(Winona's POV)“We’re pretty backed up with marketing results to go through. You think you can handle the load?” Phillip asks, leaning back in his chair.I glance up from the stack of reports, catching his eye for just a second too long. “I’ve handled more.”His eyebrow lifts, clearly amused. “More, right.”I ignore the innuendo that seems to lace everything, flipping through the pages, pretending to focus. “We’ve got a five percent increase in revenue for Brennan Industries campaign,” I say, steering the conversation back to the numbers. “Your marketing tactics really paid off.”I glance up at him. Hell, this is not as easy as I thought it would be. I feel like we’re a couple of teenagers who just kissed behind the school shed. This is no good. We need to be able to work together normally again.Now it feels all awkward and that does not help me focus on the work I have to catch up on.“I have another meeting with Judy this week. I think she’s looking at adding some more funds to inc
(Winona)Anne cooked dinner, thank God, but she’s off for the night and headed out. Leaving me to juggle dishing dinner, bath time, and all the homework chaos that comes with three kids.I assured her I would be okay and sent her on her way. But I’m not okay. These kids are really testing me tonight.“Bobby, stop teasing Sarah! Just eat your noodles please,” I say, trying to keep my cool.Bobby rolls his eyes, barely touching his plate. “I’m not hungry.”“Funny, you were hungry when you asked for seconds five minutes ago,” I say, glancing at Sarah, who’s scowling at her brother.“I don’t like them,” Bobby complains.“Anne makes them the same every week, you always eat them,” I argue.“They taste different.”I’m thinking my sauce substitute might have caused that. “it doesn’t matter. They are still good and there’s starving kids around the world who would love those noodles.”“Send it over to them then.”“Bobby. Stop being rude. If you don’t eat those, you’ll have to go hungry.”“Fine.
(Winona)“Ummm, Winona? I’m kinda hungry still.”“Wow. Okay. Look I’ll make some sandwiches, okay?”“PB and J?”“That’s not much of a dinner…” But I’m really too tired to argue.I guess it’s Kids one, Winona zero, on the dinner scale.I go make enough sandwiches for them all and distribute them. So much for discipline. Now I’m letting them eat in their beds.Another glance at the clock. Two hours late now. My patience is wearing thin. But I’m going to finish this evening on a happy note. I tidy the kitchen and put the dishes in the sink to soak.I don’t want to use the dishwasher all the time. We make things way too easy for ourselves. Once it’s in the drainer, I go and empty the bath and get the clothes and towels into the hamper.Then I go back past the girls' rooms and take their plates and kiss them goodnight. I tuck them in and lower their lights.I suppose they should clean their teeth. Well, once won’t hurt. I’m not getting them up again.I go and pour myself a glass of wine an
(Jayden)Lance leans back in his chair, one arm draped over the back, a beer in his other hand. We’re out on the balcony of my penthouse, the city stretched out in front of us like it always has been, but life looks a lot different these days.“Man, you ever think we’d be here? A few days out from a second wedding run?” Lance asks, taking a long sip from his beer. “You with four kids, me... well, still doing whatever the hell I’m doing.”I laugh, shaking my head. “Nah. Back in college, I figured we’d be tearing it up until we were fifty, still chasing girls and getting wasted every weekend.”“Well, one of us is doing that,” Lance grins, tipping his beer toward me. “You’re practically a family man. Settling down with Winona. Are you sure you’re ready?”I shrug, taking a drink from my own beer. “It’s been a wild ride, but... it feels right, you know?”Lance raises an eyebrow. “Even with all the shit that’s gone down? I mean, Judy, Gus, the whole Nexus Global empire—how are you not losin
(Winona)“Oh my God, you’re going to kill me, but I was thinking about another hen’s night,” Lisa says, leaning forward with that devilish grin she always gets when she’s up to something.I freeze, blinking at her. “No. Absolutely not.”Lisa’s grin falters. “What? Come on,”I shake my head, feeling the tension in my neck already building. “I don’t need another hen’s night, okay? I just want to focus on getting through this wedding without any more drama.”Lisa gives me a mock pout, but I can tell she’s not ready to drop it. “You’re seriously telling me you don’t want another night out with your girls? Come on. You’re killing me.”I set my glass down a little harder than necessary. “I’m serious, Lisa. No hen’s night. And definitely no more clubs. I’m done with that.”Lisa sighs, sitting back in her chair, but I can see her mind working. “Fine.”I groan. “Good. It’s done and dusted.”Lisa just shrugs, clearly not convinced. “Alright, fine, we’ll skip the party. But how are things betwee
(Jayden)I run my hand through my hair for the third time and stare at my reflection in the mirror. The suit’s sharp—tailored perfectly, every button in place. Today is the day. Again.My wedding day.“You good, man?” Lance asks, standing behind me in his own tux, straightening his tie for the hundredth time.“Yeah,” I lie, turning away from the mirror and checking my cufflinks instead.“Don’t sound like it,” Lance chuckles, sitting on the edge of the couch. “You’ve done this before, remember?”I shoot him a look. “Exactly. I’ve done this before. And the last time... she didn’t make it.”Lance’s grin fades a little, but he shrugs. “Different day, different circumstances. You know she’s coming this time.”I take a deep breath, my stomach still turning over itself. He’s right. Winona will be there. I know that. But the tension’s been high lately. Between Nexus Global, our plans, our clashes on how to raise the kids—there’s been a lot going on.I’m not blind to it. But I’m trying to bel
