51
RAINA
The ache in my chest had become a constant companion these past weeks. A month had passed since I told Nathan I needed space. At the time, It felt like the right thing to do, a necessary step to see him for who he truly was. But now, the silence between us was deafening.
I’d tried reaching out. A text here, a voicemail there, tentative gestures to bridge the gap. But each attempt was met with nothing. No responses, no signs of life. He hadn’t shown up at my door, hadn’t called back, hadn’t given me any hint of where he stood.
The absence gnawed at me, animisible weight pressing down on my chest. I tried to distract myself by spending more time with Alex and Liam.
Liam’s recovery had been nothing short of miraculous. Watching him play with Awa was like seeing sunlight breaking through stom clouds. Their laughter rang out, bouncing off the walls as they built block towers and raced toy cars across the floor. Ava clapped when Liam’s tower stood firm, her grin wide. “You’re so good at this, Liam” she exclaimed.
Liam’s eyes sparkled with pride. “Wanna see me build it taller?”
“Do it!” Ava encouraged, her hands waving excitedly. They were thriving together, and for a moment, my racing thoughts quieted. It gave me hope–hope that thing could still turn out olay.
Alex, however, was relentless. He leaned casually against the counter one aftemoon as we watched the ldds play, his eyes never leaving me. “When are you going to give me a chance, kaina?” he asked, his voice light but persistent
I sighed, not bothering to hide my annoyance. “Alex, we’ve been over this. My answer hasn’t changed
He smirked, undeterred. “You’ll come around. Just wait
1 shook my head, forcing a laugh “You’re impossible.” But the truth was, his persistence grated on me. Nathan was already furious, and the last thing I wanted was to add more fuel to the ice.
Still, unanswered questions about Nathan refused to leave me alone. Where was he? What was he thinking? Was he okay? The ache in my chest refused to subside. If he wasn’t going to come to me, I’d go to him.
The decision to go to his office wasn’t one I made lightly. My stomach churned as I walked into the building, a mix of hope and dread swirling inside me. If he wouldn’t come to me, then I’d go to him
Trecognized a colleague from the lawyer’s auction as soon as stepped inside she greeted me warmly, her smile genuine, but when I asked about Nathan, her expression shifted.
“He’s bermon leave,” she said, her voice soft, almost apologetic
eave? My heart sank. Why hadn’t he told me? Did he hate me now?
As I tumed to leave, Vivian appeared Her presence was like a storm cloud–dark, heavy, and cracking with unspoken tension. Before I could even process her approach, her hand lashed out, striking my cheek.
The slap stung, but it was her words that left a deeper wound. “He’s gone because of you,” she hissed, her eyes blazing with accusation
I stood frozen, my check burning as the stormed off. done because of me? Her words echoed in my mind as I stumbled out of the office and into my car.
The reflection in the minor told me everything I needed to know. My cheek was red, the outline of her hand faint but visible. Tearswelled up, but blinked them away. What had I done? Was it my fault he’d dis? or was there something more to this?
The moment I stepped into the house, the weight of the day pressed down on me like a storm cloud. The court date for Lum’s custodyloomed on the horizon, and the uncertainty of Nathan’s involvement gnawed at me. Would he still want to represent me? Would he even show up? My stomach twisted at the thought of abandoning me, especially when I needed him moşi,
As I passed the dining table, Dom’s voice cut through my spiraling thoughts like alle.
“Baina, we need to talk,” he und
I didn’t even slow down. “Not now.” My head throbbed, my body ached, and my mind felt like it was rumming on lumes.
Dom’s chair scraped against the floor as he stood, his voice following down the hallway, “Who hit you?”
1 froze Damn it. My hand instinctively used the tender spot on my dicek. “It’s nothing,” I muttered, trying to keep moving
Daim wasn’t having it. He stepped in front of me, his broad frame blocking my path “Raina, I’m serious. Who the hell hit you?”
Histone was sharp, protective, and relentless. I sighed, knowing I wouldn’t be able to shake him off. “Due of Nathan’s coworkers,” Ladmitted reluctantly.
The second the name left my lips, Don’s expression shifted. His jaw tightened, and his eyes darkened. “Nathan,” be repeated, his voice laced with disdain.
