Nadine's breath came in short, panicked gasps as she rushed out of the shopping mall. She held Liam tightly to her chest, his little arms wrapped around her neck. She could feel his heart beating rapidly against hers, matching her own fear.
As she hurried through the crowds, people stared at her with curious expressions. But Nadine didn't notice. She was too focused on getting to the car as quickly as possible. Liam's soft voice broke through her thoughts, trembling with confusion. "Mommy, why are we running?" he asked. Nadine tried to calm down, taking a deep breath before answering. "We're just... uh... trying to beat the traffic, sweetie," she said, forcing a weak smile. But Liam's eyes looked uncertain, and he tightened his grip on her neck. "But Mommy, we're almost running," he pointed out. Nadine's heart sank. She knew she couldn't keep the truth from Liam for much longer. But for now, she just wanted to get him to safety. "It's okay, baby," she whispered, trying to reassure him. "We'll be fine. Just hold on to Mommy." “It’s nothing, sweetheart,” she whispered, forcing a calmness she didn’t feel. “We just have to get home, okay?” Nadine's hands shook as she buckled Liam into his car seat. She quickly looked over her shoulder at the mall's entrance. Adrian wasn't there, but that didn't make her feel any better. The knot of fear in her chest remained tight. She took a deep breath and tried to calm down. "Okay, Liam, we're going home now," she said, trying to sound cheerful. Liam looked up at her with big, curious eyes. "Mommy, what's wrong?" he asked. Nadine forced a smile. "Nothing's wrong, sweetie. Mommy's just a little tired, that's all." But Liam didn't look convinced. He looked at her with a serious expression, as if he knew she was hiding something. Nadine started the car and began to drive away from the mall. She kept looking in the rearview mirror, half-expecting to see Adrian's car following them. But there was no one there. As she drove, Nadine's mind raced with thoughts of Adrian and what he might do next. She knew she had to protect Liam, no matter what. The car ride home was quiet, the only sound Liam's soft humming. He sensed his mother's tension, but didn't ask any more questions. Nadine's hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, her knuckles white as she replayed the encounter with Adrian over and over in her mind. She couldn't shake the feeling of unease. Adrian had recognized her, and the shock in his eyes had mirrored her own. But what really scared her was the way he had looked at Liam - as though he knew something. As soon as they reached home, Nadine pulled Liam into a tight hug, her hand stroking his hair. "You're okay, baby. You're safe," she whispered, trying to reassure him. But her own heart didn't believe it. She felt a sense of dread creeping over her, as though she was waiting for something to happen. Liam looked up at her with big, curious eyes. "Mommy, what's wrong?" he asked again. Nadine forced a smile. "Nothing, baby. Mommy's just a little tired. Let's go inside and have some dinner, okay?" Liam nodded, but Nadine could tell he didn't believe her. She knew she had to protect him, no matter what. But how? Nadine settled Liam in the living room with his toys and retreated to the kitchen, her mind racing. She paced back and forth, her phone clutched in her hand, as she dialed Clara's number. "Hello?" Clara's cheerful voice answered. "Clara, you can't tell him anything," Nadine said, her voice low and urgent. There was a pause on the other end. "Him? You mean Adrian? Nadine, who is he?" Clara asked, confusion creeping into her voice. Nadine's grip on the phone tightened. "Clara, please," she begged. "Promise me. If he comes back to the café, you don't tell him my name, my address, anything. I don't care what excuse you have to make." Clara hesitated, and Nadine could sense her friend's unease. "Okay... but you're scaring me. Is this about Liam? Is he—" Nadine interrupted, her voice cracking. "Just promise me, Clara." There was a long pause before Clara finally replied, "I promise." * Adrian sat in his hotel room, his eyes fixed on his phone as he tried to process the events of the previous day. He had barely slept, his mind racing with questions and memories. For years, he had thought about her every day, wondering what had become of her. And now, she was here, standing right in front of him. But it wasn't just about her anymore - it was about Liam. Adrian's jaw clenched in determination as he opened his laptop and began searching for any information he could find. He picked up his phone and dialed Marcus, his