(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)I'm still sitting beside Jayden, my heart finally starting to believe he’s going to pull through. Dr. Green stands at the foot of the bed, his expression one of cautious optimism.“Jayden’s showing good signs of recovery, but he still needs to rest and not overdo it,” Dr. Green advises, his tone serious but hopeful.I nod, gripping Jayden’s hand gently, feeling the warmth of his skin against mine. It’s a small reassurance that he’s still here with me. “I understand, Doctor. We’ll make sure he takes it easy.”Dr. Green glances at his chart before looking back at us. “If you want visitors, we can arrange that, but let’s keep it to a minimum for now. You’ll be moved from intensive care in a couple of days if everything continues to go well.”Jayden frowns at the mention of visitors. “I don’t want any visitors right now except Winona and Abby.”I’m surprised by his response, and I can see that Dr. Green notices too. “Alright, Jayden. It’s your choice. We’ll make sure you have the
(Jayden)The next day, Winona brings Abby back to the hospital to see me. I can't describe the feeling of actually seeing my little girl again, not just hearing her. The pure joy in her eyes as she runs over to me.“Daddy!” Abby’s voice is filled with excitement as she hops onto the bed, careful not to disturb any of the tubes or monitors. “You’re awake!”“Hey there, princess,” I say, my voice hoarse but full of love. “I missed seeing you so much.”Winona stands nearby, her eyes soft as she watches us. “She’s been so excited to talk to you.”I manage a weak smile. “Me too. It’s so good.”Abby cuddles up next to me, her small hand gripping mine.As Abby chatters away about her latest adventures, I find myself feeling grateful. This is what I’m fighting for—a future with my family.Abby talks about her drawings and the fun she’s having with Nanny Anne and Grandma Judy. “Mommy and I made cookies yesterday. I saved some for you, Daddy. But then I ate them because I thought you wouldn’t ge
(Jayden)Henry is in his highchair, making a complete mess of himself with mustard and ketchup. Bobby and Sarah are locked in a dramatic debate over whether onions belong on hot dogs, while Abby is curled up between us singing the song on the movie. Winona leans over to me, her body warm against mine.I tighten my arm around her. “We’re okay? Yes?” She hesitates. “Yes, we’re just fine. Sorry I get in my head so much with feelings.” “Sorry I don’t get in mine enough with your feelings.”She smiles back at me and I’m glad we just get each other these days. “But what about sleep? Are you getting enough?” I’m really asking if Winona is still having the nightmares about the baby crying…“Mostly.”“So you still having them, huh?”“It’s been better with Vault to focus on. Staying busy.”“If you need to get to the point of exhaustion before you can sleep soundly, that isn’t good long term.”She leans over and kisses me. “I’m okay. I promise. It’s getting better. Let’s not ruin the fun ni
(Jayden)Henry shrieks in delight as the bucket tips over, drenching him in a torrent of water that would terrify most kids his age. His little hands slap the wet surface, his laugh infectious as Sarah and Abby cheer him on. “I told you he’d love it,” Bobby calls from the climbing ropes, shaking his head as he swings across to the next section. “He’s used to the hose at home.”“I’m not sure you and your little brother are safe together.” I laugh and Bobby climbs higher. This is a fantastic kids park, it has everything and not just for kids. Winona and I have given them a run for their money today.Kit chuckles beside me. “Gotta admit, the kid’s fearless.” “No argument there,” I say, keeping a watchful eye on Henry as he wobbles through the shallow splash area, River close behind. It’s been a perfect day—the kind we don’t get nearly enough of. No meetings, no deadlines, no PR disasters. Just us. The family. All playing and having loads of fun. The film crew is here, but they’ve don
(Winona)Sofia’s voice cues the next topic. “You’ve both had demanding careers. How do you make sure the kids come first?” I shift, pushing my sunglasses up onto my head. “We make it work by making sure that when we are together, we are fully present. No distractions.” Jayden smirks. “Well, most of the time. There’s always the occasional emergency.” “Business emergencies are one thing. But the kids know they’re our priority. They always come first,” I say.Bobby speaks up. “We have a family video call every night, before bed. We never miss it. No matter where we are.” I nod. “That’s right. And this is our first family trip but not our last. The kids have chores. Bobby gets out in the garden and he’s great at landscape design. We just find ways to drown out the negative white noise with positive family energy.”The day finally comes to an end and cameras capture it all. The smiles, the laughter, the easy dynamic we’ve spent years building. I’m proud of us. Sofia was right. This was
