(Jayden)I made it to the elevator before I had to grab my head from the searing pain now tearing through my mind. Emotions are eating me up from the inside and all I can feel is despair and heartbreak.Miracle baby, miracle baby the words scream around my mind.“Winona! Let me see her. What’s wrong. I swear I’ll rip this fucking place apart if someone doesn’t let me see her.” I’m being held back by two bulky security men. Doctor Green is talking to me calmly. “Mr. Brennan. You cannot come to see her unless you calm down.”I suck in a breath, steel myself to stay calm and shake off the hands gripping my arms. “Alright, alright. Sorry. I just… is Winona going to be okay?”“Mr. Brennan…Jayden…she will be okay in time. Right now, her emotional state is on the edge of breakdown. You need to be strong for her. You need to be calm. You cannot lose it in there like this.”I take another deep breath. “Okay, Doc. I got this. Take me into her, she needs me.”Dr. Green walks me into the ward an
(Winona)“Pup-py”I hear her soft whisper and my heart soars. She’s been asleep since the operation last night and Dr. Green said this was best for her to heal for now. I’m in a small armchair holding Puppy.I must have dozed off despite feeling like I was awake all night. Anne dropped by very early this morning with Abby’s favorite toy, hoped it might help.I open my eyes and see Abby staring back at me. “Puppy,” she whispers and makes slow grabby motions with her fingers.“Abby, sweetheart. Hi.” I say and get up to hand Puppy to her. I lean in to kiss her forehead “Shhh, baby girl. Get some more rest.”“It hurts, Mommy.” Tears rolled down her cherub cheeks. My heart breaks for her. I wish I could wave a magic wand and take all this pain away. I wish I could have the pain for myself and spare Abby.“I know you’re scared. It’s okay.” I push the call button. “You’re in the hospital. Let’s see if the nurse can help with that. I’m here, baby.” I rub her hair and hum a nursery rhyme.Th
(Ashlyn)“This is exactly the break we needed. He’ll see how much he loves you now and wants to be a family with you.” Judy paces her reception room floor in her mansion as she speaks. “Of course, Ashlyn, the baby is Jayden’s?” Her eyes bore into mine.I swallow my nerves down. “Of course.” I feel my palms damp with sweat.Judy gets up closer to me now. “You’re sure?”I feel the heat in my face. “I’m sure.” I lied.She walks off again. “Good. Winona says her kid isn’t Jayden’s. Phillip is named legally as the father. So, she has no claim to any of the Brennan fortune and assets. So, if this baby is Jayden’s, then we have nothing to worry about.”I breathe out. The chances that this baby isn’t Jayden’s is low. I’d had sex with one other man at a time I was distraught and felt rejected. Finding out about Jayden being with Winona after he was drugged made me crazy. Things just happened and it felt good to have someone really want me, even if it was just sex.The constant battle with Jay
(Winona)“Will she be okay, Doctor?”He nods. “She will but we need matching blood stock as soon as we can get it. We don’t have any on hand and it could be lifesaving for her during coming operations. If her body continues to reject blood, it will be life or death for Abby.”“I see.” I grip my hands together.“So, Phillip can have his blood tested, do you have any other blood relatives to Abby you can call on? It’s no guarantee but it’s the best hope we have right now. We’ve put out a general call for people to get tested for this genetic marker.”I shake my head. I’d sent Phillip to work, telling him I was okay with handling this on my own. I just really needed to think. “Phillip is not her biological father and my blood isn’t a match.”I breathe out slowly, realizing how I have to tell Jayden after denying this since I’ve been back. None of this was supposed to happen.“I see. Your parents maybe? Siblings?”“No, I’m an only child, both my parents are dead. Anne is my foster mother.