closest friend and confidant. "Marcus," he said, his voice firm. "I need a favor." Marcus groaned on the other end. "Another one? What now?" "Find everything you can about a woman named Nadine living here in Seabrook," Adrian instructed. "She works at a café. She has a son. His name is Liam." There was a long silence before Marcus spoke. "You think he's yours, don't you?" Adrian didn't answer, his silence confirmation enough. "I'll get back to you," Marcus said finally. Adrian ended the call and leaned back in his chair, his mind consumed by thoughts of Liam. He couldn't stop thinking about the boy's sparkling eyes, his curious nature, and the faint dimple in his cheek when he smiled. There was no doubt in Adrian's mind. Liam was his son. * Nadine sat on the couch, pretending to watch TV as Liam played with his blocks on the rug. But her eyes kept darting to the front window, her mind racing with worries that Adrian might show up. Just as she was about to get up and lock the door again, a sharp knock made her jump. Her breath caught in her throat. She froze, staring at the door, her heart pounding loudly. "Mommy, someone's here!" Liam exclaimed, running toward the door. "Liam, stop!" Nadine said sharply, standing and grabbing his hand before he could reach the handle. Another knock came, louder this time. "Nadine, open the door," The voice called from the other side, low and commanding. Nadine's blood ran cold. Liam turned to her, his small face lighting up. "Is that Daddy?" he asked, his voice full of excitement. Nadine's heart sank. She didn't know what to say. She didn't know how to protect Liam from the truth.Nadine froze, her heart pounding in her chest as the sharp knock echoed through the quiet house. Liam, sitting cross-legged on the floor, perked up and smiled.“Mommy, is that Daddy?” he asked excitedly, already scrambling to his feet.“No, sweetheart, it’s not,” Nadine said quickly, forcing calm into her voice. She hurried over, catching Liam’s hand before he could reach the door. “Go to your room, okay? Stay there until Mommy says it’s safe.”Liam looked unhappy, but he did what Nadine said. He slowly walked up the stairs, dragging his feet. Nadine waited until she heard his door close softly before she unlocked the front door and opened it a little.The gardener was standing on her porch. His hands were in his pockets, and he looked worried. His eyes kept looking behind her into the house."Sorry to bother you, Miss Nadine," he said, moving his feet. "I just wanted to tell you that I saw someone near the edge of the property earlier."Nadine's breath caught. "What do you mean? Did
Morning light filtered through the curtains as Nadine busied herself in the kitchen, preparing Liam’s lunchbox. She glanced at the clock, noting the time. “Liam, come on! We’re running late, buddy,” she called out cheerfully.Usually, he would come bounding into the room with endless chatter, but today there was only silence.Nadine frowned and walked to the living room, where Liam sat quietly on the couch, his small hands clutching the strap of his backpack. His head was bowed, his feet swinging aimlessly above the floor.“Liam?” she said gently, kneeling in front of him. “What’s wrong? You’ve been so quiet this morning.”At first, he didn’t respond, but then he lifted his eyes to meet hers. They were brimming with tears. Nadine’s chest tightened as he whispered, “Mommy, why don’t I have a daddy like the other kids?”Her breath caught. The words hit her like a punch to the gut. For a moment, she couldn’t speak, her mind racing as she tried to process the question.“Sweetheart,” she
Nadine stood frozen at the window, her breath shallow as she watched the shadowy figure standing just beyond the edge of her property. He hadn’t moved, hadn’t even flinched. The streetlight cast a faint glow on his silhouette, and though she couldn’t make out his face, she knew.Adrian.She clenched her fists, her thoughts racing. How long was he going to do this? Watch from afar? Lurk in the shadows? He had no right to disrupt her life, especially not after everything. Her pulse quickened as she turned and slipped on a jacket. If he thought he could intimidate her, he was wrong.Quietly, she made her way out the front door, careful not to wake Liam. The cold night air hit her skin, but it did little to calm her nerves. She walked slowly, each step measured, until she was close enough to be heard but still far enough to feel safe.“Who are you?” she demanded, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside her. “And why have you been following me?”The figure stiffened. For
