Nadine

Nadine
Nadine
It's Logan's turn to have Shawn, and while I know I should be used to it by now, the thought of being home alone makes me feel a little empty.
But my mood brightens when Hardin tells me he'll be back soon, and Nathalie promises to stop by. At least I won’t be completely alone.
Logan has gone completely silent since that day in the rain. No calls. No messages.
Nothing. And yet, I keep staring at my phone throughout the week.
I had to convince Shawn that my puffy eyes had nothing to do with Logan.
He sees his father as a hero, and I never want to take that away from him, no matter what happens between Logan and me.
"You zoned out again," Hardin says, pulling me back to reality. We’re sitting around the kitchen island, me sipping my juice, him busy on his tablet.
I glance toward the living room, where Shawn is waiting for Logan to pick him up.
"Logan should be here by now," I say, checking the time on my phone.
Could he be sick after standing in the rain that day? Logan is the kind of man who’s always on time. He wouldn’t just be late without a reason.
I shake off the thought, but my heart still tugs every time I remember that moment outside Petals and Bloom. The way he looked at me. The way his voice cracked. It drives me crazy to think about it, yet I can’t seem to stop.
Suddenly, my phone rings.
It’s the concierge.
I accept the call immediately, my hand suddenly feeling sweaty as a wave of anxiety washes over me.
"Hello, ma."
"Yes, George?" My voice is steady, but my heart pounds.
"Mr. West is here to pick up Shawn."
I swallow hard. "Thanks, George. We’ll be down in five."
"Alright, ma," he says before ending the call.
"I'm coming with you. I'd like to meet Shawn’s dad," Hardin announces.
"Okay, let's go."
"Shawn!" I called out.
"Right here, Mum! Let’s go, Dad’s here!" he chirps excitedly.
"Come on, boy," Hardin says, holding Shawn’s hand as we head downstairs.
My heart keeps pounding in my chest. I don’t know if I’m ready to see Logan again. The emotions are still too overwhelming.
But the moment I step outside, I see him.
Unlike before, he’s not waiting in his car with the window rolled down.
He’s standing beside it, looking completely at ease. My breath catches as I take him in. A simple blue jeans and white T-shirt combo, yet somehow, he looks effortlessly good.
Shawn, spotting his father, lets go of Hardin’s hand and runs straight into Logan’s arms.
Just like always, Logan lifts him with ease, throwing him in the air before catching him. Shawn’s laughter fills the air, and I smile at their bond.
Hardin stands beside me, his hand resting lightly on my shoulder in a protective gesture.
Then Logan looks up.
His eyes move to Hardin, and for a brief second, his jaw clenches before he mouths his expression. He steps closer.
"Hello, Nadine. How are you?"
I arch a brow, not expecting such… composure. "Great, Logan. I thought you wouldn’t make it."
"Can’t miss it for anything in the world," he says, without holding any hesitation. Then, he extends his hand toward Hardin for a handshake.
I feel like I’ve stepped into an alternate universe. Is this Logan? Did he hit his head against a wall and miraculously reset his personality?
"Hi, I’m Logan West," he says, gripping Hardin’s hand firmly, with an unwavering gaze like he’s sealing a million-dollar business deal.
"I’m Hardin. Nice to meet you, Mr. West."
"Nice to meet you, Hardin."
Then Logan turns back to me, his eyes staying just a little too long before he gives me a small nod.
"Have a splendid weekend, Nadine. Don’t miss Shawn too much," he says, flashing a genuine smile.
I stare at him, at a complete loss for words.
Who is this man? Because this… this is not the Logan I knew.
Hardin visibly shakes me, snapping me out of my daze. By now, Logan is already back in his car.
He’s driving himself today. He carefully helps Shawn into his seat, making sure the seatbelt is secure before moving to the driver’s side. I watch, still frozen in place, as he starts the engine.
I didn’t move.
I just stand there, watching in awe as his car disappears down the road.
A sharp snap of fingers in the air pulls me back to reality.
"You still like him, don’t you?" Hardin asks, folding his arms across his chest, his curious gaze locked onto mine, waiting for a response.
"What? No. No, I don’t," I blurt out, shaking my head a little too quickly.
Hardin raises a skeptical brow, tilting his chin up as if he can see right through me. And I don’t want him to.
Without another word, I spin around and walk straight toward the elevator. Hardin follows close behind. Everything Logan has put me through comes rushing back in a wave.
Hardin watches me, his curiosity is evident. He doesn’t say anything, but his eyes speak volumes.
The moment we step inside, I rush straight to the couch and sink into it.
"Did I strike a nerve?" Hardin finally says.
I snap my gaze at him. "Yes, you did strike a nerve. Do you have any idea how that man hurt me?" My voice rises, with unraveling emotions. "He hurt me so badly, Hardin. So bad that he made me question my self-worth!"
Hardin stays silent, letting me get it all out.
"That man is egoistic, ruthless, and manipulative!" I spit out through gritted teeth.
But then I see the flash of doubt in Hardin’s eyes. He doesn’t fully believe me. And I know why.
Because Logan didn’t look egoistic today. He didn’t look ruthless or manipulative. He looked composed.
And that terrifies me more than anything.
"Don’t you think he’s making an effort to be a better person? For you? For Shawn?".
I clench my jaw, my frustration bubbling to the surface. "That’s the thing, Hardin. He’s manipulative. He knows exactly what to do to make me bring down the walls I’ve spent so long building."
Hardin shakes his head.
"You know what? Forget it," I snap, waving my hand dismissively.
Everything feels confusing—the interview, the declaration, and now today. I expected Logan to lose his temper over Hardin’s presence, to get possessive or lash out like he used to. But he was calm and it infuriated me.
But why am I angry?
Isn’t this what I wanted? For him to change? For him to be better?
Before I even realize it, a heart-wrenching sob rips through my lips.
Hardin looks up, startled. His expression softens as he rushes toward me, wrapping me in a tight hug.
"Why now, Hardin?" My voice shakes as I grip his shirt, my tears soaking into the fabric. "Why now, when everything feels like it’s falling apart? When nothing feels right anymore?"
Hardin holds me closer, rubbing soothing circles on my back. "That’s why I’m here for you, Nadine. And I’m sure therapy will help."
I pull back slightly, searching his face. "You think so?"
He nods without hesitation. "I know so."
I sniffle, wiping at my face. "You know what? Let me make you a promise," he says and it manages to lift a tiny weight off my chest.
I blink up at him, curious. "What?