Ethan turns to me, “Are you two back together now?”
I’m taken aback by the question, not expecting him to be so direct. I slowly make my way beside him and sit down, choosing my words carefully.
I know Ethan doesn’t need to know the intricacies of my relationship with Logan.
His son deserves the chance to bond with his father without anyone interfering.
I wouldn’t want someone to deny my child that right, and I won’t deny Shawn that either.
Instead of answering his question, I turn the tables.
“Are you aware that Sydney blocked all means for Logan to reach me?” I ask, studying Ethan’s reaction, trying to gauge his emotions.
He tenses for a moment, before turning to face me. His eyes narrow slightly, and I sense a hint of surprise, maybe even defensiveness.
Ethan’s expression turns defensive, with his voice rising. “Is that the lie he told you?” he retorts
“Just answer my question, are you aware or not?”
Ethan’s voice grows louder, his words tumbling out in a rush. “Of what use is it now? She did what she did to protect you!”
I stand up, and his response is swift. “And she should have let me be the judge of that.”
Ethan’s eyes flash with memories, “Oh, let me remind you, since you’ve forgotten, the many times you’ve been jumpy and startled whenever I touched you. And all those times she rushed to your room because you had nightmares, all pointing to this one man, Logan West. So tell me, what would she have done?”
I shake my head. “No, she has no right. My nightmares weren’t connected to him, they were just figments of my thoughts.” I say, with conviction.
Ethan’s anger boils over, his words spilling out in a heated rush. “Those figments of thought are things you know he can fucking do to you!” He takes a step closer, his eyes blazing with emotion.
I glance around nervously, worried that Shawn will overhear our argument. Ethan’s voice rises, his words tumbling out in a passionate plea. “I guess it was a mistake that I agreed to come to New York with you.”
“Oh, don’t turn it around like I forced you down here. You came because you said you had business to run here.”
Ethan’s expression twists in anguish. “True, Nadine, but how long do I need to hold on to us? How long do I need to prove myself, to show you I want you in my world?” He takes another step closer, his eyes burning with intensity. “I’ve lurked in the corner for so long, watching you, waiting for you. I want to make you mine. Don’t you understand?” His voice cracks with emotion, like a challenge.
Ethan’s eyes burn with intensity as he holds my face, his fingers digging into my skin. “Please, Nadine, let’s get married, just you and I, and a witness. Then we’ll move away from here, as fast as we can, away from anyone trying to put obstacles in our way.”
His breath fans my face, his words spilling out in a desperate rush. I try to pull back, but he holds tight, his grip tightening. I wince in pain, trying to free myself, but he struggles with me, his fingers digging deeper.
Fear creeps in as I realize he’s not letting go. His eyes, once full of love, now seem wild and unpredictable. I try to push him away, but he’s too strong. His forehead rests on mine, his hot breath mingling with my own.
“Don’t you get it?”
I try to shake my head, but his grip holds me in place. I’m trapped, unsure of what he’s capable of. My heart races, my mind screaming for escape.
“Ethan, please!” I shout, and it’s like a slap in the face, snapping him out of his trance-like state.
He steps back, his eyes locked on mine. I see the longing there, the desire for me to be with him, to run away with him. But I know I can’t.
“We aren’t getting married, and I’m not running away from here,” I say firmly.
Ethan’s face twists in anguish, his eyes flashing with anger. He slowly stands up. “Nadine, whatever happens, don’t blame me that I didn’t warn you,” he hisses.
With that, he turns and walks away, stepping out of the garden and into the house, making me uneasy. And I know this isn’t the end.
Shawn’s voice rings out, “Da, where are you going?” but Ethan doesn’t respond, disappearing into the house.
I sit there, lost in thought, wondering how everything with Ethan has gone so wrong. I long for the peaceful life I had in Canada, before all this drama.
I sense a presence behind me and know exactly who it is. “Just go, Logan,” I say, not bothering to turn around. His rich cologne gives him away.
But instead of leaving, Logan speaks up, “I’m here to thank you for everything, for taking care of our son.”
“And I want to ask a favor from you,” he adds, his tone intriguing.
My interest piqued, I turned to face him. “What is it?” I ask, my eyes meeting his.
Logan’s eyes lock onto mine, his expression sincere. “Can we co-parent, so I can be in my boy’s life?” he asks, with longing in his voice.
“If only you know how long I have been wanting to have an heir,” he continues, “hence the reason I included it in the contract.” He pauses. “You will make me the happiest man on earth if you can allow that.”
I stare at Logan, trying to process this sudden change of heart. How can someone as powerful as him, who would have fought tooth and nail for custody, now be begging for co-parenting?
I search his face for answers, trying to understand what’s behind this sudden shift. Is this genuine, or just another tactic to get what he wants? I’m unsure, but one thing is certain – I’m intrigued.
“I’ll arrange something,” I say finally, my voice barely above a whisper, as I stare into space.
Before I know it, Logan’s arms wrap around me from behind, his face resting on the back of my neck. I stiffen, unsure of how to react to this sudden display of emotion.
A part of me wants to turn around and lose myself in his embrace, that’s been brewing inside me. But my reasonable mind screams at me to maintain my distance.
It takes all my willpower to gently peel his hands off me.
“Sorry, Nadine, I didn’t mean to,” he says with emotion “I’m just overwhelmed that you agreed to it.”
I turn to face him, my expression softening slightly. My heart skips a beat. Maybe, just maybe, we can make this co-parenting thing work.
“It’s okay, Logan,” I say, trying to reassure him.
But then I ask the question that’s been weighing heavily on my mind. “Logan, am I still in danger? Who is still after my life?”
Logan’s expression changes, his eyes widening in surprise. He’s taken aback by my question, and I can tell he’s unsure of how to respond.
To be honest, I don’t know who might be trying to end my life. And the fact that the intruder who was apprehended was poisoned even in police custody only adds to my fear.
Logan’s hesitation tells me that he’s aware of something, but he’s not sure how much to reveal. I press him for answers. “Logan, tell me. What do you know?”
I feel like we’re getting nowhere, and it’s infuriating. “When I thought we had a lead about getting to the bottom of this whole ordeal, now this… it’s just getting frustrating,” I say, exasperated.
I try to pull away from Logan, wanting to be left alone with my thoughts. “You know what, just don’t bother. I want to be left alone.”
But Logan doesn’t let me go. He holds my hand firmly, drawing me closer to himself. Which makes me pause.