An Unyielding Search

Three years later.

The Manhattan skyline glimmered against the glass windows of Adrian's luxurious office. But the natural beauty couldn't ease his exasperation.

"How long will it take you before you find her?" Adrian questioned, his voice tinged with desperation.

"Mr. Blake—" Craig, his investigator, began cautiously.

"It's been three years of searching the country for Nadine, and I'm not happy about the constant disappointments," Adrian snapped, his voice rising. "There have been no trace or sign of her. It's like you aren't even looking at all."

"Mr. Blake, that's why I came here today," Craig said, retrieving an envelope from his briefcase. "A woman was spotted in a small coastal town called Seabrook Haven. She works at a small and quiet café."

He handed the envelope to Adrian, who swiftly collected it and pulled out a picture.

Adrian's hands trembled as he peered down at the photograph of a woman leaving a cafe.Her face wasn't entirely clear but he was certain that the woman was Nadine.

Her long brunette hair, hazel eyes, and soft smile. His memory couldn't be mistaken.

"The woman somewhat resembled Miss Nadine, but my sources aren't sure yet," Craig said, hesitating before adding. "She has been seen with a child. A boy. Around two year old."

Adrian froze, the room tilting as his words sank in.

A child? Could the child be his?

He was having a mix of emotions from shock to anticipation.

"Book a flight to Seabrook Haven," Adrian ordered, rising abruptly.

If that child was his, then everything could change.

Craig hesitated, "Sir, it might not be her—"

"I'm not asking," Adrian cut him off sharply. "Just do it."

___

At the Harbor Café, Nadine could be seen behind the counter, expertly making an expresso for a waiting customer. The brewing smell of the coffee filling the air.

"Your expresso, Ma'am" Nadine smiled warmly, handing it over to the customer.

"Thank you," the woman smiled back, before glancing at the little boy in his playpen at the corner, happily playing with his toy truck. "Your son is so cute."

"Thanks, Ma'am," Nadine replied, looking over at her beautiful son.

Liam had striking features that made him get the attention of customers. They would always coo over him, but she had always tried to keep her response brief. The less attention he got, the better.

"The cookies came out nicely," Clara, her friend and colleague, walked over to her.

"Perfect timing," Nadine smiled, collecting the tray of cookies from her. "Do you want some cookies, Liam?"

"Yes, mommy," he babbled, his joy contagious.

The aroma of the cookies waffled the air as she took a piece to Liam's playpen.

"Thank you, Mommy," Liam giggled, his chubby hands grabbing the cookie with enthusiasm.

"Look at the way he thanked you. He's grown so smart," Clara commented, chuckling softly.

"Yes, he is," Nadine replied, a

warmth spreading through her heart.

"He's growing fast. Soon, he'll be giving you a run for your money," Clara said, her gaze softening.

"He already is," Nadine replied, smiling as she returned to the counter.

As she got to Clara's side, Clara suddenly asked, "Do you ever think of his father?"

Nadine froze at her question. How could she think of someone that almost caused her to lose her precious gem? If that stranger hadn't saved her that night, she would have suffered a miscarriage.

"I mean," Clara started, hesitantly. "Liam will start wondering why other kids have both parents and he doesn't. What will you do if he starts asking of—"

"He won't ask!" Nadine interrupted sharply.

"Even if he asks, I'll just say he's dead. Adrian doesn't deserve to know he has a son, and Liam doesn't need a father like him." she said, her voice firm.

Her voice was laced with spite and unresolved anger. She still remembered that awful night as if it was yesterday. She couldn't let her son know such a traumatic experience.

Nadine glanced down at her arm, where some of the scars from the broken glasses that night still remained. A constant reminder of her pain.

"Nadine, but—"

"Clara please, no more."

Clara nodded in understanding. Although she wanted to press further, she knew better.

___

Adrian arrived at the coastal town of Seabrook. It was a sharp contrast to the chaos of Manhattan.

Adrian drove through the quiet streets, the sea breeze blowing his dark hair. Criag's lead had brought him here, he just hoped that he would finally end his search.

He had been searching for Nadine from the very night she left his mansion. The memories of her bleeding, and telling him she would never forgive him burned every single day in his mind.

He had been distraught since that night, looking everywhere for her. He wanted to tell her how sorry he was. Although an apology could never heal the pain he caused—he would like to make her know how much he regretted that night.

He glanced at the small buildings along the streets, looking out for the cafe. Craig had given him the location of the small yet popular Cafe, so it wasn't difficult to find.

He drove just a bit further, and finally, spotted the cafe. Its warm, inviting exterior stood out against the quiet street.

He parked across the road, his hands gripping the steering wheel.

"Harbor Café" He said, grabbing the picture from the passenger seat.

"She has a son," Adrian muttered to himself, the thought of the boy stinging him. "If he's mine, then I will make up for all the lost moments."

His heart beat rapidly as he shifted his gaze from the picture to the cafe. He stared at the entrance, watching as customers trickled in and out.

She was in there.

But what would he say upon meeting her?" I'm sorry" "I missed you? What was their son's name?

"I should just see her, instead of speculating," He muttered, slipping out of his car.

He took one last look at the photo before pocketing it, and walking toward the cafeteria.