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
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
Nadine stepped out of the car, feeling lighter than she had in years. The day had been overwhelming but in the best way possible. Meeting her employees, seeing the admiration in their eyes, and realizing that she now had a future where she was in control—it all felt like a dream.As soon as she walked into the house, Liam came running toward her.“Mommy!” he squealed, jumping into her arms.She caught him with ease, hugging him tightly. His small arms wrapped around her neck as he buried his face in her shoulder. The warmth of his little body against hers made all the exhaustion of the day disappear.Adrian stood nearby, watching them with a soft smile. He hadn’t seen Nadine this happy in a long time.Just as Nadine pulled back to look at Liam’s cheerful face, she felt another pair of arms wrap around them. It was Adrian. He hugged both of them at once, holding them close as if he never wanted to let go.Liam giggled in excitement.“Mommy, Daddy, we are a big hug sandwich!” he said, m
The sleek black car slowly came to a stop in front of a grand shopping mall, one of the largest in the city. Before Nadine could reach for the door handle, her bodyguard, a tall and imposing man in a black suit, swiftly stepped forward and opened the door for her. She smiled slightly, appreciating the gesture but still not used to this level of security around her.As she stepped out, the bright morning sun reflected off the large glass doors of the mall, making them gleam. Nadine inhaled deeply, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. This was her mall now her business, her responsibility. She had come a long way from the woman she was just months ago.Just then, her personal assistant, a young woman named Lucy, rushed out of the mall. She was dressed professionally in a fitted blazer and pencil skirt, her tablet in hand. She stopped in front of Nadine and bowed slightly.“Good morning, ma’am. We’ve been expecting you,” Lucy said, a wide smile on her face.Nadine nodded and
The studio was bright, filled with flashing lights, cameras, and a team of professionals running around, ensuring everything was in place for the photoshoot. The scent of expensive perfume lingered in the air as makeup artists and stylists worked on Vanessa, preparing her for the shoot.She sat in front of a large vanity mirror, her expression bored as the makeup artist carefully applied foundation to her already flawless skin. She had done countless shoots before—this was nothing new. The only thing on her mind was Adrian.Vanessa had been trying to find out where he had gone, but every attempt had failed. The security around him had doubled, and no one could track his whereabouts. It frustrated her beyond words. She was his wife, yet he had abandoned her as if she meant nothing.She picked up her phone from the vanity table, her perfectly manicured nails tapping against the screen as she checked for updates. Nothing. No news from her private investigator. No messages from Adrian. No
The morning sun shined brightly through the tall windows, casting a warm glow over the grand dining room. Nadine stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the sleeves of her elegant velvet gown. The deep, rich color complemented her smooth skin, and the way the fabric hugged her figure made her feel confident. She reached for her matching velvet Birkin bag and slung it over her wrist.Taking one last glance at her reflection, she let out a deep breath. This was a new beginning. She was no longer the scared, heartbroken woman who had been running from her past. She was ready to step into the world again.Downstairs, the maids were busy arranging the dining table, carefully placing the breakfast dishes in their designated spots. As Nadine walked toward them, they instinctively looked up, their eyes widening with admiration.“Good morning, ma’am,” one of them greeted her with a polite nod.“Good morning,” Nadine replied, offering a small smile.She pulled out a chair and sat down, ready to
The morning was bright, with the soft warmth of the sun filtering through the windows. Nadine stood near the doorway, watching as Mrs. Blake packed her last suitcase. There was a gentle smile on the older woman’s face, but Nadine could see the sadness in her eyes.“Are you sure you have to leave so soon?” Nadine asked, trying to keep her voice light, though she felt a twinge of sadness herself.Mrs. Blake turned and gave her a reassuring smile. “I have to, dear. But I promise I will visit soon. And you will visit me too, won’t you?”Nadine nodded. “Of course. Liam and I will come to see you soon.”Hearing his name, Liam, who had been quietly standing by the couch, suddenly ran over and wrapped his little arms around his grandmother’s legs. “Grandma, do you really have to go?” he asked, his voice filled with sadness.Mrs. Blake knelt and cupped his face in her hands. “Oh, my sweet boy, don’t be sad. I’ll see you very soon. I promise.”Liam’s lower lip trembled, but he nodded. “Okay. Bu
Nadine and Adrian arrived back at the house, and before they could even step fully inside, a small figure rushed toward them at full speed.“Mommy! Daddy!” Liam’s little voice rang with excitement as he threw himself into their arms.Adrian immediately bent down and caught Liam in a hug, lifting him off the ground effortlessly. “Hey, buddy! Did you miss us?”Liam nodded eagerly, wrapping his arms tightly around Adrian’s neck. “I missed you so much! Grandma and the nanny were nice, but I wanted you and Mommy to come back soon.”Nadine smiled at the warmth in her son’s voice, though her heart clenched slightly at how quickly Liam had grown attached to Adrian. She had spent years being the only parent in Liam’s life, and now, in just a short time, Adrian had become someone Liam looked up to and adored.Mrs. Blake stood nearby, watching the scene with a soft smile. “He was waiting for you both all day,” she said. “He even asked me how many minutes it would take for you to get home.”Adria
The large mansion was silent except for the sound of Vanessa’s heels clicking against the polished marble floor. She walked down the grand staircase with her head held high, her silk robe flowing behind her like a cape. Her expression was as cold as ever, her sharp eyes scanning the living room as she descended.Suddenly, the sound of small feet running across the floor interrupted her thoughts.“Mommy!” Camille, her little daughter, called out excitedly as she ran toward her. The child’s eyes shone with happiness as she tried to hug her mother.But before she could even touch Vanessa, the woman’s face twisted in irritation, and she roughly shoved Camille away.“I told you to stop touching me unnecessarily!” Vanessa snapped, her voice sharp and filled with annoyance.Camille stumbled backward and fell to the ground, landing on her hands. Her lips trembled as tears welled up in her big brown eyes.A woman in a maid’s uniform rushed forward, panic written all over her face. She was Cami