The house was still, the only sound the steady tick-tock of the clock on the wall. Nadine paced back and forth in the living room, her footsteps quiet on the carpet. She glanced down the hallway at Liam's room, the door slightly ajar. The soft sound of his breathing was a comforting reminder that he was safe, and it helped calm her racing thoughts.Still, she couldn’t relax. Adrian’s face lingered in her mind—his intense eyes, the way he’d looked at her the previous night, his quiet insistence that they needed to talk. Why now, after all these years?Nadine shook her head, trying to push the thoughts away. She couldn’t afford to let her guard down, not when Liam’s safety was on the line.Just as she settled on the couch with a cup of tea, her phone buzzed on the coffee table. The sound made her jump, and hot tea splashed onto her hand. Hissing in pain, she set the cup down and reached for her phone.The notification on the screen made her blood run cold.Adrian: I’m sorry for how I ap
Adrian stirred awake as his phone buzzed on the nightstand, the sharp noise cutting through the quiet of his apartment. Groggily, he reached for it, barely glancing at the caller ID before answering. “Hello?” “This is Officer Daniels from the Seabrook Police Department,” a firm voice said on the other end. “Mr. Blake, we need you to come to the station regarding a complaint filed against you.” Adrian sat upright, suddenly wide awake. “A complaint? What complaint?” “Ms. Nadine Rivers has filed a formal harassment report,” the officer explained. “We need to speak with you in person. Please arrive within the next hour.” Adrian’s chest tightened. He’d expected Nadine to be upset, even angry, but this? His stomach churned as he quickly got dressed, his mind racing. At the police station, Adrian sat across from Officer Daniels in a small, sterile room. The officer flipped through a file, his tone professional yet neutral. “Mr. Blake, you’ve been named in a harassment complaint.
Adrian sat on the edge of the bed in his dimly lit hotel room, the curtains drawn tight against the morning sun. The hum of the air conditioner was the only sound in the room, matching the numb buzz in his head. His gaze was unfocused, fixed somewhere on the floor, as his thoughts churned endlessly.The knock on his door startled him. He frowned, dragging himself to his feet and opening the door to reveal Marcus.“Good, you’re awake,” Marcus said, pushing past him into the room. His tone was sharp, a clear sign that this wasn’t a social visit.Adrian shut the door, his shoulders slumping. “What do you want?”Marcus turned to face him, his expression cold and unrelenting. “What do I want? I want to know what the hell you think you’re doing.”Adrian scoffed, dragging a hand through his disheveled hair. “Not in the mood for a lecture, Marcus.”“Well, tough. You’re getting one.” Marcus crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing. “Do you have any idea the mess you’re creating by barging back int
Adrian paced the length of his hotel room, Vanessa’s text glaring at him from his phone screen. Her words struck like daggers: “You have 48 hours. Don’t test me.”His jaw clenched as frustration coursed through him. She always knew how to push his buttons, threatening to unravel what little control he had left. Tossing the phone onto the bed, Adrian sat down, burying his face in his hands.It all felt like a cruel joke. The choices he made years ago to save his family’s company had destroyed the only real happiness he’d ever known. He thought he was doing the right thing, marrying Vanessa to secure the financial support they desperately needed. But in doing so, he had lost Nadine—and now he had learned he had also lost the chance to be there for Liam from the start.The guilt weighed heavily on him, but what choice had he had back then? His father’s legacy was crumbling, and Vanessa’s father had dangled a lifeline. Marry Vanessa, and their families would merge, saving Adrian’s family
Adrian leaned against the car window, watching the streetlights streak by as Marcus drove him to the airport. The weight of the situation sat heavy on his chest. Nadine’s face, filled with anger and betrayal, lingered in his mind.“You sure about this?” Marcus asked, breaking the silence.Adrian nodded, though his expression was grim. “I don’t have much of a choice. Vanessa’s ultimatum is hanging over me, and I can’t keep pushing Nadine like this. I need to figure things out back in the States.” Marcus glanced at him, skeptical. “And what happens when you get back? You think Nadine will just welcome you with open arms?” Adrian sighed. “I don’t expect that. But I need to fix things on my end before I can even try to be part of Liam’s life. She deserves to know I’m serious about this.”Marcus tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, his tone softening. “I’ll keep an eye on her and Liam while you’re gone. But Adrian… don’t make this harder for them than it already is. Nadine’s been
