Nadine 0030

Book:Chasing Back What's Mine Published:2024-11-28

I go to my room, making my way to the bathroom. I look into the mirror and notice my face is flushed. I smile at myself, thinking about my time with Logan. I can’t deny the attraction we both have for each other.
I want to guard my heart, but how can I when I love helplessly? That’s always been my weakness. I think about my time with Daniel – the love was one-sided.
He left me without closure, and when we met again at Logan’s parents, it seemed he was in pain that I had moved on.
I shake my head, dismissing the memories. I don’t want to think about Daniel right now.
Jake, who I thought was my fairy tale love, happens to be cheating on me with my twin sister.
I see how happy they look together. The last time I saw them, they seemed so in love, while I was stuck in this complicated situation with Logan.
Logan, on the other hand, has been sweet, but the thought of Samantha makes me hesitant to commit to him. I don’t want to give my all to him, only to end up getting burned again.
I shake my head, grab my toothbrush, add toothpaste, and start brushing. Once done, I take off my dress and have a quick warm bath.
I need to be at the hospital today to see my mom; I need answers. With my towel wrapped around me, I move to my room, moisturize my skin, and head to my closet to get my outfit.
I choose jeans and a T-shirt, apply some light makeup, style my hair, and look at myself in the mirror.
I’m satisfied with my look. I stuff my essentials into my bag and make my way downstairs, where Logan and Asher are seated.
I move closer to them, and my eyes meet Asher’s; he has a look of uncertainty. “How are you feeling now?” he manages to ask.
I nod my head, “I’m fine, thanks for asking.”
“Gosh, you gave me a scare,” he says, his expression revealing his worry.
But it feels like someone is drilling holes into me with his intense gaze. How do I behave around him?
We haven’t defined whatever is going on between us, despite having a contract, but we can’t deny the sparks flying between us.
I turn to him, take a sharp breath, and he flashes me a dashing smile. “Where are you going?” he asks, bringing me closer as he plants his lips on mine and kisses me. It’s slow, but I pull back, seeing the disappointment in his eyes. I move away and sit down.
“You’re dressed,” he says, giving me a once-over look. I take a plate and serve myself pancakes, noticing Asher’s eyes are on me the whole time.
We make small talk while we eat our breakfast. Kayla walks in and sees me. “Good morning, Nadine,” she greets.
“Good morning, Kayla. Thank you for all you do for us. You are greatly appreciated,” I reply, causing her to look taken aback.
She wasn’t expecting me to thank her for rendering a service she was paid for. “Thank you, Nadine. It means a lot to me,” she says.
Kayla’s gaze lingers on me for a moment before she turns to the others. “Well, I’ll leave you all to enjoy your breakfast. I have some errands to run.”
I nod my head and continue eating, aware that Logan is still looking at me. Luckily, Logan stands up, ready to leave for work.
“One of the drivers will take you wherever you need to go and take care of yourself,” he says, moving closer to place a kiss on my lips.
“See you when I’m back,” he says with a smile, bidding everyone goodbye before heading out of the house. I watch him leave; Logan has changed a lot.
“I like this new version of him; he’s no longer cold and distant. He looks so happy, and I have you to thank,” Asher says, looking at me.
I smile, feeling a sense of pride. “I’m glad I’m able to put that smile on his face,” I say, my eyes meeting Asher’s.
“And about yesterday, what do you have in mind to do?” He asks.
Not wanting to reveal my plan to seek answers from my mom. “I haven’t had time to think it through, but I know I’ll come up with something,” I say.
Since I’m done with my food, I stand up, ready to leave the house. True to his word, a man is standing there.
“Good morning, Mrs. West. I’ve been directed to drive you to your destination,” he says.
“Thank you, Mr….” I say, looking at him expectantly, waiting for him to introduce himself.
“I’m Greg, ma’am,” he replies.
“Good, nice meeting you. Let’s get going then,” I say, as he opens the door for me. I mutter a thank you, and we embark on the silent drive to the hospital.
My thoughts are all over the place, and I’m not ready to strike up a conversation with Greg.
Soon, we arrive at the hospital, and I hurriedly make my way inside.
I head to the private ward where my mother is staying and enter her room.
I’m happy to see that she’s seated and that a nurse is assisting her with her food. A smile breaks out on her face when she sees me, which seems to catch the nurse’s attention, as she turns around to look at me.
The nurse smiles warmly and greets me, “Good morning, Nadine! It’s great to see you here.”
I smile back, “That’s great to hear.”
My mom’s eyes sparkle with love as she beckons me to come closer. “Nadine, dear, come give your mom a hug.”
I oblige, feeling warmth as I embrace her. The nurse discreetly excuses herself, leaving us alone for a moment.
She is a bit slimmer now, due to the drugs and dialysis, but she has that twinkling in her eyes that makes my heart swell with joy.
“How is your sister?” she asks, unaware of the fact that Nathalie and I have drifted apart. I don’t need to bore her with that, so I simply answer, “She’s fine, Mom. I’m so happy to see that you’re well now.”
“Yes, I am, Nadine. Thanks for all… your dad hasn’t come to check on me,” she says with a sad face.
She loves my dad so much that I wonder why she’s still holding on to him, seeing that he’s indifferent to her. Though they are separated, she hopes he will come back someday.
She isn’t aware of my marriage to Logan, and I doubt Nathalie has come to visit her – she has always been Daddy’s girl.
I intend to keep it private till after the two-year contract has elapsed. Seeing that we are left alone, I take that as my cue to start the conversation.
“You look troubled,” she asks me with a concerned look.
“Is it that obvious?” I ask her.
“Yes, your eyes are everywhere without settling on a spot.”
“I hope you’re better now,” I ask, gesturing to her improved health.
“As you can see, I can do things I was unable to do in a while. Come to think of it, how were you able to afford all the dialysis, and who is the donor?”
“Mum, I’m confused too,” I admit. “The donor chose to remain anonymous, and I got a shocking revelation recently.”
Her curiosity is piqued, and she asks, “What is that?”
“Mum? Are we triplets?” I asked, looking at her intently, seeking answers.
She sighs and asks, “Why did you ask that, and what doubts do you have?”
My patience is running out; I don’t like that she’s answering my question with a question. “Mum, please answer my question: are we triplets?”