(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
(Winona)“Dr. Green. Thanks for stopping by. A call would have sufficed.” I say as I shake the hand that my daughter’s life depends on.“No, I prefer to discuss this in person.”“Is everything okay with Abby?”“For now, yes. She’s showing strong recovery signs. Her operation is scheduled for Monday morning.” “That soon?” It’s Friday now.“She’s strong enough. But Jayden Brennan was not a match. We won;t proceed Monday if I don’t have a blood stock for her.”My heart sinks at that news. “No other prospects for donation?” I ask hopefully.“Not as yet, no. I do believe you have one other blood relative you can ask. Judy Brennan?”“Yes.” I hesitate because I don’t want my daughter’s life in her hands.“Winona, I can’t operate that soon unless we have the blood. The risk of reinfection and rejection is too high. Abby might not get through recovery.”“But if she doesn’t have the operation on Monday?”“The deterioration in the walls of her heart will continue. We have bought her some time.
(Winona)As I walk back into the Brennan Wing at the hospital to get back to Abby, I dial Jayden. The sterile smell of antiseptic and the low hum of medical equipment surround me, reminding me that it isn’t some holiday home. It makes my heart feel heavier with each step.“Hi, Winona. Is Abby okay?” Jayden’s voice comes through the line, tinged with concern.“Yes, I’m not sure if you know or not, but Doctor Green came to see us this morning. Your blood isn’t a match to Abby’s.” I hate saying those words out loud. It feels like defeat, like another door closing in our desperate search for a solution.“Damn. Winona, I’m sorry.” His apology sounds sincere, but it does little to ease the knot of anxiety tightening in my chest.“Well, we can’t blame you for your blood. Anyway, I went to see your mother.” My voice wavers slightly as I recall the tense meeting with Judy, her steely eyes searching mine for any sign of deception.“Alone?” He sounds surprised, maybe even a bit impressed.“Yes
(Winona)At the club, the music is loud and the lights are dazzling. Phillip is beside me at the bar and I’m not even being biased when I say he looks the fittest man here. His sculpted body is alive in clinging jeans and shirt. I’ve noticed most of the women and a few men give him the eye.“You look stunning,” he whispers in my ear, his breath sending shivers down my spine. “That black dress is smokin’ hot on you.”For the first time ever, I’m ready to explore my deeper feelings with him. I want to be happy.“Thank you,” I reply, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. I grab his hand and lead him across the dance floor to the table Lisa and Lance are at.It’s nice to have friends around, making the atmosphere less tense, and they are seeming friendlier than usual with each other tonight. I hope Lisa knows what she’s doing and doesn’t get hurt again or hurt anyone else. We’ve been through a lot together and made some bad choices. I keep glancing at the entrance, waiting for Jayden and
(Winona)The next morning, I came out of my bedroom early to go check on Abby. Phillip and I are actually engaged. I do need to pick out a ring, but we’ll get to that soon. We shared some laughs and a few more kisses last night and both went to our own rooms.I’m not ready to take it to the next level yet. While I’m sending out a big message to everyone, as Judy wanted me too, I’m still not ready to be intimate. I sit beside Abby’s bed and watch her sleep. I silently pray we get the blood we need to get this operation done on Monday.“Hey, morning. How was last night?” Anne is beside me with coffee.“I asked Phillip to marry me. He said yes.”Abby moves her head and I nod towards the door indicating we should go out and talk.In the lounge area Anne sits with her coffee. “Are you sure you aren’t rushing it?”I shrug. “Maybe. But I’m just doing everything afraid at this point. I don’t believe in the one true love and soulmate stuff anymore. I’ve learned the hard way that life is abou
(Winona)“If Mrs. Brennan is still there, you can ask her to come back down and make the donation right away. Otherwise, I can call her…”“No need, she’s here. Thank you for letting us know so soon.”“You’re welcome. Doctor Green will touch base with you Monday morning.”The call disconnects and I’m so happy I could hug Judy! I look across at her angular face. Hmmm, maybe not. But anyway, this is the good news I’d prayed for.“Great news! Your blood has the marker they need.”Judy gives a close-lipped smile. “How fortunate. I’m sure that’s a great relief to you.”“They said you can pop back down and make the donation now.”“You know, today is a very busy day for me.”I stare at her. She can’t be saying what I think she is. “Judy? I mean what the actual hell are you saying?”She glances at her Cartier diamond encrusted watch. “Today may not be good for me.”“Really?” My blood is all but boiling in my veins. “I knew you were a first class bitch but you’ve really upgraded lately.” I keep