Don’t start,” i wamed, sidestepping hims
He followed in
fime, lds footsteps heavy with purpose. “He’s exactly what I wanted to talk to you about.”
Espun around, my patience officially depleted. “What now, Dom? Let me guess–he’s untrustworthy, dangerous, not worth my time?”
Dom’s face hardened “You know I’m right. Alex has been telling you the same thing, and you’re too stubhom to listen. That guy is trouble, Raina.”
+25 Bonus
I threw my hands in the air. “I don’t even know where Nathum is! He’s gone, olay? And it’s my fault. Don’t you think I’m punishing myself enough without you piling on?”
Dom flinched at the sharpness of my words, but his fantation didn’t waver. “You deserve better than this.”
“Enough,” I snapped, my voice trembling with exhaustion and anger. “I’ll figure it out on my own.”
I turned on my heel and stormed to my mom, slamsing the door behind me. My heart pounded in my chest as I leaned against the door, willing the tears to stay at bay. Whatever Dom and Alex thought they knew about Nathon, they didn’t understand. And right now, I wasn’t ser did either.
The next moming,
rodged into my office, mentally preparing for another day of unaward questions. But as soon as I stepped inside, my breath hatched. Nathan was there, seated in my chait, waiting for me.
Aflooded emotions crashed over me. Relief,
and…romething softer, Happiness? My throat tightened, and for a moment, I couldn’t move.
He stood as I approached, closing the distance between us. His hand reached for my face, his thumb brushing lightly against my cheek. “Does it hurt?” he asked, his voice low and filed with concem
1 blinked, caught off guard. Of all things, that’s what he wanted to know?
*1 heard what happened and got on the first flight back,” he explained, his eyes searching mine. “I missed you, Raina, I’m sorry I left. I needed to clear my head.”
1 stepped back, coating space betweens. “It’s good you’re okay,“plied, keeping my tone neutral. “I just wanted to make sure.”
Switching gears, 1 brought up the court case. “The hearing’s coming up. Are you still handling it, or should I find someone else?”
Nathan’s expression softened “Are you mad at me?” he asked quietly.
I didn’t answer, and after a beat, he nodded, “It’s okay. I’ll make sure Liam comes home to you.”
was a softness!
Before leaving, Nathan paused, his hand lingering on the edge of the desk as if unsure whether to say something. His voice was calm, but there was a hadn’t heard in a while. “Are you free for dinner tonight?”
The words hung in the air. For a moment, froze, caught between wanting to say yes and the fear of what that might mean. My heart screamed at me to take the leap, but my mouth betrayed me.
“I can’t,” I replied quickly, brushing him off with a dismissive wave of my hand: “I’m swamped.”
His jaw tensed, just slightly, but he nodded. “Alright.” without another word, he tumed and walked out, the door dicking softly behind him
The moment he was gone, get crashed over me like a tidal wave. The room felt emptier without him, the silence deadening, I sank into my chair, pressing my hands against my temples
Why couldn’t just say yes?
My chest tightened as I replayed the look on his face, the way his eyes lingered on me before he left. Was it disappointment? Resignation? Either way, I hated myself for putting it there. What was I so afraid of?
The answer came too easily–everything
An hour passed before my phone buzzed with a text from Nathan. Then another. And another. After weeks of silence, he was suddenly answering everything. The Last sage caught me off guard.
Do you still want to get to know me? I’m ready to answer anything
I didn’t reply. Instead, 1 buried myself in work, lenoring him the way he’d ignored me hui Nathan didn’t give up. Flowers anived twice a day, their vibrant colo and Sweet scents chipping away at any resolve,
Days later, Ales showed up at my office with Lam in tow. He wanted to spend time together, and I couldn’t say no. Liam’s bright smile warmed my heart, but the mamam Nathan walked in, my chest tightened.
To my surprise, Nathan’t flinch at the sight of Alex. Instead, he greeted him with anod, his voice calm Tested los patience. I crouched down, has focus shifting entirely to the kids.
nand neutral as
as if this wasn’t the man who constantly
“Hey, Liam Hey, Ava,” Nathan said, histone softening. His band gently ruffled Liam’s hair. “How’s it going, buddy?” Çiam’s face lit up. “Hi, Mr. Nathan! Look what I made!” He held up a drawing–achaotic mix of crayon lines and shapes. Nathan smiled, studying the paper as though it were a masterpiece. “Wow, that’s amazing is that a dragon?”
