(Ashlyn) I sit on the edge of my narrow bed, the cold, sterile walls of the facility pressing in on me. The room is small, with nothing more than a bed, a table, and a chair. It’s a far cry from the luxury I was used to, but it’s fitting. I don’t deserve anything better. Not after everything I’ve done.The silence here is deafening in its way, but it gives me time to think, to reflect on everything that’s led me to this point. I’ve spent countless hours replaying the past in my mind, dissecting every action, every decision, every hurtful word.I’ve talked to my psychiatrist and, more importantly, listened.And I’ve come to realize just how wrong I was. How wrong Judy is.About everything.But it’s not just the talks and the thinking, there’s a higher power at play here. Now I know there’s something out there bigger than all of us, it was easy to accept responsibility. Easy for me to want to be a better person.When I think about Winona and Jayden, there’s a knot of guilt that tigh
(Winona)We check into the best hotel in the city.I don’t belong here wasting money while others are suffering. I don’t deserve it.Jayden is busy at the front desk, handling the details, but my mind is back at that house. The contrast between this opulence and the place I grew up in is too much. How do I reconcile these two worlds?How do I accept that I’m living in one and ignoring the other?When Jayden comes back with the electronic room key, I can’t help but voice what’s on my mind. “This place is over the top, Jayden. We don’t need all this. It’s… unnecessary.”He looks at me, his expression softening. “You’ve been triggered. We’ll stick a pin in this for now and talk about it in therapy.”Is he being understanding or patronizing? We take the elevator up to our suite in silence, the plush carpet underfoot almost mocking the rough, cold floors of my past.When we step into the room, it’s as luxurious as expected—huge windows with a view of the city. A bed that looks like it cou
(Jayden)As we head towards the hotel parking lot, Winona suddenly stops in her tracks. “We can’t take that car where we’re going,” she says, her voice low but firm.I glance at the sleek, black luxury sedan we rented. She’s probably right. It stuck out like a dog's balls at Winona’s old house.“Okay,” I say, pulling out my phone. “Let me make another call.”I dial my head of security, Gunner, who’s used to handling all kinds of situations. The man’s ex-military, special services. If there’s anyone I trust to get us what we need right now, it’s him.“Mr. Brennan,” Gunner answers on the first ring. Always professional, always on point.“Gunner, I need security. And a car that won’t get us killed or robbed. Something that blends in where we’re going. We need protection—people who aren’t afraid to use force if necessary. I’ll send you the location.”There’s a brief pause before Gunner responds. “Understood, sir. I’ll arrange everything. Give me thirty minutes.”“It’s urgent.”“Consider i
(Jayden)Before he can finish, Winona’s hand shoots out, grabbing his wrist and twisting it hard.The guy yelps in pain, dropping to one knee, and Winona doesn’t hesitate. She delivers a swift kick to his side, sending him sprawling onto the pavement.Then finishes it off with a smash to his balls.The three of us men in the SUV all wince.“Don’t fuck with me. She comin’ home now!” Winona pulls a pistol out of her jeans pocket. “Any you other fuckers want to mess with this mamma and get your brains spread over the footpath? Go right ahead.”I’m stunned. When the fuck did she get a gun?I’ve never seen this side of Winona before, and it’s a shock to realize just how capable she is of defending herself. She doesn’t even flinch, her focus entirely on Cass as she holds the gun steady towards the other men.Cass takes a step back, her eyes wide as she stares at Winona. “What the hell?”“Get in the car. Now!” Winona says, her tone leaving no room for argument. “Don’t make me beat your ass.”
(Winona) Back in the old house, Jayden steps outside to make a call, leaving me alone with my mom and Cass.“Mom, you need to pack what you need for a few nights. We’re getting you and Cass out until the coast is clear.”Mom hesitates, her hand lingering on the worn armrest of the couch. “This is my home, Winona. The only thing I have that’s mine.”“It’s dangerous right now, Mom. You know what can happen if they come here...”Mom nods. “What were you doing, Cass? You’re usually not that reckless.”“I’m sorry. I didn’t think she was going to turn up and go all gangsta on me.” Cass says and puts her arm around Mom. “I shouldn’t have run out on you like that.”“It’s okay, Cass. It was a lot to take in. But it’s better you know the truth.”“I’m pissed that you had to be that person. It isn’t you, Mom. You know that don’t you?”Mom smiles and brushes her hand down Cass’s arm. “I left all that in the past the day I knew you survived cold turkey. I barely survived it. I knew then I’d give y
(Winona)I go to her and hold her now and we sob together. I finally got it. Why she never could leave and why she never contacted me after I was taken away. She made the ultimate sacrifice so I would go on to have a bright future.I think of Abby and I know I’d do nothing less for her if I had to.Just then, Jayden steps back inside, and I can see his expression and I know he’s heard. “I swear that slug is going to get what he deserves one day.”His hatred for Steve evident.“I wish he was dead,” Mom says quietly, her voice shaking. “But I’m grateful he never came back here. I’m grateful he left you alone.”“Not exactly. He’s been in our lives recently, remember? He’s the one who told me he’d left you almost here and pregnant. I wasn’t sure what I’d find here, or if either of you survived, but I’m so glad. He’s actually done me a favor.”“My short-term memory is a little shot. So many years of drug abuse took its toll.”“It doesn’t matter. He’s gone now. I don’t think he’ll be back.”