(Jayden)“Mother! Wow, this is great news.” I’m genuinely happy that she’s a match. Maybe this can go some way to mending bridges between her and Winona.“Son, yes. It really is.”“So, Abby can go for her next op Monday, as soon as your mother gives her blood donation… oh, that’s if you agree to it, Judy. I’d hate to presume…” Winona adds.Why does she have to say something like that? Is she just trying to make an argument?“Of course she’ll donate. What are you saying? Do you really think Mother would refuse?” I snap back.“Of course not. I just meant she may be busy today.” Winona says and I know she’s just saying that to cover for how she feels about Mother. “I think it’s about time you stopped all the petty hatred thing. The past is the past, Winona. Get over it. Mother has really been trying lately.”“Yes, I agree. It’s time to let bygones be bygones.” Winona says and her voice brightens up. “Look, I want to throw a combined birthday and welcome home party for Abby in three week
(Lisa)The sound of kids laughing and fighting all at once is a special kind of chaos. Not loud enough to make me need earplugs but constant enough to make me question why anyone willingly signs up for this parenting gig. I’m sitting at the farmhouse kitchen table, nursing a mug of herbal tea—because Winona says it’s for relaxation, apparently—while Winona navigates the madness with calm efficiency. Tastes like I’m drinking fresh-cut grass. Eww.“Sarah, put the scissors down before someone loses an eyebrow!” Winona shouts from the stove, where she’s flipping breakfast pancakes with one hand and holding Henry on her hip with the other. Jayden strolls in, looking half-asleep but still managing to make kissing her cheek seem like the most romantic move in the world. He grabs Henry and tosses him in the air, making the toddler squeal with laughter. “Morning,” Jayden says to me, his voice a deep rumble that doesn’t match the little boy giggling in his arms. “You sleep okay?” “Like the
(Jayden)I rub my thumb over her knuckles. “We’ll make it work. We always do.” I want that to be the truth. More than anything. She nods, but I can tell something else is bothering her. “I won’t spend more than one night away from the kids while you’re gone,” she says, like she’s trying to convince herself more than me. I smile, though I know that promise is going to be harder to keep than she thinks. “I appreciate that. But Winona... you have to be prepared for when you have to choose business over family sometimes. It’s going to happen, and it’s not going to feel great.” Her shoulders stiffen slightly. “I can balance it, Jayden. I’ve been doing it already.” I exhale, running a hand through my hair. “I know you have, but it’s going to get harder. Board meetings, investors, expansion plans—they don’t wait for soccer practice or bedtime stories.” She crosses her arms, and there it is—that little flash of defensiveness I knew would come. “I know that. I’m not naive. But I’m not ab
(Jayden)Winona stands at the kitchen counter, scrolling through her phone while absently stirring her tea. Her brows furrow slightly, lips pursed in that way that tells me she’s already a million miles into business mode. I used to love that look when we were at Brennan Industries together. Seems a lifetime ago now.I lean against the doorframe, watching her for a moment before stepping closer. “Thinking about ditching me for a board meeting already?” I tease, pressing a kiss to the side of her head. She huffs a soft laugh, but it’s distracted. “Actually, I was going to ask you some advice.” She sits at the dining table. I grab my coffee and settle across from her. “Shoot.” Winona finally looks up, her eyes searching mine. “I have a couple of big events next week—the board meeting, a dinner with potential investors, and now a charity gala just popped up. It’s a lot, Jayden. I can’t blow off the board or the investors…” “You can’t blow off any of them. Charities are networking an
(Winona)Pulling into the farmhouse driveway, I spot Cass sitting on the porch steps, her duffel bag at her feet. She looks up when Lisa and I step out of the car, a smirk already forming. She gives us a wolf-whistle.“Look at you two,” she calls out. “Business queens in the flesh.” Lisa tugs at her blazer. “Trust me, I’m getting changed right away. What a fucking disaster.” I roll my eyes and stride up to Cass, pulling her into a tight hug. She smells like vanilla and cigarette smoke, a weird combination that somehow suits her. “I’ve missed you, brat sister,” I murmur, holding her for a beat longer than necessary because I know why she’s here and it’s already breaking my heart. Cass pulls back with a grin. “Miss you too, boss sister. Seriously, what’s with the corporate look? You two getting ready to take over the world or what?” “Something like that,” I say, smoothing my blazer. “But I’ll let Lisa fill you in when she’s ready. So, I guess you’re here to say goodbye?” Cass nod