„It’s a spaceship!” Liam corrected with a laugh, and Ava joined in, liming excitedly about her own drawings
Nathan’s warmth was undeniable, and for a moment, I let myself take in the scene. This was a side of him I hadn’t seen in weeks–kind, attentive, and completely unbathed by Alex’s presence.
Alex, however, wasn’t as composed. His jaw tightened visibly, his hands clenching at his sides as he watched Nathan interact with the kids.
“Nathan,” Alex finally said, histone clipped.
+25 Bonus
Nathan glanced up, unruffled. “Alex.”
could feel the tension thickening like an Impending storm, but Nathan didn’t bite. His demeanor stayed calm, almost infuriatingly so
Alex tumed to me, his expression bardening. “We should get going.” he said pointedly.
“I’ll meet you outside,” replied, my voice firm but polite. Alex hesitated, but with a deep breath, he turned and walked out, his shoulders stiff.
As the door closed behind him, turned to Nathan. He stood slowly, his gaze meeting mine
Before I could speak, Nathan stepped closer, his eyes earnest. “I don’t want to lose you,” he confessed. “The past month without you made me realize my life is empty without you. Please, go on a proper date with me.”
I hesitated, every reason to say no siding in my mind. But then saw the sincerity in his eyes, and something in mecracked, “Okay,” I said finally, my voice quieter than I intended. “But there’s a condition. I need to take my kids somewhere, and Alexis coming with us.”
Nathan didn’t even blink “Eine, Whatever you need.”
And just like that, we were all at the amusement park the kids can ahead, their laughter blending with the sounds of rides and excited crowds. I wanted to focus on them, on the simplicity of their joy, but Alex wouldn’t let up.
He waited until we wen
we were away from the kids, then comered me near a concession stand. “Did you even bother to read the files I sent you?” His tone was low, but ther tension in it was unmistakable.
1sighed, already tired of this conversation. “Alex, let it go. I figure things out on my own.
HE
is expression darkened, and his voice rose, though he was careful not to draw attention. “Let it go? Are you serious right now? Do you have any idea how reckless you’re being
I crossed my arms, trying to shield myself from the storm 1 knew was coming. “I’m not reckless
“Not recess?” His laugh was bitter, almost crael. “Would you be this nonchalant if it was your safety–or Liam’s–on the line? Nathan is dangerous, Raina You ted to know who he really is before you start throwing yourself at him.
The woods hit me like a slap, and beton knew it, I was retuming the favor. My palm comected with his check in a sharp crack that seemed to echo louder than the screams from the nearby coller master.
“How dare you,” 1 hissed, my voice trembling with fury. “The only reason I’m even speaking to you right now is because of Liam. But now? There’s nothing left to talkabout. Leava.!!
Alexstared at me, his hand lightly brushing his cheek where I’d struck him. For a moment, I thought he was going to say something else, but he just shook his head
stormed alt,
I stood there, bembling, my hands balled into fists. My chest bumed with anger and hurt. His words kept echoing in my mind, each one digging deeper. Reckless, Throwing myself at Nathan. A whope
I refused to let anyone definere like that. If Alex thought I was weak or careless, he hay dead wrong. I wasn’t about to let his judgment–or anyone else’s–stop me. Right then and there, I made my decision. I would expose Eliza in count. I’d expose everything she had done to Liam, no matter how messy or painful it got,
And as for Kathan? I’d find the truth on my teams. Not Alex’s. Not anyone else’s. Mine.
51
RAINA
The ache in my chest had become a constant companion these past weeks. A month had passed since I told Nathan I needed space. At the time, It felt like the right thing to do, a necessary step to see him for who he truly was. But now, the silence between us was deafening.
I’d tried reaching out. A text here, a voicemail there, tentative gestures to bridge the gap. But each attempt was met with nothing. No responses, no signs of life. He hadn’t shown up at my door, hadn’t called back, hadn’t given me any hint of where he stood.
The absence gnawed at me, animisible weight pressing down on my chest. I tried to distract myself by spending more time with Alex and Liam.
