(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
(Winona)The past week has been a whirlwind of emotions. Jayden’s recovery is progressing well, and he’s now able to sit up and has taken a few steps on his own. He’s been allowed to go home to continue his recovery.This should be a time of joy and relief, but I feel a knot of anxiety in my stomach.I glance at the invitation in my hand, my heart sinking. “Engagement Party for Jayden and Winona!” it reads in bold letters. My stomach churns. Anne gave it to me. I knew nothing about this party.I find Jayden in the living room, talking animatedly with Lance. He looks up, smiling when he sees me, but his smile fades when he notices the look on my face.“Winona, what’s wrong?” he asks, his eyebrow raised.I hold up the invitation, my hand trembling. “What’s this, Jayden? An engagement party? You didn’t even ask me!”Lance awkwardly excuses himself, sensing the tension. Jayden’s expression shifts from concern to frustration. “I thought it would be a nice surprise. I wanted to celebrate us
(Winona)It’s been a few days since the engagement party fiasco, and while things have calmed down between Jayden and me, there’s still a lingering tension. Today, I’m heading over to my townhouse to pick up some things. I’ve been staying at the penthouse while Jayden needs extra care. He is meeting me here later to help load Anne’s boxes into the trailer.Abby is with Anne, and I’m hoping to have a quiet moment to myself. Anne is almost packed up and she’s saying goodbye to Abby over lunch and explaining that she will be back.It’s going to be strange without Anne here, but I’ll manage. Actually, being able to cope with school, Abby’s needs and my career is something I’m looking forward to. To prove I can do it. I’ll miss Anne to bits but I’m glad she’s taking in Bobby and Sarah. I hope to rebuild my relationship with those two kids as well.My deadbeat father has a lot to answer for. I hope he stays out of my life now and out of any kids' lives.As I walk through my front door, I
(Winona)I’m actually not sure Jayden and I can live together long term. We are very different in fundamental things. Like, I cook and clean for myself, and he has a whole array of staff for everyday things.He never got why I wanted my career because he had more money than we could ever need.As I move around my living room, I think back on my time working and being friends— well I guess more than friends— with Phillip. It was always so easy with him in understanding me and my needs.He communicated even when we weren’t even in a proper, committed relationship. He got what being friends or a couple is about. That level of respect for someone else’s opinion without it ever having to be said.If I could have that with Jayden, things would be near perfect. But Perfection is not something to strive for. It’s a thing we believe exists, but I’m not sure it does.I look at Jayden unpacking a box he’s packed and notice his expression shift. He looks like he’s about to say something but hesi
(Winona)Jayden’s recovery has been steady, and we are very thankful. While it hasn’t been all smooth sailing trying to navigate each other and our different outlook on life, there have also been wonderful times for us as a family.It’s the weekend again already, and we're sitting in my kitchen, discussing what comes next. Abby is drawing at the table, completely engrossed in her latest masterpiece, her little tongue poking out in concentration.Jayden takes a deep breath, his fingers tapping lightly on his coffee cup. “I’ve been thinking,” he says, taking a sip of his coffee. “Now that I’m recovered, I want us to start planning our future. Together.”“I think your recovery is still in progress. Don’t push too hard,” I say, eyeing him with concern. His face shows the strain of the last few weeks, though he tries to hide it.“I’m not walking around on eggshells being incapacitated. I need to get back to building Brennan Industries,” he replies, his tone resolute as he straightens up in
(Winona)Gordon Brown arrives at the house the next day with Jayden. “I asked Jayden to meet me here. It’s information about Ashlyn that concerns you both.” I offer him coffee, and we sit in the living room. His expression is serious, and I brace myself for the news he’s about to deliver.“Winona, the update on Ashlyn,” Gordon begins, taking a sip of his coffee. “She won’t be tried for attempted murder.”My heart sinks. “What do you mean? After everything she did?”Gordon nods, his face is grave. “She’s been deemed mentally incompetent. She’ll be going into a facility for offenders who need psychiatric help.”I take a deep breath, trying to process this information. I kind of get it. I mean, Ashlyn does need serious help. “So, she’s just... getting away with it really. But I know she really isn’t mentally competent. I wonder if she ever has been really.”“Not exactly getting away with it,” Gordon says, leaning forward. “She’ll be in a secure facility, getting the help she needs for
(Winona)The next day, Judy is visiting to spend some time with Abby after picking her up from preschool for me. I’m in the kitchen preparing some snacks while Judy and Abby are in the living room chatting.Judy’s laughter and Abby’s giggles fill the air, creating a seemingly perfect picture of family harmony.As I bring out a tray of snacks, Judy looks up and smiles. “Thank you, Winona. Abby, look at these delicious treats your mom made for us.”Abby grins. “Thanks, Mommy! Yum!”“You’re welcome, Sweety,” I say, admiring her work. “Go wash up before you eat.”Abby runs to the bathroom.Judy takes a seat next to me, her expression turning more serious. “Winona, can we talk for a moment?”I nod. “Of course, Judy. What’s on your mind?”She lowers her voice. “I’ve been worried about Jayden. Have you noticed how volatile he’s been lately?”“Look, with all due respect, Judy. You did almost have him killed while you were trying to kill me. I think he deserves to be volatile, and more.”“Poin
(Jayden)Winona’s phone buzzes against the table. She glances at the screen, mutters something, and pushes up from her seat. “Vault,” she says looking at me, already heading out to the terrace. I nod at Winona and give her a smile.“Jayden, the media shoot will go a long way to help turn public perception. Sorry we had to blow up your family time…” Sofia says with a smile. “But can I just say, those kids are adorable, and you guys really seem to have your shit sorted as a family.”“At least we have that perception down solid.” I grin at her. “Trust me, it feels the exact opposite sometimes. I appreciate you saying that, Sofia. We’ve worked hard to keep it real for the kids.”“And sacrificed a lot,” Astrid states.“There’s been a lot of changes, for sure. All worth it.”“Maybe we should do a segment on the kids. I know you adopted Bobby and Sarah… and Winona adopted Henry?”“Are you trying to get me killed? There’s no way Winona will ever go for an exposé on our kids, and neither wou
(Winona)The kids are out cold, completely wrecked from a full day of running, climbing, eating junk food, and making a mess of the suite. River and Kit have been off-duty since we got back from our day until we fly out tomorrow night.My muscles are really feeling sore right now. I make mental note to get more strength training sessions in. Maybe I better get out of the gym and do more outdoor activities. I loved the rock-climbing wall.I place the green salad on the table next to the warmed flatbreads. Jayden and I are hosting Astrid and Sofia for a late dinner. A bit of a debrief on the media situation and a friendly catch up outside of work. I’m looking forward to it but also a little nervous about being in close proximity to Astrid.She is very straightforward, and she doesn’t flinch at stating things how they are. Something I always appreciated about her even though at first it was a little jarring. So far, so good though. Jayden places the char-grilled meats and vegetable pl
(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