(Winona)The doors swing open, and there’s a collective gasp from the guests as I step into the aisle. I can feel all eyes on me, eager faces turning to watch as I make my way toward Jayden.My heart is pounding, but not from nerves this time—just excitement, pure and simple.The dress floats around me, the delicate lace catching the soft light as I move. It’s a modern cut, sleek and fitted through the bodice, with intricate old-fashioned lace detailing along the neckline and sleeves.The fabric hugs my curves, but in the most elegant way, and the long detachable skirt trails behind me, creating a dramatic, sweeping train. The long, lace-trimmed veil covers my face and blends down over the train perfectly.Every bit of it feels like a dream.Underneath the lace, there’s the smoothness of silk, soft and luxurious against my skin. And once the ceremony is done, I’ll detach the skirt and train, revealing the more understated reception dress underneath. It’s the perfect combination of cl
(Winona)As we walk back down the aisle, hand in hand, I feel a sense of calm wash over me. Everything feels perfect—the ceremony, Jayden, the kids. This is exactly how I imagined it should be.But as we step into the side room, away from the guests, there’s still one more moment that I’ve been waiting for. Jayden squeezes my hand, and we both turn to face Bobby, Sarah, and Abby, who are waiting with wide eyes.This isn’t just about the two of us—it’s about all of us.The adoption paperwork is laid out on a small table, and the judge stands nearby, ready for the next part of the ceremony. I catch Bobby’s eye, and he gives me a small, almost nervous smile.Sarah’s fidgeting with the hem of her dress, clearly excited but trying to stay calm.This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for—the one that makes us an official family.Jayden steps forward, his voice soft but firm. “Bobby, Sarah,” he says, looking at them both with a serious expression, “you two have been through so much, and
(Jayden)I stand at the door the next morning as Anne steps in with the kids, managing the chaos with her usual calm authority. Abby clings to her arm, eyes darting nervously around the suite. “You remember this place, don’t you, sweetheart?” Anne asks gently. Abby nods but doesn’t let go. “It’s where the doctors made my heart better,” she whispers, glancing at me for reassurance. “It is,” I say, crouching to her level. “But this time, we’re here for Mom. She’s going to need all of us to help her get better. You up for the job?” Abby hesitates, then nods firmly. “Yes!” Then she opens her eyes wide. “Am I supposed to be really quiet?”“No darling. You can just be yourself. But we’ll try for no arguing and shouting with your brothers and sister, okay?”“Okay. Can I go see Mom now?”“Mom is having special medicine to keep her asleep for now, but I think she can still hear us. Go tell her about your day and we’ll join you soon. Keep her company for me. You know how she loves all your
(Jayden)The door opens, and Lisa steps in, carrying a fresh change of clothes and some toiletries I had her swing by the penthouse and grab.“Jayden,” she says quietly, setting the bag down near the chair. “You look like shit.”I don’t even glance at her. “Thanks for the compliment.”She pulls up a chair beside me. “I mean it. You’re running on fumes. Go shower, get something to eat, and grab a couple of hours of sleep. I’ll stay with Winona. You need to be human when the kids get here tomorrow morning.”“I’m fine,” I lie, tightening my grip on Winona’s hand. “I don’t want to leave her.” I mean I can actually smell myself at this point.“Jayden.” Lisa’s voice takes on that tone she uses when she’s not going to back down. “I’m serious. You’re no good to anyone in this state. Winona will kick your ass if she sees you like this—smelling like death warmed over and looking worse.”She’s so right. I really need to get my shit together and show Winona I can lead our family when needed. Not
(Cass) I pace the estate office, Viktor’s phone pressed tightly to my ear. Viktor leans against the desk, his arms crossed, the picture of calm professionalism. Good. I want to ignore the way he held me earlier, like I actually mattered to him.He’s trained to say the right things to defuse situations. That’s all it was.Jayden picks up, his voice tense but steady. “Cass. She’s okay. I mean, she’s in an induced coma for a few days but she’s okay.” “Thank God!” I say, my voice cracking. I can’t stop the tremble in my hands. “Are you with her still?” “Yes,” he says, and I let out a shaky breath. “The head wound is under control, the coma is to wait for the swelling and her blood pressure to go down. But she is going to get through this.”“What about the baby?” “No,” he cuts me off sharply. “Just positive talk. She’s strong. They both are.” His voice softens, and I realize how much he’s struggling to hold it together. It’s so unlike him to sound vulnerable. “I’m coming home…”“Wai