(Winona)I drive us across the city in a cheap hire car, away from the grime, decay and horrid memories that defined so much of my childhood. The hotel we check into isn’t luxurious by Jayden’s standards, but it’s clean and comfortable.Far better than anything Mom and Cass have experienced ever. I chose it carefully—something that wouldn’t overwhelm them but would still offer them a taste of security and comfort.As we step into the small lobby, I can see Cass looking around, her expression staid. Mom is quiet, her eyes darting nervously from one side of the lobby to the other.“It’s very nice,” Mom says softly, almost like she’s afraid to jinx it by speaking too loudly. “Thank you, Winona.”I nod, giving her a reassuring smile. “It’s a place to rest. We’ll be safe here.”Jayden handles the check-in process, his usual confidence on full display, but I can sense something different in him. He’s quieter than usual.Maybe this whole experience has him rattled. Maybe he doesn’t think he
(Jayden)The flight back home is uneventful, but my mind is anything but. I can’t stop thinking about Winona and what she’s dealing with. But even more than that, I can’t stop thinking about Ashlyn’s message.There’s no denying it was from her—the safe word confirmed that. But why now? Why after everything? I can’t be certain she’s being honest about still being pregnant. That could be a ploy to con me back into being with her.I know one thing for sure. I’m not going to see her without Winona. If Ashlyn can’t accept that, then I won’t be seeing her at all.I head straight to my office as soon as I land, the familiar surroundings doing little to ease my tension. I need answers, and I need them fast. I need a shower. I need some food.But first, I need to know if there’s anything legal stopping me from seeing Ashlyn.I call Daniel, my lawyer, and he picks up on the second ring. “Jayden, what can I do for you?”“Is it okay for me to visit Ashlyn?” I say, cutting straight to the point. “
(Winona)The soft cry of a baby envelopes me. At first, it’s faint, like it’s coming from another room. Then it grows louder, more insistent. I’m fumbling, trying to pinpoint the direction, but I can’t find it. My hands press against empty air, the cries getting louder. I’m coming, baby. I’m coming. I wake with a gasp, my chest so tight I can’t draw a breath back in. My hands grip the sheets. It’s like I’ve been running. But I’m in bed. My bed.I look over and see Jayden isn’t beside me. But bright sun is coming through the window. I must have slept late.The room is still. I finally suck a breath into my lungs. No baby crying. No baby to find. No baby.The realization twists. I sit up, forcing myself to breathe slowly, deliberately. “It’s just a dream,” I whisper, running a hand through my hair. “Just a stupid dream.” ***After dressing in a loose shirt and jeans, I decide to head downstairs. The scent of coffee and toast wafts up, warm and inviting. I can hear the kids’ chat
(Cass)I stride through the penthouse, my stiletto heels clicking against the marble floor with purpose.I know I look good—stunning, actually. This dress hugs every curve just right, and the deep emerald green makes my eyes pop.Tonight is about reminding myself that I have a feminine side and I’m not afraid to use it. Gabriel may have been part of my past, but I’m going to show him just how irresistible the present me is. But as I head towards the elevator, Viktor steps out, his tall frame filling the space and his expression hard as stone. He crosses his arms and plants himself directly in front of the doors. “Ready for your date then??” he asks, his voice low, almost a growl. “You know I am,” I reply, refusing to let him intimidate me. “Unless you plan to stand there all night.” His eyes rake over me, lingering just a second too long on the neckline of my dress before snapping back to my face. “You’re really going out with Gabriel.” It’s not a question. “Yes, I am.” I tilt my
(Jayden)I find her on her laptop. “How are you really feeling?” I ask, standing by the edge of the bed. She looks up, her eyes softening. “Tired, but okay. It’s good to be home. That makes me feel one thousand percent better. You’ve got that look.”“What look?” I ask, kicking off my shoes and stripping down to my boxers.“The one that says you’ve got something weighing on you,” she replies, her tone softer now.I sigh, running a hand through my hair and sit on the edge of the bed. “It’s Cass. She’s in danger, Winona. Real danger.”Winona shifts, her eyes narrowing with concern. “What kind of danger? How?”“Don Alejandro, he hasn’t been arrested. He’s gone underground and he’s still calling the shots,” I say, my voice low.“But Cass has nothing to do with him, or Mia anymore. Gus cleared her of anything drug-related. How can she be in danger?”“Cass went to her old apartment. To clear it up. Trying to make a clean slate, I think. While she was there, they turned up.”“Who?”“Mia fir
(Jayden)“Daddy’s home!” Abbey squeals, her feet thundering across the wooden floor towards me. I barely have time to drop my briefcase before she launches herself at me. I scoop her up, spinning her in a slow circle while she giggles wildly. “Hey, princess,” I say, kissing her cheek. “Did you miss me?” She nods, curls bouncing. “Missed you so much! Mommy’s upstairs. She said you were bringing Henry back, but you didn’t. Where is he?” “Henry’s asleep in the car,” I explain, setting her down. “I’ll grab him in a minute. I had to get my Abbey hug first.” Bobby appears in the doorway, leaning casually against the frame like he’s auditioning for a teen drama. “Dinner’s almost ready. Sarah and I are making sure everything’s perfect for Mom. We’re making up trays.” “That so?” I ruffle his hair, and he swats my hand away with a grin. “Good work, kid. You’re the man of the house when I’m not here, right?” “Obviously,” he says, puffing his chest out. “This place would fall apart without