(Winona)“A few hours isn’t going to hurt. I don’t want you taking this on all by yourself. Let me come with you,” Anne says, concern flooding her voice.“I’m okay. I need to do it by myself.” “Look, just wait for me. I’ll see you in an hour. At least you can shower before you go anywhere. We can talk some more about it. I mean we might find a match elsewhere. Maybe it’s wise to wait a little.”I sigh. “Maybe but this is Abby’s life. She’s so ill.”“But she is stable right now, yes?”“She is. Once this infection is cleared up, she’ll need the blood for her follow up operation next week.”“Okay then, so you have a little time to breathe on this. There’s enough pressure on you now. Give it all a few days.” Anne’s logic is hard to fault.“Thanks Anne. You’re probably right. I love you.”“Love you too. You’ll feel better after a shower. I’ll cook dinner.”I disconnect the call and walk back into Abby’s room. She looks peaceful. Hopefully she can sip a little water or juice later when the
(Winona)“Phillip! I never expected you back today.”“Clearly.” “This isn’t what it looks like,” I explained.“Isn’t it?” Jayden pipes up. “Shush. You’re only making things worse,” I reprimand Jayden.“Not sure they could get much worse than finding my partner kissing her ex-husband.” Phillip shakes his head.“Trust me. It could.” Jayden challenges him.They glare at each other like they are arguing over their prize marble.“Both of you stop it.”“You stop it.” They both say back to me at the same time.I hear the door and footsteps. Who now?Anne sticks her head through the living room doorway and surveys the situation. “I’ll set the table for three.”“I’m not staying for dinner,” Jayden says.“Me neither,” Phillip says.“Nonsense. We’re all adults here. It’s time you all sat down and were honest with each other.” Anne lectures us. “One day that child will be old enough to understand all this, so you all better have your shit sorted by then.” Then she heads with her bags towards t
(Winona)The next day, I finally got the chance to catch up with Lisa. Apart from text messages to fill her in on Abby, I hadn’t seen her since the night I took her home after her confession over the drugs scandal.“Wow, this suite is amazing. Can I go see Abby?”“Sure. She’s been awake and able to have clear fluids since the infection started clearing up.”“I’m so happy. Does that mean she’s out of the woods?”I shake my head. “Far from it I’m afraid. Another operation next week. Jayden will be giving a blood sample today, possibly Judy as well although I really hope I don’t have to rely on her to do the right thing.”We walk to Abby’s room and she gives a tiny smile. “Aunt Lisa, yay!”“Hey there, poppet. You feeling better?”Abby nods, “I got jelly for dinner.” “Oh my goodness. That’s amazing.” Lisa sanitizes her hands and gives Abby a high five. “Winning!”The nurse smiles. “I’ll head off for dinner. Buzz if you need anything before I’m back.”“Thank you so much.”“There’s enough
(Jayden)The blood test is done and I’m going to see Ashlyn. Mother can wait. Hopefully I can be the one to help out Abby. My mind is even more confused than ever. Remembering is not all it’s cracked up to be.I’ve gone from never wanting kids to being a father twice over in the space of twenty-four hours. As memories filter back through, I know what I’m walking away from. But if I truly love Winona and my daughter Abby, I will choose to let them have a happy, content and peaceful life.But they said she has my eyes and I’d love to see that. I did think it would be better if I never officially met her, but I think if I can just see her once, that will be enough. Then I can get on with my life. Without Winona.The powerful CEO inside me wants to strike out and take what I want most in the world. But I can’t. I’ve made my decision. I will honor what Ashlyn and I had. I will honor Winona’s wishes. I will honor my children the best I can under the circumstances.From the last time we had
(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
(Winona)“Judy really taught me everything I know about being self-reliant and a strong woman, but she taught me in all the wrong ways. By threatening my life and the life of my children. I mean she almost took the life of her son more than once.”“Judy only knew extreme. But she also knew how to cover her tracks.”“She brought danger to my doorstep that I’d fought so long to keep away. I will not miss her in any way. I never loved her. But I do feel for Jayden, and for you.”He tilts his head, his sharp eyes locking onto mine. “Life must look very different for you now Judy’s gone. Knowing she won’t be there to interfere.” I take a moment to think about it. “Honestly? Yeah, I am. Judy had a way of… making you doubt yourself. Questioning every move you made. It’s exhausting, constantly looking over your shoulder, waiting for her to strike.” “She was good at that,” Gus says with a small, humorless chuckle. “Always did everything to the highest degree.”“Certainly cannot fault her wor