(Jayden)Winona lies motionless in the Brennan Wing’s family suite medical bedroom, surrounded by machines that hum and beep softly in the background. This room was designed to keep families together during the most terrifying moments of their lives.This wing is my initiative, but I never thought I’d need it personally so much. I’m bending the guidelines a little having Winona here now but I know her best chance is having the ones she loves the most around her.Right now, I’d give anything for a sign—any sign—that she’ll wake up. I don’t have that yet but what I am going to do is create a positive environment around Winona. I called Barnaby and he reminded me of many coping mechanisms I’d learned from his sessions.I’m going to only speak of the future and what’s happening now. I’m not mentioning the past. Winona deserves to hear and believe the wonderful future ahead of us. No matter what has happened or what may happen.Dr. Harris and Dr. Reeves stand at the foot of the bed, revie
(Jayden)I burst through the front door, taking the stairs two at a time to the second floor. I pray I’m in time. I stop at the bottom of the attic stairs.Then I see her.Winona lies crumpled halfway down the attic stairs, her body twisted awkwardly. Her head jammed up against the wall, her hand rests on a spindle. Blood pools beneath her head on the stair, dark and horrifying, and for a second, I’m frozen.My mind blanks out, every thought swept away by raw panic.But then I snap back. She needs me. She needs me to be fully present, not panicking.I force myself forward, the first aid kit from the car clutched in my shaking hands. Every instinct screams at me to scoop her up, to hold her, but I stop myself. If she’s hurt her neck or spine… I could make it worse. My knees hit the stair below her, and I reach for her wrist with trembling fingers.A faint pulse. Relief crashes over me so hard I almost collapse, but it’s short-lived. She’s alive, but for how long?I tear open the first
(Cass)“Winona!” I scream into the phone again, but there’s only silence. The screen is dark, it’s silent. She isn’t answering. “Goddammit, Winona!” I shout, “answer me! Be okay. Answer me…”I don’t want to end the call, she could be… But I have to. I need to call Jayden.My breath is ragged gasps as I stumble to the kitchen counter, gripping the edge for support. My shaking fingers scroll to Jayden’s number. “Pick up, pick up!” My voice cracks as I pace in a tight circle, clutching the phone to my ear. It rings, and then—voicemail. “Are you fucking kidding me?” I scream, slamming the phone onto the counter so hard it bounces off and hits the floor. Fuck! It’s totaled now.My chest tightens, panic squeezing my throat. How can I call him, how can I contact Jayden? I grab my jacket and bolt out the door, running as fast as my legs will carry me to the estate. Viktor. He has a another number, one that always gets answered.My lungs are bursting as I run full tilt for the estate, but
(Winona)Cass’s face fills my phone screen, her hair messy and there are definite dark circles under her eyes.“God, you look wrecked,” I tease gently as I check out the kitchen of the home I’m about to close on. Anne has the kids for the afternoon, so I’m going to show-off this place to Cass. Cass groans. “Tell me about it. I just got done with prep for the estate’s first formal dinner since Jayden left. I’m in charge of a canape, Winona. A canape!” I raise an eyebrow. “That’s a really big deal. You should be proud of yourself.” “Oh I am. I’m so excited. These chefs are relentless but I’m learning so much. I love it here, even if Viktor’s constant hovering is killing my vibe a little.” “Hovering?” I ask, confused. “He’s not here physically—he’s too busy running Nexus Global—but the calls, the emails, the random texts asking if I’ve checked the locks or need anything… it’s constant. Can you tell Jayden to call him off please?” I lean forward, frowning. “Cass, I don’t think Jayde
(Jayden)Mother’s polished mahogany coffin sits at the front, surrounded by white lilies and roses, a stark contrast to the tumultuous life she lived and the wreckages she caused. It’s just Gus and me. No friends, no extended family. Just the two of us and that was what she wanted. Of course she did, just us two solely focused on her. Gus sits beside me in shackles, the officers are keeping their distance for now and covering all exits. He’s leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, his face drawn and pale. He looks like a man carrying the world’s regrets on his shoulders. He should be.I stand up and go forward to place a single rose on top of the coffin. This is it, she’s really gone. My emotions are tangled—anger, relief, guilt, and some small, stubborn ache that won’t let go. I feel free, and that in itself feels wrong. I go sit next to Gus again.But she made my adult life Hell and Winona is right, a big part of me won’t miss any part of that. I will miss most what I didn
(Winona)The house is more charming than I expected—stonework covered in ivy, a wraparound porch, and large windows that bathe the interior in natural light.It feels warm and lived-in, unlike the two more modern places we’ve seen. The kids are darting through the unkempt yard, Bobby and Sarah racing each other toward a large and fairly new shed, while Abby lags behind, looking at a large pond.“Not too close to the edge, sweetie.” I call out and she smiles and nods back at me.Henry clings to my leg, his little legs unsteady on the uneven ground. I scoop him up and put him in his pusher Jayden has unfolded.Jayden wanders a few steps away, hands on his hips, surveying the property with a critical eye. “The house is more move-in ready than the others,” he admits. “But it needs a lot of work.”“I agree. But it just has a good feeling,” I say. “And the pond’s a bonus, but it’ll need fencing off somehow. Henry’s too curious for his own good.”Jayden nods, but I can tell his mind is elsew