(Jayden)The morning after the custody hearing, I woke up with a pounding headache. Sleep was almost impossible. Ashlyn being beside me makes me nervous. I came into the office early to try and clear my head. Now I’m hoping this black coffee will help.The judge’s decision is still fresh in my mind, and although I understand that Abby being with Winona is probably best for her, the thought of Phillip being back in the picture fills me with rage. Winona is my world, and now I can't even talk to her because of Ashlyn. I need to find a way to fix this, to be with Winona again.My lawyer, Daniel Richards, walks into my office, a grim look on his face. “Jayden, we need to talk.”My secretary must be on the job already. Good, we have a lot of work to do with Brennan Industries. But more crap news is not what I need. Anger is bubbling just below the surface. “What now?”Daniel nods, taking a seat across from me. “Ashlyn approached Winona in the bathroom at the courthouse yesterday. She tol
(Jayden)I clench my fists. Now I just have one other problem to deal with. Winona and Phillip saying they’re engaged again. Lance sticks his head in the office. He’s my CFO again. He’s the best, and I know I can trust him with the job.“You busy?”I throw my hands up in the air, frustration bubbling over. “Not with work stuff but come in anyway.”“Winona? Ashlyn?” he asks, concern etched on his face.“It’s a damn mess. In court yesterday, who should be there being all fucking loved up with Winona?”“Phillip?” His eyebrows shoot up in surprise.I nod, gritting my teeth.“Maybe it’s just for show,” he offers, trying to sound hopeful.“Not for Phillip. He’s a man in love. I can tell. Winona looked comfortable in his arms.”“Damn,” Lance mutters, shaking his head.“I was very harsh with Winona when I told her I believed Ashlyn. I had to be. But that’s proving harder than I thought it would be. I’m fearing for my own life every night,” I say, my voice trembling with barely contained ange
(Ashlyn)Pathetic, they are all pathetic. As if I’d be stupid enough to fall for their tricks. I’m not confessing to anything I said to Winona in that park. She pushed me. She wanted to kill my baby, Jayden’s baby. Her jealousy of me consumes her.Jayden is mine now, and I’m not letting him go. I don’t care that his brat is out of my home. Saves me the trouble of getting rid of her. If she ever comes back, I’ll do just that. Phillip is back. He’s just as pathetic.Mooning around after Winona like Jayden used to. Winona never deserved Jayden. I was born to be with him. My family raised me to be his wife. No one is going to take that away from me.I finish my makeup, the ritual calming me, and go out to face the rest of the day. Judy may think she has me fooled, but I know she’s here to ‘protect’ Jayden. She’s just as stupid as the rest of them, underestimating me. I’ve played her for years. Now it’s just getting interesting.I walk out into the living area, forcing a smile on my face.
(Ashlyn)The words are a cold slap, a reminder of the precariousness of my position. “He loves me,” I insist, my voice shaking slightly, betraying the fear that Judy’s presence instills in me.“I’m sure,” she replies, her sarcasm cutting deep.“He does!” My voice cracks, the pressure mounting, the walls closing in.“He’s said a lot of things lately, but loving you isn’t one of them,” she counters, her voice a calm contrast to my increasing desperation.The balance of power has shifted, and I feel it with every fiber of my being. Judy, with her strategic silences and her measured threats, has reshaped the battlefield. She’s just shown me how easily she can pull the strings.I eye Judy carefully, my gaze sharpening as I attempt to assert control over the conversation. “Jayden and I will stay together,” I state firmly, trying to convince both Judy and myself of my words.“He can’t bear to let you touch him. He knows the truth about what you did,” Judy retorts with a steely calm that unne
(Judy)I stand by the bed, looking down at Ashlyn's still form, her breathing shallow under the influence of my carefully administered concoction. I wonder how long it will be before she realizes I tampered with her breath freshener spray. The stupid woman is obsessed with that stuff first thing in the mornings.Just enough to send her to sleep for a few hours. The room is silent except for the soft, rhythmic whisper of her breath. I pull out my phone as it vibrates gently in my pocket—it's Jayden. Perfect timing."Hello, Jayden," I answer, my voice a perfect blend of warmth and maternal concern."Hey, Mother. Just checking in. You all settled in?" His voice is casual, unsuspecting of the drama unfolding under his roof."Yes, everything's fine.”“Ashlyn texted me earlier. I hope she didn’t give you any trouble.”“Ashlyn's taking a nap. I think the whole ordeal lately has worn her out," I reply, glancing at Ashlyn to ensure she hasn't stirred."Okay. I’ll be late home, so you two eat d
(Jayden)“Jayden, are you okay?” Dr. Helen Winters, my hypnotherapist, asks with a hint of concern just before our next session. Her office, with its soft lighting and serene atmosphere, has become a place of revelation and reflection for me over the past months.I nod, more to reassure myself than her. “I’m ready. I want to get back into life. I’m done not being sure.” My voice is steady, the resolve clear in my tone. Unresolved memories have been a heavy burden, one I’m prepared to shed today.She gives me a nod of understanding, clearly recognizing the significance of this moment for me. “Well, we sure can try. Ultimately, it’s going to be up to your mind if it’s ready to reveal what’s been tucked away.”“If anything.”“That’s true. There simply may be nothing else to remember.”“I’ve had a lot of dreams lately, about Winona and how we were.” The dreams, vivid and emotional, seem more like fragments of memories trying to break through the surface. “I’m done letting this rule my l