(Winona)The sun blazes down, the sky a perfect, uninterrupted blue as we step onto the deck of the yacht. Dubai’s skyline looms behind us, glass towers gleaming in the heat, the water an impossible shade of turquoise. The cameras are already set up, discreet but ever-present. A carefully curated glimpse into the life of a family that—on paper—has it all. Jayden shakes hands with the producer, exchanging pleasantries, while I shift Henry on my hip, forcing a smile. I see Sofia Fernandez, Nexus Global’s Head of Public Relations. I’m a little relieved to see a familiar face and someone I bonded with in Brussels. Then behind her I see Astrid Koenig. I stiffen slightly at the blank expression but that’s just Astrid. Sofia comes straight in with a huge smile and hug for me.As I hug her back, I see Astrid approach Jayden. She’s not a hugger but she does touch his hand and eyeball him while giving a definite nod. He smiles back like he’s not trying to smile. I can tell she likes him.A w
(Winona)Dubai is breathtaking. The resort is pure indulgence—pristine beaches, towering glass buildings, the smell of salt and luxury in the air. The kids are all fed and crashed in bed and Jayden has arranged a late dinner for us.Dinner is set on the resort rooftop, candles flickering against the warm night breeze, the city stretching out beneath us in a blanket of gold lights.Jayden reaches for my hand across the table. “It’s nice, isn’t it? Us, here. Without work hanging over our heads. Our family all together. I’ve missed the kids so much.”I smile, but it’s not quite real. I’m trying to forget earlier. “The kids?”“And you as well, that goes without saying.”“Does it?”He studies me. “You okay?”“Not really. But I will be. It’s been hectic and I so looked forward to being here,” I say, “ without the media.”“I can guarantee you there’s no media or cameras clicking tonight. I made sure we had absolute privacy.” “We may as well get to the first of the herd of elephants in the r
(Winona)The airport is a swirling mass of bodies, luggage, and barely controlled chaos. Some flights have been cancelled because of the weather, and I just hope ours is not one of them.I refused the private jet as I want the kids to see how the majority of people travel. We’re still business class but even that lounge is backed up right now.Sarah is not one for big crowds, so she’s on edge. I’m trying to stay calm to show her it’s okay and we can cope with this.“When will we get there?” she asks for the tenth time. Bobby groans loudly beside me. “Sarah, we’re not even on the plane yet. Stop asking dumb questions.” “Don’t be mean,” I chide, shifting Henry higher on my hip. He’s already getting restless, his little hands grabbing at my necklace. I just hope he doesn’t need another diaper change anytime soon.River chuckles, adjusting her backpack. “Gonna be a long flight, I think.” Kit smirks. “Oh yeah. Definitely. But it’s just energy in here. The kids pick up on it.” Sarah pou
(Mia)The ink is barely dry on the new contract, Ana has let half her shares come to me, another step closer to control of Brennan Industries. I should feel satisfied.Instead, my skin crawls. Because I know what’s coming. I try to ignore the feeling of dread as I step into the underground parking garage, but it’s useless. The moment I see them—two of his men, stationed by a sleek black sedan—I know. I school my features, walking toward them with measured steps. They don’t speak, just open the door. I slide inside, the door clicks shut, and he is sitting across from me. Don Alejandro, watching me with the patience of a man who has spent his entire life winning wars that no one even knew he started. He doesn’t speak right away. Just lets the silence press down on me like a vice, his eyes sharp, assessing. Then, finally, he sighs. “You have been busy, mi princesa.” I don’t flinch. “Securing my future.” His head tilts slightly, amusement flickering in his gaze. He lets the silence
(Winona)Henry’s screams are relentless. His face is red, tiny fists flailing as he buries his head into my shoulder, but nothing I do settles him. His little body is warm, his exhaustion radiating into mine. So much for a relaxing Saturday at home with only one business call.Bobby is circling the kitchen, pushing the stroller towards me like a man on a mission. “This usually works,” he offers.We lay Henry in there and it doesn’t help. Bobby pushes him towards the kitchen door to head outside. But Henry isn’t settling, and I can tell he won’t. I call Bobby back. No point us both being deafened.At least Sarah and Abbey are happy outside, shrieking in delight over whatever game they’ve invented. Kit and River are off for the day, finally getting some time to set up their home. Anne’s out of state. I’m alone. Henry wails louder, his little face blotchy with frustration, arms flailing as I take him from Bobby’s arms.“Alright, baby. What is it?” I bounce him gently, pressing his da
(Lisa)The office is too big. Too polished. Too… corporate. I drop into the massive leather chair behind my desk and glare at the sheer size of the space. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a sweeping view of the city, the kind of view people kill for.It’s ridiculous. How is this my life now? Howe is there any money left for the actual charities when I have an office like this. It seems top heavy. Something I’d like to change. I’m not sure Logan will agree.A week ago, I wasn’t even sure I could do this. Now, here I am—CEO, handling meetings, locking in funding, making things happen. And for the first time in my life, I’m actually working for something.Not just existing, floating from party to party, living off old money and good genes. I should feel on top of the world. I do, in many ways.But exhaustion drags at my bones. I’m not sure this is sustainable for me. Or maybe I will get used to it. I don’t know.My body isn’t my own anymore, and I know why. But I won’t say it. Won