The next morning dawned quiet and cool. Sunlight streamed through the windows of Nadine’s home, painting soft patterns on the floor. After the excitement of last night’s ceremony, the house felt peaceful—almost too peaceful.In the kitchen, Nadine poured herself a cup of tea. She had barely slept, her mind replaying every moment of the mall opening. Adrian sat at the table, reading through his emails on a tablet. He looked up as Nadine entered.“Good morning,” he said, smiling.Nadine returned the smile, but her eyes were thoughtful. “Good morning,” she replied softly. “Did Alonso tell you about the car?”Adrian nodded. “He said it was back by the gate sometime before dawn. We haven’t been able to see who was inside.”Nadine’s hand tightened around her cup. “That car worries me. I feel like someone is watching us.”Adrian reached across and squeezed her hand. “I’ll handle it. Let me talk to Alonso again.” He tapped on his tablet, making a quick call. “We’ll find out what’s going on,”
Mr. and Mrs. Blake sat quietly in their spacious living room. The grand curtains were drawn back, revealing the evening stars, but their eyes were fixed on the television screen. On it played highlights of tonight’s big event: Nadine’s annual mall opening ceremony.Mrs. Blake’s fingers toyed with the edge of her silk shawl. She watched Nadine on the screen—smiling, confident, speaking with poise and grace. A soft smile tugged at her lips, but she covered it quickly, smoothing her expression before her husband could see.“Look at her,” Mrs. Blake whispered, though the volume was low. “She’s beautiful, isn’t she?”Mr. Blake took a slow sip of his wine, then set the glass down without looking away from the screen. His face was unreadable—calm, measured. He made no reply.Mrs. Blake’s heart fluttered. She had always liked Nadine: kind, determined, a woman of genuine warmth. Now, seeing her succeed so brilliantly felt like a validation of everything she believed. But her husband’s silence
The party was already in full swing. The grand hall of the shopping mall gleamed under golden lights. The decorations sparkled, the music filled the space with joy, and the guests mingled, sipping drinks and enjoying the celebration of something much bigger than just a business launch—it was Nadine’s official return to the world.Everywhere she looked, people were smiling, cameras were flashing, and reporters whispered to each other about her elegance and strength. Nadine stood by Adrian’s side, her deep blue dress flowing like silk water around her legs. She looked stunning, but beneath her graceful expression, her heart was racing.Adrian turned to her and gently placed a hand on her back. “It’s time,” he whispered.Nadine took a deep breath. She had practiced the speech several times, but standing before a real crowd was different. Still, she knew she had to do this—for herself, for Liam, and for the future she was building.As she stepped onto the stage, a spotlight followed her.
The sun rose slowly over the city, casting a golden glow across the tall buildings. It was a special day—the day of Nadine’s annual opening ceremony at the mall. Inside the large shopping center, there was already a lot of movement.Nadine’s personal assistant moved around with urgency. She gave instructions to the decorators and the cleaning crew, pointing to every corner of the mall.“Please make sure the flowers are fresh!” she said loudly. “The red carpet must be clean, and the lights need to be perfect! This is going to be all over the news.”The hall inside the mall was being decorated beautifully. It sparkled with gold ribbons and floral designs. A large banner hung across the top that read:“Annual Opening Ceremony of EverGlow Mall”Camera crews and reporters were already gathering outside, preparing for interviews and live coverage. They didn’t just come for the opening—they were curious to see who really owned this massive shopping mall.Back at home, Nadine stood in front o
