(Winona)Dr. Green steps out into the hospital room, his expression a blend of exhaustion and gravity. I brace myself for the worst news.“Dr. Green, how is he?” Judy’s voice is barely more than a whisper laced with desperation and fear.He takes a deep breath, his eyes meeting mine with a look that says it all. “Jayden is critical right now. He’s lost a lot of blood. We performed emergency surgery to remove the bullet. He coded twice on the table, but we were able to stabilize him. But if there’d been a third time, we’d have lost him.”The words hit me like a punch to the gut. Judy gasps, her hand flying to her mouth.Dr. Green continues, “The bullet lodged up behind his heart, luckily. The angle he was on saved him but there’s extensive lung and artery damage”“Is he... is he going to get through this?” I manage to ask, my voice trembling.Dr. Green hesitates, glancing between us. “I honestly don’t know. He’s in an induced coma. It’s a standard procedure to give his body a chance to
(Winona)Back at my townhouse, the familiar surroundings are a tonic after the chaos and fear of today. Abby greets us at the door, her bright smile a balm to my frazzled nerves.“Mommy!” She gives me the biggest hug.“Hi Sweety. Have you had a good day?”“Yes. I did some painting and made a fort, come see.” She tugs on my hand.“I’ll come look soon. Why don’t you take Grandma Judy for a look?”“Grandma Judy!” Abby has just realized she’s behind me and she throws herself at her for a hug. “Come see my fort!” Abby exclaims, grabbing Judy’s hand and pulling her towards her bedroom.Judy gives me a questioning look.“I’ll tell her later. Stay for dinner?” I say quietly.Judy gives me a nod. “Thank you. I’d love to,” she says before allowing herself to be led away.I turn to Anne, who is waiting in the living room, concern on her face.“He’s in critical condition,” I say, the words tasting bitter in my mouth. “He lost a lot of blood, and they had to put him in an induced coma. Dr. Green s
(Winona)Lisa and I sit in the living room, finishing off the champagne. It feels like the bubbles are the only thing keeping me from collapsing into a puddle of tired emotions. I certainly didn’t need the whole bottle. I feel a little tipsy just from a couple of glasses.I take a sip and let out a long sigh. “I can’t believe how close I came to dying today,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. “Ashlyn is... I don’t even have words for how crazy she is.”Lisa nods, her eyes wide. “I never liked or trusted her. She always had this... vibe, you know? But I never thought it would come to this. I mean, shooting you? It’s next level stalker crazy.”“Tell me about it,” I mutter, shaking my head. “I’m so grateful to be alive. If it weren’t for Jayden...” I trail off… what he did hitting me all over again.“Yeah, Jayden,” Lisa says, a look of amazement crossing her face. “He took a bullet for you, Winona. Without even thinking about it. That man is still all about you.”I look down at my
(Winona)Early the next morning, I kiss Abby on the forehead while she’s still sleeping and head to the hospital. It hasn’t been 24 hours yet, but I want to be there in case there’s any change.My broken sleep had me waking several times from dreams of Jayden’s breathing stopping while I visited. The relief when I realized it was only a dream each time had me on a rollercoaster.But my exhausted body did still get some sleep. I’ve almost forgotten how to move around my house normally. Not having everything monitored is great but I think it will take some getting used to.I feel the rush of the cold morning air hit my face and breathe it in.This is the first time I’ve been out alone for weeks. Freedom is not something I’ll ever take for granted again. I’ll come back and get Abby later when I know I can go in with Jayden.Today I’m headed into the day keeping positive. Jayden will get through this. He will. I’ll do whatever it takes to get him back to whatever level of health he can re
(Judy)I sit in the hotel room, staring at my reflection in the bathroom mirror. My hair is disheveled, my eyes red and puffy from lack of sleep and the constant stream of tears. Jayden, my son, my only child, lies in a hospital bed fighting for his life.For once, I feel utterly powerless. I turn on the shower, letting the steam fill the room, and step under the hot water, hoping it will wash away some of the guilt and fear clinging to me.Winona. The name has been a thorn in my side for so long. I’ve never wanted her with Jayden, always believing she wasn’t good enough for him. But now, seeing the way he was willing to give up his life for her during the recent shooting, I’m forced to reevaluate everything.He loves her deeply, and it’s a love that’s unshakeable. As much as it pains me to admit it, perhaps I’ve been wrong. My heart softens a little when I think of Abby, my granddaughter. She’s a bright light in this darkness, and I can’t deny the bond I feel with her. Maybe, just
(Winona)I stand just outside the intensive care unit near Jayden’s door, my heart pounding. There’s a small window but I can’t see him from the position of his bed. I look up the corridor and see Dr. Green approaching, his face serious but his eyes show the kindness he always has.“Winona,” he says, stopping in front of me. “Jayden’s stabilized enough for you to go in, but it’s crucial that he remains in a quiet and stable environment. No drama or excitement, which is why we’re only allowing one visitor at a time.”I nod, my throat tight with emotion. “Thank you, Dr. Green. I understand.”My heart soars that I can be with him. I’m not letting him go again. No matter what.“He’ll stay under medication for an induced coma for a few more days,” he continues. “But if things continue to improve today, I may allow Abby to visit briefly with you later on today. I can’t see how having his daughter in there can set him back.”“Okay,” I say with a small smile. “Thank you.”He gives me a reassu
