(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
(Winona)The soft hum of chatter and laughter fills the grand ballroom, but all I can focus on is Jayden’s hand resting on my waist as we stand in the middle of the dance floor.The lights are dim, casting a warm glow over everything, and the music begins to swell as the DJ starts our first dance.Jayden’s eyes lock onto mine, a soft smile tugging at his lips as he pulls me close. “You ready for this, Mrs. Brennan?”I can’t help but grin. “I’ve never been more ready.”We start to move together, slow and easy, like we’ve done this a million times before. In a way, we have—through all the ups and downs, through the chaos and the heartbreak.But this time, it’s different. This time, it’s perfect.The world around us fades, the guests disappearing from my mind as I rest my head against Jayden’s chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat under my cheek.His arms tighten around me, pulling me closer, and I let out a contented sigh.“We did it,” he whispers into my ear, his breath war
(Jayden)I blink, adjusting to the light as I wake, feeling Winona’s body curled up against mine, her head resting on my chest. The quiet of the morning wraps around us.It’s one of those rare moments of peace. The kids are still asleep, no wonder. It was a night ending in wedding cake and ice cream. But for the first time in what feels like forever, there’s no rush, no tension. Just us.Winona stirs, her fingers brushing lazily over my skin. “Morning, Mr. Brennan,” she murmurs, her voice heavy with sleep.I grin, tightening my arm around her. “Morning, Mrs. Brennan. How’re you feeling?”She lets out a soft laugh, lifting her head slightly to meet my eyes. “Like I got hit by a truck, in the best way possible.”Last night flashes through my mind, the night we shared. Passion, relief, and love all rolled into one. I can’t help but smile. “You looked incredible yesterday. But you look even better now.”Winona rolls her eyes playfully. “Yeah I bet my bed hair and panda eyes are killer.”
(Winona)I can’t believe we’re here. Henry’s car seat is strapped securely in the back, and Jayden’s driving slower than I’ve ever seen him. The hospital discharged him today—our baby boy.Finally, after months of fear and sleepless nights, we get to bring him home. I glance back at him, his tiny little body bundled up in warm clothes and woolen hat.He’s still so small, but he looks so much better than the first time I saw him hooked up to a thousand machines. Now he looks like any smaller newborn, but he’s already been on the earth almost five months.“How are you doing back there, little man?” I say, though I know he won’t respond. I just like talking to him. His eyes are open, drifting slowly around as he takes in the world.Maybe I should have sat in the back with him. He doesn’t cry, but he looks squirmy. I hope I’m up to caring for him. I’m very, very nervous about it,Jayden glances at me, his hand resting on my knee. “You okay?”I nod, even though a lump forms in my throat. “
(Winona)It’s been a few days since we brought Henry home, and it feels like the house is running on a delicate balance of chaos and calm. The kids are adjusting to not being quite so noisy over the weekend, but it’s a lot.Jayden’s been amazing—stepping in with the older kids when I’m too exhausted, making sure everything is in order with Henry’s equipment, and juggling his own work in between. But I’m not forgetting he will be gone soon.Right now, Henry’s sleeping in the automatic swing next to me, his tiny chest rising and falling steadily. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of watching him breathe.After everything, just seeing him here, breathing on his own... It feels like a miracle.Jayden took Bobby and Sarah out for a walk to the park, giving them some fresh air. Abby’s curled up on the couch, flipping through a picture book. She hasn’t let Henry out of her sight since we brought him home. Wouldn’t even go to the park.She’s obsessed, constantly asking to help feed him or tou
(Jayden)I lean against the kitchen counter, my eyes on the kids as they sit at the dining table, happily eating lunch. Bobby and Sarah are laughing at something Abby said, and it’s one of those rare moments where everything seems perfect.But there’s a pit in my stomach, and I can’t ignore it.Nexus Global is the thing I need to deal with right now and the sooner I do the better. I’ve had calls and emails from various people in the team and none of them seem at all sympathetic to my situation.In fact, they give the impression that I’m being weak by wanting to support my family. I’m not sure if I’ll ever fit in with this team. Things seem to be done so differently over there.I can’t even go and ask for help from Gus as he goes through the trial process. So I’m on my own.My phone buzzes in my pocket. I already know who it is. Hugo Devereux. He’s been calling every day, demanding my attention for some Nexus Global crisis or other.I swipe away the notification for the third time toda
(Winona)Henry’s finally asleep, and the house is settling into that sweet, quiet lull that comes after a long, hectic day. I recheck the monitor and tiptoe out of the nursery, closing the door softly behind me, and head downstairs.It’s still surreal having Henry home, and part of me feels like I should be watching over him constantly, but the doctors assured us that the specialist equipment and nanny support would alert us if anything goes wrong.The monitor screens are set up in the living and kitchen areas and our bedroom. But I am well aware I need to relax and let go a little as well. I’m not going to end up being a helicopter mom when the kid’s sixteen.It’s bad enough now, I can’t focus on my work and business right now. I’m going away for an extended time. Phillip needs support at work and I’m still getting hit with the awkwardness every time I see him. I have to make a choice soon.Is it time to sell up my half and become a fulltime Mom?But enough of that. Cass is here and
(Winona)Jayden leaves later tonight. I’m trying my best not to be sad in front of him. I really want this opportunity for us.As much as it was a shock for Gus to throw him in at the deep end, I can see a certain buzz back in Jayden since he’s been a businessman again.I like that for him.I glance over at him, his focus somewhere far away. “You all packed?”Jayden nods, sipping his coffee. “Mostly. Just a few last-minute things to throw in the bag. It’s weird, though. This time tomorrow, I’ll be in Dubai overnight.”My stomach tightens at the thought. He’ll be gone for a whole month before we can join him, and I’ll be juggling everything here—Henry, the kids, work, and planning the big move. I’ve never been more excited and more nervous in my life.“I can’t believe it’s finally happening,” I admit, leaning back into the couch. “Europe. I mean... we’ve talked about it, planned for it, but now that it’s real...”Jayden reaches over, squeezing my hand. “Hey, we’re going to be fine. The
(Lisa)I can’t breathe.Meeting this CEO is going to be the death of me. I’ve been throwing up from nerves all morning.I adjust my blazer, trying to act like I’m not about to pass out, and glance over at Winona, who’s giving me the look—the one that says she’s about two seconds away from laughing at me.I’ve never worn a damn blazer in my life. Give me a mini-dress any day.“You know, I didn’t sign up for this level of stress. I thought we were just going to grab lunch with some rich guy, not audition for a role in The Apprentice,” I mutter under my breath, trying to hide the shaky hands clutching my bag.Winona raises an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. “It’s not The Apprentice. Just act like you know what you’re doing. And for God’s sake, don’t spill a drink on the guy.”“Drink, do you think he’ll offer some bubbles?” I deadpan.“It’s 9am, I think not, I meant coffee.”“Damn.”“You’ll survive.”“Barely. I’m not cut out for this crap.”“You know it. I’ll always b
(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