Nadine’s POV
I never know what to expect from Logan. After he hands me the contract termination, I’m left in a whirlwind of emotions. I don’t know if I should be happy, scream, or just sit in silence.
I walk away, with all of it heavy on me, making my chest tighten as I make my way to my room.
Once in my room, I curl up in bed, trying to numb my mind. But thoughts of Logan keep coming to my mind, and each thought is more piercing than the last.
I know I often talk about the contract like it was a mistake from the start, but now that he wants me gone, it feels like a part of me is being ripped away. My chest tightens, as if life itself is being squeezed out of me.
What happens now? I realize I’ve been too dependent on others-first Ethan, now Logan. It has to stop.
For two days, Logan didn’t come home. I call, but it all goes to voicemail, the silence is haunting.
With a final resolve, I tell myself it’s time to focus on me and my son.
I sit up in bed, pushing aside the blankets with a resolve that feels foreign. I take a deep breath, filling my lungs with something fresh, something that isn’t Logan.
I grab my phone and scroll through photos of happier times with my son. His laughter shines through each image, pulling me out of this pit of despair. I can’t let Logan’s decision define me; I need to carve my path.
“Mummy, where are we going?” Shawn asks, his eyes sparkling with hope.
“We’re going home now, son,” I replied, meeting his gaze. “I’m fine, and there’s no point in staying here.”
“Is Ma’am coming with us?” he asks, I can tell he’s grown fond of Rosa.
I shake my head gently. “No, my darling. Mummy is capable of taking care of you.”
I notice Shawn’s brow furrowing, the gears turning in his young mind. I don’t want him to worry any longer, so I stoop down to his level.
“How about we go to the park when we get home?”
His eyes light up. “Yeah, that’s a good idea, Mum! Now let’s go!”
I pack my things quickly, my mind racing with thoughts but I know I have to push forward.
So we hop into a taxi. As we drive out of the estate, I’m lost in thought, Shawn’s excitement is palpable as he looks out the window in excitement against the turmoil in my mind.
Logan’s words echo in my ears: “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.”
And then, “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.”
I should be furious, but instead, I feel empty, as if all the energy has been drained from me.
We pull up to my apartment, I sigh in relief. I take a deep breath, ready to focus on Shawn.
But the memory of the last time I was here creeps into my mind, and I shake it off, without dwelling on it. This is our space now, and I’m keeping my son close-no trips to Grandma’s.
I can see dust has gathered around, so I start by cleaning the entire house.
After a long, exhausting session of scrubbing and organizing, I finally collapsed onto the couch.
I order Chinese, the smell of fried rice and sweet and sour chicken wafting through the air as we sit at the table.
As we eat, Shawn talks about many things. I am grateful he didn’t say much about Logan and that momentarily pushed aside his thoughts in my heart.
Eventually, we drift off to sleep.
********
Today, I’m back at the flower shop, and everything is buzzing with energy. The operations are in full swing, but for some reason, Ethan’s face keeps flashing in my mind. Maybe it’s because he helped me get everything set up.
I’ve hired a few staff members since we’re just getting started. It feels good to have support.
Yesterday, Rosa called me, her voice shaky as she begged for her job back. Logan had threatened her, saying she had to take care of Shawn. I feel for her. So, Shawn is with Rosa at home; they can come by the shop when they feel bored.
Right now, Maria, Shane, and Ava are my three employees. Each of them brings something special to the team.
Maria is the store manager and lead florist, keeping everything running smoothly. Shane handles deliveries and customer service, while Ava is our floral designer and social media coordinator.
Shane is at the front desk, a man in his late forties walks in, and Shane beams at him. “Welcome to Petals and Bloom! How can I help you today?”
“I’d like a classic red rose arrangement mixed with tulips, please,” the man replies.
“Okay, coming right up!” Shane says, quickly passing the order to Ava.
Within minutes, Ava has the arrangement ready. She expertly combines the rich red roses and vibrant tulips, her hands moving swiftly and skillfully.
“Here you go, Shane,” she says, placing the finished bouquet on the counter.
“Thanks, Ava!” Shane grins, handing the man his flowers. “Enjoy!”
I watch the man leave with a smile, the fact that he is satisfied brings a smile to my face.
I watch as customers walk in and out, placing their flower orders. This reminded me of my old job in Canada, and I suddenly felt uneasy as to how everything had turned out.
I shake the thoughts away as I suddenly have the urge to check on Shawn, I dial Rosa’s number. “Hello, Rosa! How are you doing?”
“I’m fine, Nadine. Shawn is asleep now after he had lunch.”
“Perfect! Just checking on you two,” I say, feeling a bit more at ease.
“We’re fine, Nadine,” she reassures me.
I hang up and get back to my tasks. Orders are coming in for tomorrow, as I assist with the preparations, arranging bouquets, and making sure everything is ready.
Just when I think I have a moment of quiet, I hear a smooth voice I’d recognize even in my sleep. It’s silky, almost like velvet, and it still manages to make my lady bits moisture, despite the mantra I repeat in my head: I am fine without him.
“Hello there,” the voice says.
“Hi, how may I help you?” Ava replies, with a sultry and playful tone. I clench my fists, annoyed as I realize she’s trying to catch his attention.
“I know you,” she says, trying to sound friendly.
“Okay,” he replies, with a steady voice, and goes ahead with his order.
“Can I please get a dozen long-stemmed red roses with baby’s breath and eucalyptus? Also, a hand-tied bouquet with a satin ribbon,” he says, clear and direct.
My heart tightens in my chest when I hear his order. I haven’t been away for long, and now he’s ordering flowers for God knows who. Anger bubbles up inside me, who is he ordering flowers for?
“Coming right up!” Ava says, moving quickly to assemble the arrangement.
She carefully gathers the long-stemmed red roses, baby’s breath, and eucalyptus, trimming the stems. I watched her for a moment. She adjusts the placement of the baby’s breath. I can’t help but admire her skill.
“Perfect,” I say, smiling.
But deep down, I’m far from okay; my head is suddenly pounding with a headache.
Ava adds the finishing touches-a satin ribbon and a sprig of eucalyptus. I step back to look at the arrangement, and it takes my breath away.
“Who is the lucky girl?” Ava asks, giggling. “That man out there is drop-dead gorgeous.”
I can’t help but roll my eyes. “Yeah, well…” But before I can finish, Ava takes the bouquet and heads toward Logan.
Watching her walk away, I feel frustration and unease swirling in my stomach.
I watch as Ava approaches Logan, with her bright smile. A knot tightens in my chest.
Logan takes the flowers, his charm unmistakable. He has a way of drawing people in, and his presence seems to light up the room.
“Stunning. You’ve exceeded my expectations,” he says, his voice cold as he hands over the payment.
Ava beams with pride. “I’m glad you like it!”
“I’m sure she will love it,” he replies, then strides out of the shop.
I stand frozen, my heart thumping hard against my ribcage. Suddenly, it feels hard to breathe. Questions spin in my mind: Why has he moved on so fast?