“Samantha will be staying with us for a few days, and I expect you to be on your best behavior,” Logan says, with a clipped tone.
“As we both know, I won’t interfere with you as long as you don’t get in my way, just like the contract stipulates.”
I open my mouth, ready to curse him out, but I bite the inside of my cheek, forcing myself to stay silent.
It’s infuriating how he constantly brings up the contract, using it as a reason for his demands.
“Noted,” I say, nodding my head.
“Good. I’m glad we’re on the same page,” he replies. “Will that be all?”
I ask with a forced smile, “Because I need to retire to bed and get my beauty sleep.”
Logan nods, his gaze still steady. “Yes, that will be all. Have a good night, Nadine.”
I rise from the couch and head towards the door, eager to escape the tension in the room.
As I walk away, I can feel Logan’s eyes on my back, but I refuse to turn around. I’ve decided to forget the events of the night and focus on moving forward with a plan in mind. I smile broadly as I drift into sleep.
The next morning, I woke up feeling tired despite having a decent night’s rest. My thoughts drift back to last night, but I push them aside with a smile. I freshen up and get ready for the day.
Since I’ll be home all day, I opt for comfortable clothing. Just as I settle in, my phone starts ringing. I move closer and see that it’s my mum.
“Mum,” I breathe out in panic, “are you okay?”
“I’m fine, Nadine,” she replies. “I just wanted to thank you for all your labor of love.”
Her words bring a smile to my face. “Mummy, I love you. If I don’t do it, who will?”
“I’ll come check on you at the hospital. I know you miss me.”
“Sure, Nadine, I’ve missed you. Guess who came for a visit?” My mum’s voice tingles with excitement, bringing a smile to my face.
“Your father came to visit me,” she says, giggling. “I was beyond shocked. I wasn’t expecting it.”
I know this means a lot to her. The strain in their marriage has been hard, and I haven’t seen him since my supposed marriage with Jake fell apart.
But seeing her so happy because he visited lifts my spirits. I decided to go along with her excitement.
“Did he come bearing gifts?” I ask.
“Oh yes, Nadine, you need to see it. I was fast asleep, and when I woke up, my heart hitched in my throat. My whole room was transformed into something magical. There were balloons, cards, light decorations, and teddy bears. When I looked to my left, I saw your dad sitting there, looking as handsome as I remember, with a twinkle in his eyes. Oh, those eyes were what drew me in when we first met. It was beautiful, Nadine.”
I smile, listening to my mum gush about my dad. Her joy is contagious, and I don’t want to interrupt her. His visit has made her day, and who am I to dampen that?
The other line suddenly goes silent except for the soft sound of her snoring. I smile and gently hang up the call.
I put my phone down and take a deep breath. Hearing my mum so happy brings a sense of relief, but it also stirs up memories of my dad and the complicated past we share.
Shaking off the thoughts, I focus on the present and the positive.
I lie in bed, staring at the ceiling, thinking about my life. I decide to face the brighter side and tackle it head-on.
I know it’s time to confront Logan, Samantha, and whoever else is in the house.
Taking a deep breath, I square my shoulders and lift my chin as I make my way downstairs.
As I descend, I notice Logan and Samantha seated with Asher present as well, and Kayla serving food.
I step into the living room, feeling everyone’s eyes on me. Logan’s expression is unreadable, Samantha gives me a polite smile, and Asher and Kayla seem caught up in their conversation.
“Good morning, Nadine,” Kayla greets cheerfully. Logan’s face snaps toward me at the sound of her voice.
“Good morning, Kayla,” I replied.
Logan’s eyes remain on me the whole time. I walk over to him and kiss his cheek.
“Good morning, husband,” I say, noticing his stiffness. He wasn’t expecting that.
I smile inwardly and turn to Samantha. “Good morning, Samantha. I hope you had a great night’s rest.”
“Good morning, Nadine,” she replies, with a forced tone. “Yes, I did.”
“Asher, good morning. I didn’t know you were still around. Did you give what I told you a thought?” I ask, smiling mischievously.
I notice Logan tense up at my words to Asher but stays quiet, watching the show.
Asher points his fork at me. “Don’t you dare bring that up,” he says, a small blush creeping onto his face.
He looks at me, shaking his head, clearly wondering what has come over me.
“Good morning, Nadine, and no, I haven’t given it a thought because there’s nothing to think about,” Asher replies.
I point my fork at him. “Lies, all lies. I can see it all over your face,” I say, referring to the pronounced blush as he glances toward the kitchen where Kayla went.
“Oh, Nadine, can you please stop?” he says with a smile.
“Oops, sorry,” I say, raising my hands in surrender. I start eating my food, avoiding Logan’s gaze the entire time while making small talk with Asher.
I can tell Logan is getting irritated by the minute. When I glance up, his jaw is clenched, and his grip on the fork is tight.
Samantha senses this and gives his shoulder a light squeeze. I roll my eyes at the display of affection between them.
Suddenly, the room falls silent again as we all eat our breakfast in peace.
His voice cuts through the silence. “Nadine, how is your mum doing?” Logan asks
I look up at him, wondering what he intends to achieve by asking about her.
“She is fine, thank you for asking,” I reply, watching him closely to gauge his emotions.
“She sends her regards. But it would be better if you went to see her yourself and gave her the regards as her son-in-law? Don’t you think so?” I say with a glint in my eyes.
“The last time you went visiting, I told you I’d like to come along, but you refused. How else do you expect me to send my regards to her?” he counters.
“Oops, my bad. Perhaps next time I’m visiting,” I say, focusing back on my food.
“Babe, calm down. You’re stressing,” Samantha says, placing her hand gently on Logan’s tense shoulder.
“Thanks, babe,” Logan replies, his gaze soft and affectionate as he looks into her eyes.
I watch them, noting how Logan’s expression resembles that of a lost puppy as he stares at Samantha. A question forms in my mind: Did he ever look at me that way?