(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
(Judy)The news of Ashlyn’s commitment to a high-security mental health facility had come as no surprise to me. After all, I was the one who had put the wheels in motion, ensuring that Ashlyn would be deemed unfit for trial.Knowing that her chaotic presence is now contained, though not entirely neutralized, is great because I still need her long-term.My thoughts drift back to the day Ashlyn shot Jayden. It was supposed to be Winona in the crosshairs, not my son. I didn’t know he would jump in front of her. I didn’t want to risk his life, just eliminate the thorn in my side, Winona.I grip my teacup tightly, pushing the guilt away. Jayden survived, again, and that’s what matters. Now, I need to play my part to perfection no matter how long it takes. Winning Winona’s trust is crucial if I’m going to get what I want—Jayden and Abby all to myself.I’ve invited Winona and Abby over today. My staff answers the door and Winona greets me with a guarded expression when she enters my sitting