Liam’s recovery had been nothing short of miraculous. Watching him play with Awa was like seeing sunlight breaking through stom clouds. Their laughter rang out, bouncing off the walls as they built block towers and raced toy cars across the floor. Ava clapped when Liam’s tower stood firm, her grin wide. “You’re so good at this, Liam” she exclaimed.
Liam’s eyes sparkled with pride. “Wanna see me build it taller?”
“Do it!” Ava encouraged, her hands waving excitedly. They were thriving together, and for a moment, my racing thoughts quieted. It gave me hope–hope that thing could still turn out olay.
Alex, however, was relentless. He leaned casually against the counter one aftemoon as we watched the ldds play, his eyes never leaving me. “When are you going to give me a chance, kaina?” he asked, his voice light but persistent
I sighed, not bothering to hide my annoyance. “Alex, we’ve been over this. My answer hasn’t changed
He smirked, undeterred. “You’ll come around. Just wait
1 shook my head, forcing a laugh “You’re impossible.” But the truth was, his persistence grated on me. Nathan was already furious, and the last thing I wanted was to add more fuel to the ice.
Still, unanswered questions about Nathan refused to leave me alone. Where was he? What was he thinking? Was he okay? The ache in my chest refused to subside. If he wasn’t going to come to me, I’d go to him.
The decision to go to his office wasn’t one I made lightly. My stomach churned as I walked into the building, a mix of hope and dread swirling inside me. If he wouldn’t come to me, then I’d go to him
Trecognized a colleague from the lawyer’s auction as soon as stepped inside she greeted me warmly, her smile genuine, but when I asked about Nathan, her expression shifted.
“He’s bermon leave,” she said, her voice soft, almost apologetic
eave? My heart sank. Why hadn’t he told me? Did he hate me now?
As I tumed to leave, Vivian appeared Her presence was like a storm cloud–dark, heavy, and cracking with unspoken tension. Before I could even process her approach, her hand lashed out, striking my cheek.
The slap stung, but it was her words that left a deeper wound. “He’s gone because of you,” she hissed, her eyes blazing with accusation
I stood frozen, my check burning as the stormed off. done because of me? Her words echoed in my mind as I stumbled out of the office and into my car.
The reflection in the minor told me everything I needed to know. My cheek was red, the outline of her hand faint but visible. Tearswelled up, but blinked them away. What had I done? Was it my fault he’d dis? or was there something more to this?
The moment I stepped into the house, the weight of the day pressed down on me like a storm cloud. The court date for Lum’s custodyloomed on the horizon, and the uncertainty of Nathan’s involvement gnawed at me. Would he still want to represent me? Would he even show up? My stomach twisted at the thought of abandoning me, especially when I needed him moşi,
As I passed the dining table, Dom’s voice cut through my spiraling thoughts like alle.
“Baina, we need to talk,” he und
I didn’t even slow down. “Not now.” My head throbbed, my body ached, and my mind felt like it was rumming on lumes.
Dom’s chair scraped against the floor as he stood, his voice following down the hallway, “Who hit you?”
1 froze Damn it. My hand instinctively used the tender spot on my dicek. “It’s nothing,” I muttered, trying to keep moving
Daim wasn’t having it. He stepped in front of me, his broad frame blocking my path “Raina, I’m serious. Who the hell hit you?”
Histone was sharp, protective, and relentless. I sighed, knowing I wouldn’t be able to shake him off. “Due of Nathan’s coworkers,” Ladmitted reluctantly.
The second the name left my lips, Don’s expression shifted. His jaw tightened, and his eyes darkened. “Nathan,” be repeated, his voice laced with disdain.
Don’t start,” i wamed, sidestepping hims
He followed in
fime, lds footsteps heavy with purpose. “He’s exactly what I wanted to talk to you about.”
Espun around, my patience officially depleted. “What now, Dom? Let me guess–he’s untrustworthy, dangerous, not worth my time?”
Dom’s face hardened “You know I’m right. Alex has been telling you the same thing, and you’re too stubhom to listen. That guy is trouble, Raina.”
+25 Bonus
I threw my hands in the air. “I don’t even know where Nathum is! He’s gone, olay? And it’s my fault. Don’t you think I’m punishing myself enough without you piling on?”
Dom flinched at the sharpness of my words, but his fantation didn’t waver. “You deserve better than this.”
