Logan’s POV
Every time we talk, it’s the same. She brings up the contract as if that’s all there is between us.
Each day I’m reminded of my selfishness. I made her sign it when I should have wooed her and fought for her like a man who knows what he wants.
But after Samantha left me at the altar, I couldn’t bear the thought of more heartache. I needed something secure, something easy.
I loved Nadine long before her wedding to Jake. I knew it was wrong, but desperation had me conspiring with Nathalie, pushing things to unfold the way they did. It wasn’t right, but my heart didn’t care about right and wrong.
Now, I stand in front of her, watching her hesitate as she holds the envelope I’ve just handed over. Her eyes narrow in suspicion. I see it, and I know I’m asking a lot. But I have to try.
“Just open it, Nadine,” I say.
Her gaze stays locked on mine. Slowly, carefully, she lifts the envelope, her fingers grazing mine in the process. That familiar spark undeniable, electric surges between us. She feels it too. I can tell.
As she opens the envelope, her brows knit together, with confusion in her eyes. But then, what she’s holding sinks in.
“What is this?” she asks, her voice barely audible, as if speaking any louder might shatter the moment. “A contract termination?”
I nod, watching her carefully. “Yes. Our two-year agreement is done. I wanted to make it official. No more obligations, Nadine. From here on, it’s up to us together or apart.”
Her eyes move back to the papers, scanning the lines, her mind racing as she takes it all in. I can almost hear the gears turning, feel her weighing the possibilities, the freedom now within reach.
She looks up at me, her voice tentative. “Logan, I… I suppose this is for the best.”
She exhales softly, her gaze dropping to the floor before rising to meet mine again. There’s something vulnerable in her eyes now. “I didn’t think you’d ever do this,” she admits, her voice barely steady. “I thought you were… comfortable. Content to keep things as they were.”
I take a step closer, the space between us shrinking. “I was,” I confess, my voice low, steady. “But I can’t let you stay when you don’t see us beyond the contract. I want more than that, Nadine. But only if you do, too.”
“Thank you,” she finally says, her voice thick with emotion. “But… I need time to process this. Shawn’s a part of this too.”
I move closer, desperate to close the gap between us, but she steps back, creating a distance that feels wider than before.
My chest tightens, and I shake my head, trying to find the right words. “Nadine, I’m sorry for everything. It took all the willpower I had to do this.”
Her eyes search mine, “I love having you and Shawn in my life. But I know-if we’re going to figure this out-it has to be real. No contracts. No agreements getting in the way.”
“But don’t think what I feel for you is gone, I’ve loved you long before I ever saw you that day-your wedding with Jake. I know I manipulated things for my own sake, and now… I regret it with everything I have.”
Her head snaps up, her eyes sharp, as if she wants to respond, to throw something back at me. But instead, she bites down on her lip, holding the words in, and shakes her head, frustration or sadness-I can’t tell which-etched on her face.
“Please, forgive me,” I whisper, my voice barely holding together as I take a step back, turning away.
I walk briskly down the hallway, my jaw clenched, hoping I don’t run into Shawn. The last thing I need right now is him catching me like this, with this storm brewing inside me. My steps quicken, and I head straight for the gym, where the only thing that can handle this anger is the punching bag.
As soon as I step inside, I don’t waste time. Gloves on, fists clenched, I throw the first punch, hard and fast. The impact reverberates through me, but it’s not enough. Another punch, then another.
Each hit feels like a release, but at the same time, my heart pounds even harder, sending shocks through my body.
Samantha’s betrayal is like a wound that hasn’t fully healed. That’s why I signed that damn contract with Nadine, convincing myself it was easier this way. I thought she would leave, just like Samantha did. At least this way, I’d have something-an heir-if nothing else.
But with each strike, I realize something I’ve been trying to ignore. It’s not about contracts anymore.
I want Nadine to choose, to figure out what she truly wants, without me pushing or pulling her in one direction. If she decides to stay, I’ll fight for her with everything I have. And if she leaves… well, I’ll let her go. But I’ll chase her, knowing I’ll always fight for what’s mine.
I don’t know how long I’ve been at it, but eventually, exhaustion wins. My body gives out, and I collapse to the floor with a heavy thud, my breath ragged, my heart aching-not just from the workout but from everything that’s gone wrong between us.
The gym didn’t help like I thought it would. My mind is still a mess. I push myself to my feet and head to the bathroom attached to the gym. A hot bath-that’s what I need.
As I sink into the warm water, I can’t help but think of Nadine and Shawn. Their faces blur together in my mind, both of them are part of me now in a way I never expected.
I stay in the bath longer than I need to, letting the heat work its way into my muscles, trying to ease the tension
When I finally step out, I tie the towel around my waist and grab another to dry my skin, the water dripping.
I head to the closet next to the gym, pulling on a pair of jeans and a plain T-shirt. Looking at my reflection in the mirror, at least on the outside, I still look put together.
I step out of the gym and head for my room. The house is quiet, I gather my essentials-a few things I can’t leave behind-and make my way toward the door. With only one thought in mind
I pull out my phone and dial Asher’s number. He picks up on the first ring.
“Logan, I was just about to call you,” he says. “I’m back in town.”
“Perfect timing. Can we meet up at our usual spot?” I ask, already heading toward the door.
“Of course. See you soon.”
I hang up and walk out of the house, sliding into my car. For a brief second, I consider telling Nadine that I’m heading out, but then I shake the thought away. What’s the point? We need space right now, and maybe I do, too.
As I drive through the familiar streets of my estate, I ease the tension in my shoulders, knowing I’m heading to the one place where I can clear my head.
The club comes into view and as I pull into the entrance, there’s no need to wait in line. My VIP access ensures I walk right in.
One of the bouncers nods in my direction as I approach, and I return the gesture, stepping into the club.
The familiar pulse of music vibrates through the floor, the dim lighting is everything in a haze, but none of it moves me. I’m used to the look recognition from people who know my name, but they mean nothing.
The only person who could make me turn around, who could catch my attention, is Nadine-if she were here, calling out to me. But she’s not. So I walk deeper into the club, searching for something to quiet my restless mind.
Asher waves at me from across the room, and I begin to make my way toward him when someone suddenly bumps into me. The impact catches me off guard, and I instinctively furrow my brows, wondering who it could be.
Her head is down, her hair falling over her face, obscuring her features. Something about her seems familiar, though, a faint recognition tugging at the back of my mind. Slowly, I reach out and gently tilt her chin up, lifting her face toward the light.
The moment her eyes meet mine, my breath catches in my throat. It’s Nathalie.