(Winona)“You can go in now,” I prompt Judy who’s still staring at the door.“Okay, yes,” she answers, her voice steady. She passes me, moving quickly but carefully, like she’s afraid any sudden movement might break him.I sit on the seat outside the room and take out my cell phone to make a call to Anne about bringing Abby here after school. Suddenly I hear alarms coming from Jayden’s room. What the actual hell? My heart leaps into my throat as I see the medical team rushing toward Jayden’s door. I jump up but they block me from going in.“Sorry, no one in the room right now.”Judy is ushered out a few seconds later, looking distraught.“What happened?” I ask Judy, my voice cracking with worry.“I…I don’t know. I just touched his face and told him I was there, and I loved him. Then everything went off at once.”“Oh God. I hope he’s going to be okay.” I squeeze my hands together.I wait helplessly as they work on him, my mind racing with awful possibilities. Dr. Green arrives, his fa
(Jayden)It’s been a few days now, I think, and I’m floating in this haze, caught between the world of the living and the depths of my mind. I can’t move, can’t speak, but I can hear Winona’s voice, a lifeline pulling me toward the surface.Her voice is my anchor, keeping me grounded.Every day, Winona sits beside me, her words like a soothing balm to my soul. I hear her telling me about Abby, how she brings her in for an hour each day.Her voice is filled with love and excitement, painting a picture of a future I desperately want to be a part of.“Jayden, Abby is doing so well. She’s been so brave. I can’t wait for you to see her again. We’re planning a little surprise for you when you wake up.”Her words are like a melody, each note striking a chord deep within me, echoing through the fog in my mind. I want to reach out, to hold her, to tell her I’m still here, fighting to come back to them.She tells me about Phillip, how he’s finally moved out and is ready to sign himself off Abby
(Winona)The dining table feels more like a boardroom today. Jayden’s laptop is open, his notes meticulously organized. Anne sits beside him, her ever-calm presence keeping us in check.I’m across from them, sipping coffee like it’s a lifeline. I’m nervous and nowhere near as organized as Jayden looks.“Anyone think you’re vetting the CEO of Nexus Global,” I say, glancing at Jayden’s neatly printed spreadsheets. “Just as important,” he counters, tapping his pen against the table. “This person is going to live here, help raise our kids, and be part of our lives. I’m not leaving this to chance.” “Fair,” I admit, “but this can’t be about just what’s on paper. It has to feel like the right match.” Anne brings some crackers over. “We’ll find someone and I’m quite happy to keep doing it until we do. Don’t feel pressured to choose today.”“Anne, you need a life. You’ll always be a part of this family, the kid’s Nanny Anne. But I want you to be able to have a grandmother role, not a primar
(Lisa)The sound of kids laughing and fighting all at once is a special kind of chaos. Not loud enough to make me need earplugs but constant enough to make me question why anyone willingly signs up for this parenting gig. I’m sitting at the farmhouse kitchen table, nursing a mug of herbal tea—because Winona says it’s for relaxation, apparently—while Winona navigates the madness with calm efficiency. Tastes like I’m drinking fresh-cut grass. Eww.“Sarah, put the scissors down before someone loses an eyebrow!” Winona shouts from the stove, where she’s flipping breakfast pancakes with one hand and holding Henry on her hip with the other. Jayden strolls in, looking half-asleep but still managing to make kissing her cheek seem like the most romantic move in the world. He grabs Henry and tosses him in the air, making the toddler squeal with laughter. “Morning,” Jayden says to me, his voice a deep rumble that doesn’t match the little boy giggling in his arms. “You sleep okay?” “Like the
(Jayden)I rub my thumb over her knuckles. “We’ll make it work. We always do.” I want that to be the truth. More than anything. She nods, but I can tell something else is bothering her. “I won’t spend more than one night away from the kids while you’re gone,” she says, like she’s trying to convince herself more than me. I smile, though I know that promise is going to be harder to keep than she thinks. “I appreciate that. But Winona... you have to be prepared for when you have to choose business over family sometimes. It’s going to happen, and it’s not going to feel great.” Her shoulders stiffen slightly. “I can balance it, Jayden. I’ve been doing it already.” I exhale, running a hand through my hair. “I know you have, but it’s going to get harder. Board meetings, investors, expansion plans—they don’t wait for soccer practice or bedtime stories.” She crosses her arms, and there it is—that little flash of defensiveness I knew would come. “I know that. I’m not naive. But I’m not ab