(Mia)“You know what, Gabriel?” I say, my voice sharp. “Maybe you’re not as noble as you want everyone to believe. You think I don’t see what you’re doing? You’re not trying to protect this family. You’re trying to control it.”He narrows his eyes. “What are you talking about?”“Don’t play dumb,” I snap. “You just want Brennan Industries for yourself. That’s what this is really about, isn’t it? Turning Ana and Eva against me so they’ll sell to you.”“That’s ridiculous,” Gabriel retorts, his tone cold. “I’m protecting the company from you. You’ve already proven you can’t be trusted. Someone has to safeguard what Papá built.”“What Papa started,” I say, crossing my arms. “That company was built by Judy Brennan. Our father was an awful businessman. But he loved us, all of us. Don’t forget, Gabriel, we all share the same blood. The same father. We all deserve to benefit from the legacy, not just you.”Ana shifts uncomfortably, her eyes darting between us. “Mía, it’s not about taking sides
(Mia)The townhouse is spotless. Every vase, every gold fixture, every inch of marble gleams under the crystal chandelier’s glow. I’ve made sure of it, not for me, but for them. My family is coming, and I know the judgment in their eyes will be as sharp as their words. They will think I don’t belong here. Such luxury and display of wealth is unbecoming. I should be more humble. Show more gratitude and grace.I don’t care. I do belong here. All I want is for mother to love and respect me as a woman. Not to always see me as her baby girl who needs constant mothering.I straighten the throw pillows for the third time, my nerves simmering beneath my skin. When the doorbell rings, I force my shoulders back and my face into a practiced smile. “Come in,” I say as I open the door. Mama steps in first, her dark eyes scanning the room like she’s searching for something to scold me about. Behind her, Ana and Eva follow, their expressions less obvious but no less guarded. Gabriel brings up
(Winona)“Winona,” he says, walking over to kiss my temple. “Welcome home. It feels so good here, right?”“You feel it too?” That makes me happy. Knowing Jayden feels the same vibe the kids and I do in this place.“You chose perfectly. I’m heading out for a meeting with Gus and Viktor. Figured I’d take Henry with me. He can nap in the car. If that’s okay with you? Is Henry being with Gus okay?” I nod. “Gus visited me, and we sorted some stuff. It’s fine with me if it’s fine with you.”He kisses my lips and whispers in my ear, “I can’t wait to snuggle with you tonight. I have missed you so, so much after dinner time.” He nuzzles my ear.I smile as Henry tries to grab my hair.“Hey, you two, get a room!” Lisa teases.“Oh, we will.” He steps away and Henry reaches for me and I hold his little hand in mine. I’ve missed him so much.“Anyway, I better bounce. Get this Global Nexus stuff done,” Jayden says.“Henry can stay here if it’s easier.”“No need. He’s my right-hand man these days. H
(Winona)The moment I step into the farmhouse, the scent of lavender and woodland spice welcomes me like an old friend. I know it’s one of Klara’s aromatherapy concoctions that I love.Lisa has given me a ride home to save Jayden the trip into the city as he’s here with the kids.The kids are buzzing around like a small tornado, their excitement obvious. It’s a stark contrast to the opulence of Brussels high-end estate or Jayden’s Penthouse here. This place is different. It’s ours. Once I have the renovations done, it will still be luxurious, of course—heated floors, state-of-the-art kitchen, and furnishings you’d see in a design magazine—but not excessive.It’s cozy, warm, and every inch of it feels lived-in. It’s like the cottage in a way. A family home but this place has something the cottage didn’t have. A history in its walls of previous families. It feels like home in a way nowhere else I’ve ever lived has.Even my townhouse, which was perfect for me at the time, pales in com
(Cass)I sit on the couch at Jayden’s penthouse, picking at my nails, while Viktor stands near the window, arms crossed, eyes focused on the city below.His broad shoulders are tense, his entire posture screaming disapproval.I’ve just told him what I overheard in my apartment and he’s acting like I heard it on purpose.“Say it,” I snap, breaking the silence.He turns, his blue eyes icy. “You shouldn’t have gone there alone.”“Tell me why you went there,” he demands, his voice a coiled spring ready to snap. “I didn’t know they’d be there!” I snap, my frustration bubbling to the surface. “I was cleaning up, minding my own business, and then they just… showed up.” “Does anyone else know?” he growls, his accent thickening with his anger. “Did you see anyone on the way in, or out? If he finds out…” “No.” I fire back. “No one else was around. Stop being so dramatic.”“You need to take this seriously,” he says, his voice sharp enough to cut glass. “Don Alejandro is one of the most danger