Nadine sat on the soft couch in the living room, her eyes quietly watching Liam as he played with his toy truck. He was so full of life, laughing and making little car noises, completely unaware of the dark storm that was quietly building around them.Adrian stepped in from the kitchen holding a glass of water. He sat beside Nadine and gave her a soft smile.“You’ve been quiet all evening,” he said gently, handing her the glass.Nadine took it with a grateful nod. “I’ve just been thinking.”“About Vanessa?” he guessed, already knowing the answer.She sighed and looked down. “Yes. I can’t shake the feeling that she’s planning something again. The way she’s been so quiet lately… It doesn’t feel right.”Adrian reached out and held her hand. “I understand. But I won’t let her hurt you or Liam. That’s a promise.”Nadine looked into his eyes, seeing the seriousness in them. “I believe you. But we both know how far she can go. What if she finds something to twist? What if she tries to ruin e
Nadine came home from the mall, feeling a little tired but proud. The staff had been welcoming, and she was happy to be stepping into her new role. The house was quiet when she entered, but she smiled when she saw Adrian sitting in the living room with his laptop open.He looked up and smiled back. “You’re back,” he said softly.“Yes,” Nadine replied, taking off her heels. “It was a good day.”But something felt… off. His smile didn’t reach his eyes.“Are you okay?” she asked, walking toward him.Adrian hesitated for a second, then nodded. “I’m fine. Just thinking.”Nadine sat beside him. “About what?”Adrian shut his laptop. “My father. He hasn’t picked up my calls since the dinner.”Nadine frowned. “Maybe he’s still processing. It was a lot to take in.”“Maybe,” Adrian said. But deep down, he didn’t believe that. His father had never liked Nadine, and now that she was back in their lives, it felt like he was quietly planning something.Nadine reached out and held his hand. “We’ll ha
Vanessa stood in the middle of her penthouse living room, pacing like a wild cat. Her heels clicked loudly against the marble floor, and her long nails tapped impatiently against her phone screen.She had just received news that made her blood boil—Adrian had taken Nadine and that little boy to his family house. His father, Mr. Blake, had accepted the child… hugged him.“What the hell is going on?” she whispered to herself, unable to process how things had changed so fast. She clenched her jaw, her eyes burning with rage.Her assistant, Lydia stepped into the room holding a tablet. She looked nervous, as she always did around Vanessa—especially when she was like this.“Ma’am,” Lydia began carefully, “Sir Adrian’s lawyer sent a reminder for you to sign the divorce documents on time”Vanessa froze for a second. Then, without a word, she turned and threw the glass she had been holding. It hit the wall and shattered into pieces.Lydia flinched but didn’t move.“Do you think I’ll just sit
Adrian gripped the steering wheel tightly as he drove towards his family home. Nadine sat beside him, looking out the window, lost in thought. Liam, who was seated in the back, kept humming a song, excited about meeting his grandparents.“Are you sure about this?” Nadine asked softly, glancing at Adrian. “Your father doesn’t exactly like me.”Adrian reached out and held her hand for a moment, squeezing it reassuringly. “It doesn’t matter what he thinks, Nadine. You and Liam are my family. He has to accept that.”Nadine let out a small sigh. She knew Adrian meant what he said, but she also knew that his father, Mr. Blake, was a man of pride. He had always wanted Adrian to marry someone from a wealthy, powerful family someone like Vanessa.Liam suddenly leaned forward. “Mommy, do you think Grandpa will like my drawings?” he asked with excitement in his eyes.Nadine turned to her son and smiled. “Of course, sweetheart. Your drawings are beautiful. I’m sure he’ll love them.”Adrian nodded
Vanessa sat in her lavish mansion, her legs crossed as a makeup artist carefully applied the finishing touches to her flawless face. She stared at her reflection in the grand mirror before her, admiring her beauty. To the world, she was untouchable—powerful, elegant, and perfectly in control.But today, that illusion was about to shatter.Her assistant, Lydia rushed into the room, clutching a folder in her trembling hands. Vanessa raised an eyebrow at the interruption, irritation already building in her chest.“I told you never to barge in while I’m busy,” Vanessa said coldly.Lydia swallowed hard and stepped forward. “Ma’am, I—I have urgent news.”Vanessa sighed dramatically. “Spit it out, Lydia. I don’t have all day.”Rachel hesitated for a brief second before placing the folder on Vanessa’s vanity. “Sir Adrian want you to sign the paper with immediate effect” Lydia said and silence filled the room.For a moment, Vanessa didn’t move. She didn’t blink. She simply stared at the folder