(Jayden)Winona stands at the kitchen counter, scrolling through her phone while absently stirring her tea. Her brows furrow slightly, lips pursed in that way that tells me she’s already a million miles into business mode. I used to love that look when we were at Brennan Industries together. Seems a lifetime ago now.I lean against the doorframe, watching her for a moment before stepping closer. “Thinking about ditching me for a board meeting already?” I tease, pressing a kiss to the side of her head. She huffs a soft laugh, but it’s distracted. “Actually, I was going to ask you some advice.” She sits at the dining table. I grab my coffee and settle across from her. “Shoot.” Winona finally looks up, her eyes searching mine. “I have a couple of big events next week—the board meeting, a dinner with potential investors, and now a charity gala just popped up. It’s a lot, Jayden. I can’t blow off the board or the investors…” “You can’t blow off any of them. Charities are networking an
(Winona)Pulling into the farmhouse driveway, I spot Cass sitting on the porch steps, her duffel bag at her feet. She looks up when Lisa and I step out of the car, a smirk already forming. She gives us a wolf-whistle.“Look at you two,” she calls out. “Business queens in the flesh.” Lisa tugs at her blazer. “Trust me, I’m getting changed right away. What a fucking disaster.” I roll my eyes and stride up to Cass, pulling her into a tight hug. She smells like vanilla and cigarette smoke, a weird combination that somehow suits her. “I’ve missed you, brat sister,” I murmur, holding her for a beat longer than necessary because I know why she’s here and it’s already breaking my heart. Cass pulls back with a grin. “Miss you too, boss sister. Seriously, what’s with the corporate look? You two getting ready to take over the world or what?” “Something like that,” I say, smoothing my blazer. “But I’ll let Lisa fill you in when she’s ready. So, I guess you’re here to say goodbye?” Cass nod
(Winona)Lisa stares out the window, chewing on the corner of her nail—something she only does when she’s about two seconds away from a full-on meltdown.The highway stretches out ahead, I can’t stop thinking about Logan Bennett. Lance’s twin. A walking, talking ghost we never knew existed. I can only imagine how rocked Lisa must feel.I grip the steering wheel. “You good?” Lisa lets out a short laugh, but it’s hollow. “Define ‘good.’ Because if it means questioning my entire reality while also wanting to throw myself into traffic, then yeah. I’m fucking great.” I glance at her. “You’re not throwing yourself into anything except maybe a bath later with a gallon of wine.” “I think any alcohol now might result in me making myself obnoxious. You know how I get.” Lisa stares out her window again.Then she continues talking. “I seriously thought I was hallucinating, Winona. Like, actual delusions. One minute I’m faking my way through this business gig, the next I’m staring at Lance—exc
(Lisa)The lights are too bright, the sheets too crisp, and everything feels weird. I blink slowly, my head pounding. My mouth tastes like I’ve been chewing cotton balls for breakfast. Where the hell am I? Then it hits me. The office. The meeting. Lance. I sit up too fast, and the room spins like I’m on some twisted carnival ride. I feel something in my arm and see an IV. There are monitors and things stuck on me.Shit, I’m in a hospital.A groan slips out before I can stop it, and suddenly there’s a nurse by my side, her face all sympathy and no-nonsense professionalism. “Easy now,” she says, pressing a cool hand to my wrist. “You fainted, remember? You weren’t responsive for a while. But the drip has done its job.” Fainted? Right. That’s what normal people do when they think they’ve seen their dead ex-lover casually standing in a boardroom like it’s just another Tuesday. “Okay... fainted,” I mumble, rubbing my temples. “Great. That’s just... fantastic.” The nurse offers me a
(Jayden)The kids are sprawled across the living room floor, their energy buzzing like they’ve downed three bags of sugar each. Henry’s babbling as he stacks blocks, while Abbey and Sarah argue about whether they should play schools or princesses. Bobby is pretending not to care, phone in hand. Anne is at the shops.It’s noisy and busy, just like normal. I think of Winona and Lisa. I wonder how they are going with the meeting? I pat my pocket, then the other side.“Guys, I left my phone outside on the bench. Try not to kill each other and watch Henry while I go and grab it.”They all look at me and nod and keep doing what they are doing. Henry seems taken with his blocks, so I whip out through the kitchen and out the back door.I see I’ve missed a call and she’s left a message. I scoop up my phone and head back inside to listen to the message. I won’t call back yet, they may be in the meeting still.I hurry back in and check out the kids. No one has moved. Great. I listen to the mes
(Mia)Gus walks through the living room slowly, his gaze flicking over the ornate furnishings, the heavy curtains, the marble-topped tables.His fingers trail along the edge of a sideboard, and for a moment, he looks lost in thought. “You okay?” He glances at me. “It’s strange being here without her and having all her stuff still here. I’ll see that it’s all collected. There’s some valuable pieces here.” “Judy’s gone,” I say bluntly, shrugging my shoulders. “You’ll have to get used to it. This place is part of Brennan Industries now, I believe.” His mouth tightens, and he doesn’t respond. Instead, he turns his attention to the window, looking out at the street below. I don’t know what he’s thinking, and honestly, I don’t care.Gus being here isn’t my concern—what he wants is. I know he says he’s here to pick up Mama, but that doesn’t fool me.“You didn’t come here to reminisce,” I say. “What do you want?” He turns back to me, his eyes narrowing slightly. “I want to know where y