close my eyes, surrendering to the passion that's been missing from my life for so long. I've kissed these lips in my dreams, but it's not the same as feeling them on me now, alive.Tingling sparks of emotion erupt through me, leaving me weak in the knees. Logan draws me closer, his chest pressing against mine, his hardness evident against my skin. But then, suddenly, my mind clicks back into gear. I shouldn't be kissing him, I remind myself. I shouldn't let my emotions get the better of me, shouldn't get lost in the moment.I try to push him away, but my arms feel like lead, refusing to obey my brain's commands. Logan's hands are everywhere, his fingers tracing my skin. I'm trapped in a whirlpool of emotions
Logan's POV Nadine's dirty talk sets my blood ablaze, making my dick twitch in my trousers. When she reveals she's wearing nothing under her robe, I'm consumed by a primal urge to push her against the wall and take her right there. With her legs wrapped around me, her moans echoing in my ear as I kiss that sly smile off her face. Nadine drives me wild, and I'm helpless against her charms.All I wanted was to talk But my desire was interrupted when I saw that dickhead emerging from her house, awkwardly adjusting his erection. They've just fucked. Without thinking, I marched down to her house, my heart racing with possessiveness. As I approach, Nadine's eyes widen, and she takes a sharp intake of breath. She can mask her emotions, leaving me wondering if I still have any hold on her emotions. But then she drops the bombshell - she's just had hot, steaming sex with that dickhead. The ache in my chest is palpable, there is no doubt that I may have lost her forever.I've been search
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