(Winona)The past week has been an unexpected respite, a slice of calm that feels almost too good to last. Abby’s resilience shines through; her recovery is nothing short of miraculous given her recent health battles. Her latest lab results are positive and our path forward is for her to stay here with me until her next operation. It’s a small victory in the grand scheme, but it’s ours to celebrate.I haven’t had any trouble from anyone I’m barred from contacting. This has been a surprisingly safe bubble for Abby and me. Phillip has been by our side through it all, his support unwavering. It’s a comfort to have him so close, not just for Abby, but for me too.Amidst this fragile peace, Phillip’s developed a new business—a venture he’s adamant about bootstrapping. Despite my offers to help finance this endeavor, he’s determined about his independence. He’s plunged headfirst into creating a series of eBooks and audiobooks, tapping into his wealth of knowledge. Watching him find his
(Winona)The stillness in the room is deafening, every second stretching out unbearably as I lean over Abby. She isn’t breathing but I can hear a slow, faint heartbeat in my ear as I press it to her chest.“Call 911!” I cry out as I prepare to get some breaths into Abby. I’m too scared to try compressions as it may do more damage than help.Phillip’s voice breaks through my fog of panic. “I’m on it, calling them now!” His voice is laced with urgency. “Tell them she’s under Dr. Green at St. Michael’s hospital. She needs to go there.”His words tumble out as he speaks. “Yes, it’s an emergency. My daughter, she’s... she’s not breathing and she just had heart surgery two months ago. We need an ambulance now!”I hear him recounting details of the hospital and doctor. He tells them what I’m doing. I’m giving her gentle but regular breaths. Please let it help.Anne talks now. “I’m calling Sheila Hobbs.”As I continue the breaths, slowly puffing air into Abby’s lungs, Phillip kneels beside u
Readers, I’ve been back through all your comments and it really touches me that so many of you cared about these characters. I want to send a very special shout out to mitzi.goodson and Theresa for your active love of the story all the way and for commenting regularly. I love you guys and I love all the readers #hearteyes# Also I have discovered a mistake in the upload of Chapter 553. Only half the chapter seems to have been uploaded and I have now fixed that. I know you’re asking about if you’ll see these characters again…right now, I’m letting them rest but I hope to update you on them in the future. Right now I’m focusing on my new stories which I know you’ll also love.In the next one, After waking from a 5 month coma, Ava Lancaster watches her beloved daughter die. Ex-husband Zach Lorne, allowed the mother of his first child, cunning Sienna Sinclair to use little Lila as a medical pawn. Consumed by grief, Ava sets their mansion ablaze—clutching Lila’s body while Zach pleads outs
(Winona)Lisa sits on the couch between me and Jayden, her fingers curled around the USB stick.“You don’t have to,” I remind her gently.“I know,” she replies. “But I want to. I can’t move forward if I don’t hear him out.” She hands the drive to Jayden.Jayden leans forward and plugs the drive in. The screen flickers.And then there he is.Lance. Black eye blooming from Jayden’s attack over hall pass week, bruised knuckles, the same crooked grin he always wore.“Lisa,” he says, “I’m so sorry. I wish this could have been different.”I glance at her. She flinches but doesn’t look away.He shakes his head. “No big poetic intro. No music. No tragic montage. Just me.”His smile cracks slightly.“First, I want to say this isn’t your fault. You didn’t fail me. You didn’t love me wrong. In fact, you’re probably the only person who ever loved me right.”Lisa’s breath hitches beside me.“I wasn’t built for longevity, Lisa. You knew that. Hell, I practically had an exit sign blinking over my he
(Winona)Viktor stands with his hands by his side while Jayden finishes up his announcement.I watch on, proud of them both. Not only staunch in business but as friends.“I’ll still be involved on a higher level, but day-to-day, Viktor’s your guy,” Jayden says, firm and confident. “Effective immediately, he’s the new CEO of Nexus Global.”There’s a brief pause before the quiet, respectful claps ripple through the room.Viktor just nods. “Thank you,” he says. No long speech. No dramatic reaction. Just two words. Classic Viktor.Jayden glances my way and walks over.“Proud of him,” I say quietly. “And of you.”“He’s ready,” Jayden replies. “Hell, he’s been ready for a while now. He taught me almost everything I know about Nexus Global.”Viktor lingers by the window, posture steady. Astrid steps up beside him, saying something low. He replies with a brief nod and the smallest of smirks.Jayden leans into me and murmurs, “did you see that?”I arch an eyebrow. “The nod or the smirk?”“Both