(Winona)Lisa stares out the window, chewing on the corner of her nail—something she only does when she’s about two seconds away from a full-on meltdown.The highway stretches out ahead, I can’t stop thinking about Logan Bennett. Lance’s twin. A walking, talking ghost we never knew existed. I can only imagine how rocked Lisa must feel.I grip the steering wheel. “You good?” Lisa lets out a short laugh, but it’s hollow. “Define ‘good.’ Because if it means questioning my entire reality while also wanting to throw myself into traffic, then yeah. I’m fucking great.” I glance at her. “You’re not throwing yourself into anything except maybe a bath later with a gallon of wine.” “I think any alcohol now might result in me making myself obnoxious. You know how I get.” Lisa stares out her window again.Then she continues talking. “I seriously thought I was hallucinating, Winona. Like, actual delusions. One minute I’m faking my way through this business gig, the next I’m staring at Lance—exc
(Lisa)The lights are too bright, the sheets too crisp, and everything feels weird. I blink slowly, my head pounding. My mouth tastes like I’ve been chewing cotton balls for breakfast. Where the hell am I? Then it hits me. The office. The meeting. Lance. I sit up too fast, and the room spins like I’m on some twisted carnival ride. I feel something in my arm and see an IV. There are monitors and things stuck on me.Shit, I’m in a hospital.A groan slips out before I can stop it, and suddenly there’s a nurse by my side, her face all sympathy and no-nonsense professionalism. “Easy now,” she says, pressing a cool hand to my wrist. “You fainted, remember? You weren’t responsive for a while. But the drip has done its job.” Fainted? Right. That’s what normal people do when they think they’ve seen their dead ex-lover casually standing in a boardroom like it’s just another Tuesday. “Okay... fainted,” I mumble, rubbing my temples. “Great. That’s just... fantastic.” The nurse offers me a
(Jayden)The kids are sprawled across the living room floor, their energy buzzing like they’ve downed three bags of sugar each. Henry’s babbling as he stacks blocks, while Abbey and Sarah argue about whether they should play schools or princesses. Bobby is pretending not to care, phone in hand. Anne is at the shops.It’s noisy and busy, just like normal. I think of Winona and Lisa. I wonder how they are going with the meeting? I pat my pocket, then the other side.“Guys, I left my phone outside on the bench. Try not to kill each other and watch Henry while I go and grab it.”They all look at me and nod and keep doing what they are doing. Henry seems taken with his blocks, so I whip out through the kitchen and out the back door.I see I’ve missed a call and she’s left a message. I scoop up my phone and head back inside to listen to the message. I won’t call back yet, they may be in the meeting still.I hurry back in and check out the kids. No one has moved. Great. I listen to the mes
(Mia)Gus walks through the living room slowly, his gaze flicking over the ornate furnishings, the heavy curtains, the marble-topped tables.His fingers trail along the edge of a sideboard, and for a moment, he looks lost in thought. “You okay?” He glances at me. “It’s strange being here without her and having all her stuff still here. I’ll see that it’s all collected. There’s some valuable pieces here.” “Judy’s gone,” I say bluntly, shrugging my shoulders. “You’ll have to get used to it. This place is part of Brennan Industries now, I believe.” His mouth tightens, and he doesn’t respond. Instead, he turns his attention to the window, looking out at the street below. I don’t know what he’s thinking, and honestly, I don’t care.Gus being here isn’t my concern—what he wants is. I know he says he’s here to pick up Mama, but that doesn’t fool me.“You didn’t come here to reminisce,” I say. “What do you want?” He turns back to me, his eyes narrowing slightly. “I want to know where y
(Winona)Lisa’s body is sprawled awkwardly on the sleek office floor, and my heart nearly stops as I drop to my knees beside her.“I’m Logan Bennett.” The sound of Logan’s voice, Lance’s voice, steady but sharp, slices through the haze of my panic.I glance up at him. Neater haircut, lesser designer suit, but that is Lance Collins right there.What the actual fuck is going on? No wonder she collapsed.“I’m calling 911,” he says, his phone already to his ear. “St James Hospital is close.”“Lisa!” I whisper, shaking her gently. Her skin feels clammy, her breathing shallow but steady. “Come on, Lis, wake up.” I turn her over to the recovery position. She is breathing but she isn’t waking up.Logan lowers his phone. “Paramedics are on the way.” His gaze flickers between Lisa and me, worry etched into his expression. “Is she…?”“She’s breathing,” I say. “But she’s not waking up.”Logan crouches down, his movements deliberate and calm, and for a moment, his presence reminds me so much of La