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
Nadine was in the middle of typing an email when her phone buzzed. At first, she ignored it, assuming it was a telemarketer or another unimportant notification. But when the buzzing persisted, followed by a voicemail alert, she frowned and grabbed her phone. The daycare’s number flashed on the screen.Her chest tightened as she answered. “Hello?”“Nadine! It’s Ms. Taylor from the daycare. Liam fainted during playtime, and he’s not waking up! You need to come now!”The words hit Nadine like a freight train. She barely registered her hurried response before she grabbed her bag and rushed out of the office.When Nadine arrived at the daycare, her worst fears were realized. Liam lay pale and limp on a small cot, surrounded by panicked caregivers.“He was just playing, and then he collapsed,” Ms. Taylor explained, her voice trembling.Nadine didn’t wait to hear more. Scooping Liam into her arms, she ran to the car with Clara, who had arrived moments earlier, following close behind. The dri
Adrian paced his office, his phone pressed tightly to his ear. Marcus’s voice on the other end was strained, carrying the weight of urgency.“Adrian, it’s Liam. He’s in the hospital,” Marcus said, his voice breaking slightly.Adrian’s heart stopped. “What happened? Is he okay?”“Not exactly,” Marcus replied. “He fainted at daycare, and now the doctors say he needs a blood transfusion. The problem is, his blood type is rare. Nadine’s isn’t a match, and she’s struggling to find a donor.”Adrian gripped the desk to steady himself. “I’ll be there before evening. Just… stay with them, Marcus. Don’t let them feel alone.”“I will,” Marcus assured him. “But Adrian… Nadine still doesn’t want to call you. She’s stubborn, you know that.”“I don’t care if she hates me,” Adrian said firmly. “Liam is my son. I’ll be there.”As Adrian hung up, he turned to find Vanessa standing in the doorway, her arms crossed and a skeptical look on her face.“Where are you going in such a hurry?” she asked, her to
The soft beeping of the monitors filled the hospital room as Nadine sat by Liam’s bedside, her hand resting gently on his small one. He looked so peaceful, his breathing steady, his pale face slowly regaining color. It was a relief after the harrowing hours they had just endured. But Nadine’s relief was fleeting, replaced by the storm brewing within her.Adrian stood at the other end of the room, watching them in silence. The sight of Liam lying there had shaken him to his core. Guilt clawed at him, but his heart swelled with a mix of awe and love. He had a son—a beautiful, resilient little boy.Nadine, sensing his gaze, stood abruptly and walked to the door. “We need to talk.”Adrian followed her into the hallway. The fluorescent lights overhead cast a harsh glow, but it couldn’t mask the tension between them.Nadine turned to face him, her expression cold. Without a word, she pulled an envelope from her bag and thrust it toward him.“What’s this?” Adrian asked, his brow furrowing.“
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
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