Nadine sat on the soft couch in the spacious living room, watching Liam curl up in Mrs. Blake’s arms. The little boy had taken to his grandmother instantly, as if he had known her forever. He rested his head on her shoulder, his tiny hands gripping onto her dress like he never wanted to let go.Mrs. Blake smiled warmly, stroking his hair. “You’re such a sweet boy, Liam.”Liam yawned and snuggled closer. “You smell nice, Grandma,” he mumbled sleepily.Nadine’s heart clenched. She had imagined a moment like this before, her son surrounded by family, feeling safe and loved. But she had thought it was impossible. Too much had happened. Too much time had passed.She swallowed the lump in her throat. This should have been his life from the start. If only things had been different.Adrian sat next to Nadine, watching them. He turned to her and said softly, “Liam really likes her.”Nadine nodded but didn’t say anything. She felt a strange mix of emotions—happiness, guilt, and regret.Liam loo
The car moved smoothly through the streets, the convoy of black SUVs following closely behind. Nadine sat quietly in the passenger seat, watching the city pass by. She still didn’t know where Adrian was taking her, and he refused to answer any of her questions.She glanced at him. “Are you finally going to tell me where we’re going?”Adrian smirked but kept his eyes on the road. “Just wait a little longer.”Nadine sighed, leaning back in her seat. She had to admit, the suspense was making her both excited and nervous.After about thirty minutes, the car slowed down and pulled into a large compound. Nadine looked out the window and gasped.In front of them stood the biggest shopping mall she had ever seen. It wasn’t just a clothing mall—it was massive, with different sections for all kinds of products.She turned to Adrian with wide eyes. “Why are we here?”Adrian simply stepped out of the car and walked around to open her door. “Come with me.”Nadine hesitated but got out. The moment
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
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 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
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 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 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 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