(Winona)I see the moment his eyes catch mine in the window behind Astrid. He blinks like he’s seeing a ghost. Too late. I’m already across the restaurant floor, my heels pounding each step out in deliberate warning, the sound sharp against the quiet hum of late-night conversations. Heads turn. I don’t care.His face shifts from confusion to panic as I advance—his mouth parting slightly, eyes darting to Astrid like he’s trying to figure out if he’s imagining this. He’s not. I’m here. I saw everything.I saw the kiss. I saw the closeness after. The lingering smiles, the laughter, and the way Astrid’s hand stayed on his like they were sharing secrets. Like she belongs to him. You don’t need sound to understand body language.That kiss wasn’t an accident. It wasn’t a friendly peck on the cheek. It was enough for me to wonder if they’ve been playing me for a fool for weeks. Maybe months.Jayden stands just as I reach the table, knocking his chair back in a clumsy scrape. Astrid rema
(Jayden)Astrid raises her glass, the candlelight catching the rim. “To surviving another quarter without firing anyone major.”“To the rest of us surviving the grueling schedule of the Ice Queen herself.”“You did okay.”“Just okay?”“Better than okay. You have quite the work drive, Jayden. Gus was right to leave Nexus in your hands.”“Not one of you thought that at first. You all hated me. Especially Hugo. I think he still might, actually.”“Oh, you are not so bad, after all.”We clink glasses. The wine’s sharp, dry—like her. The restaurant is dim, ambient, tucked just off the canal. Astrid insisted it was the best late-night spot in Brussels. So far, I can’t argue.The food was incredible, the service seamless, and the company? Easy. A little too easy.This dinner has gone longer than I expected. I expected an answer from Winona to my text. But it hasn’t come. The conversation just flowed so effortlessly tonight.No drama. No awkward silences. No carefully chosen words. Astrid, wh
(Winona)It’s nearly 1 a.m. when I step off the jet into the crisp Brussels air. I haven’t slept. I haven’t eaten properly. My thoughts have been chewing on each other for nine hours straight.I hear my phone notification, but I see Cass and I’m so damn happy. She’s about to launch the rest of her life and I’m excited for her.“It’s so good to see you.” I say as I run towards her and give her a hug.“You look like hell,” she says as she grins and hugs me back.“Oh, thanks for the compliment. You look like death yourself.”“Just finished a12 hour shift, what’s your excuse?”We walk out to the private parking area. Having a private jet is so convenient.“I can only blame stress and paranoia,” I tell her as we put my case in the back seat and get into her car.“Paranoia?”“Yes, about where Jayden and I stand in out marriage lately. I’m not sure I’m what makes him happy. All we do is fight, it seems.”“Okay… ah, so me telling him you’d have been better off never meeting him probably didn’
(Jayden)It’s nearly ten. The office is quiet, except for the soft hum of fluorescent lights above the boardroom. Astrid and I have been going through projections for Q3. Numbers, strategies, deadlines. All things that used to matter more than they do right now. My family call is bothering me. It’s not that Winona had a sudden business trip, that’s expected, it’s just the way we interact lately. Going through the motions. Not speaking up on how we feel in case it triggers an argument. I’m as much to blame.“You missed an adjustment here,” she says, tapping the edge of my laptop.“I didn’t miss it,” I say, not looking up. “I just didn’t apply it yet.”She raises an eyebrow. She knows I’m distracted. I’ve worked with her long enough to recognize the look that says I’m full of shit.“You want my input or just someone to nod along while you pretend to work?” she asks.I lean back in my chair. “You always cut right through it, don’t you?”“Of course.”She’s right. She doesn’t have patie
(Winona)The family call starts like any other.Except this time, I’ve told the kids I’ll be away and lied about where I’m going.Now I have to convince Jayden it’s an unexpected business trip.Bobby’s got a stack of papers next to him, pretending he’s not glancing at them while he listens to Jayden. He’s been working on some design options for the school vegetable garden.He’s become quietly obsessed with getting it right.Sarah is asking about when she can next visit the Nexus office again. Abby’s wearing one of Henry’s bibs and announcing herself as the ‘baby boss’ while trying to feed Henry a cracker he doesn’t want.Henry is slamming his hands on the table, shrieking with defiance, and Kit is doing her best to keep the screen steady while holding him.Chaos. Beautiful, familiar chaos. Welcome to the Brennan zoo.Jayden is calm, smiling, fully engaged. He’s asking Bobby about his team at school, praising his leadership skills. He tells Sarah he misses her drawings and promises to
(Winona)Phillip is at his desk when I walk in, finishing up a call. He looks up and gives me a half smile, casual but watchful.I cross the room but remain standing. “I won’t keep you long. I just… I wanted to let you know I’m stepping down in an active capacity from Vault. Effective immediately.”Phillip’s face shifts from polite curiosity to astonishment. “Wait—stepping down how?”I nod. “I’ll remain the owner. But I’m not going to be overseeing day-to-day management or strategic decisions anymore. I’m handing all of that to you. If you want it. CEO, President, call it what you will—I’m out.”He studies me carefully. “That’s… a big move, Winona. You’ve always been a control fre… ahh, hands-on.”I give him a quick grin. “Nice save.”“I’m talented, what can I say? But you being hands-off, I’m not sure that’s even possible.”“I’ve realized I can’t keep devoting so much energy to business. My family needs me. My kids need me.”“Is this what Jayden asked you to do?” “No. He’s been exc