“Enough,” I snapped, my voice trembling with exhaustion and anger. “I’ll figure it out on my own.”
I turned on my heel and stormed to my mom, slamsing the door behind me. My heart pounded in my chest as I leaned against the door, willing the tears to stay at bay. Whatever Dom and Alex thought they knew about Nathon, they didn’t understand. And right now, I wasn’t ser did either.
The next moming,
rodged into my office, mentally preparing for another day of unaward questions. But as soon as I stepped inside, my breath hatched. Nathan was there, seated in my chait, waiting for me.
Aflooded emotions crashed over me. Relief,
and…romething softer, Happiness? My throat tightened, and for a moment, I couldn’t move.
He stood as I approached, closing the distance between us. His hand reached for my face, his thumb brushing lightly against my cheek. “Does it hurt?” he asked, his voice low and filed with concem
1 blinked, caught off guard. Of all things, that’s what he wanted to know?
*1 heard what happened and got on the first flight back,” he explained, his eyes searching mine. “I missed you, Raina, I’m sorry I left. I needed to clear my head.”
1 stepped back, coating space betweens. “It’s good you’re okay,“plied, keeping my tone neutral. “I just wanted to make sure.”
Switching gears, 1 brought up the court case. “The hearing’s coming up. Are you still handling it, or should I find someone else?”
Nathan’s expression softened “Are you mad at me?” he asked quietly.
I didn’t answer, and after a beat, he nodded, “It’s okay. I’ll make sure Liam comes home to you.”
was a softness!
Before leaving, Nathan paused, his hand lingering on the edge of the desk as if unsure whether to say something. His voice was calm, but there was a hadn’t heard in a while. “Are you free for dinner tonight?”
The words hung in the air. For a moment, froze, caught between wanting to say yes and the fear of what that might mean. My heart screamed at me to take the leap, but my mouth betrayed me.
“I can’t,” I replied quickly, brushing him off with a dismissive wave of my hand: “I’m swamped.”
His jaw tensed, just slightly, but he nodded. “Alright.” without another word, he tumed and walked out, the door dicking softly behind him
The moment he was gone, get crashed over me like a tidal wave. The room felt emptier without him, the silence deadening, I sank into my chair, pressing my hands against my temples
Why couldn’t just say yes?
My chest tightened as I replayed the look on his face, the way his eyes lingered on me before he left. Was it disappointment? Resignation? Either way, I hated myself for putting it there. What was I so afraid of?
The answer came too easily–everything
An hour passed before my phone buzzed with a text from Nathan. Then another. And another. After weeks of silence, he was suddenly answering everything. The Last sage caught me off guard.
Do you still want to get to know me? I’m ready to answer anything
I didn’t reply. Instead, 1 buried myself in work, lenoring him the way he’d ignored me hui Nathan didn’t give up. Flowers anived twice a day, their vibrant colo and Sweet scents chipping away at any resolve,
Days later, Ales showed up at my office with Lam in tow. He wanted to spend time together, and I couldn’t say no. Liam’s bright smile warmed my heart, but the mamam Nathan walked in, my chest tightened.
To my surprise, Nathan’t flinch at the sight of Alex. Instead, he greeted him with anod, his voice calm Tested los patience. I crouched down, has focus shifting entirely to the kids.
nand neutral as
as if this wasn’t the man who constantly
“Hey, Liam Hey, Ava,” Nathan said, histone softening. His band gently ruffled Liam’s hair. “How’s it going, buddy?” Çiam’s face lit up. “Hi, Mr. Nathan! Look what I made!” He held up a drawing–achaotic mix of crayon lines and shapes. Nathan smiled, studying the paper as though it were a masterpiece. “Wow, that’s amazing is that a dragon?”
„It’s a spaceship!” Liam corrected with a laugh, and Ava joined in, liming excitedly about her own drawings
Nathan’s warmth was undeniable, and for a moment, I let myself take in the scene. This was a side of him I hadn’t seen in weeks–kind, attentive, and completely unbathed by Alex’s presence.
Alex, however, wasn’t as composed. His jaw tightened visibly, his hands clenching at his sides as he watched Nathan interact with the kids.
“Nathan,” Alex finally said, histone clipped.
+25 Bonus
