(Jayden)I slam the door to my office, the sound echoing louder than I intend. The meeting with Astrid is a complete disaster. She shoots down every suggestion I make, like I don’t know what I’m talking about.Hugo just stood there, a silent statue of neutrality. No backup, no support.I’m losing control of the very company I’m supposed to be running.“Jayden.”I glance up, and Viktor is standing there.“Not now, Viktor,” I snap, rubbing my temples. “I’m in no mood for advice.”“Too bad.” He steps forward, his gaze steady and unflinching. “Why are you letting Astrid and Hugo dictate to you?”I blink, caught off guard by the directness of his question. “What are you talking about?”“You have dignitaries from all over the world showing you respect, Jayden,” Viktor continues, his voice low but firm. “People who hold real power. And now, you’re letting Astrid and Hugo show you none. Why?”His words punch me. I want to argue, but nothing comes out. He’s right.“They’ve been here longer. Th
(Winona)The elevator doors slide open, and I step into the penthouse. The countdown to our departure is ticking away. Tonight, Lisa and Cass are here for dinner.“Mommy, Aunt Cass is coming, right?” Abby asks, her big eyes looking up at me as she jumps up and down.“Yeah, she’ll be here soon, sweetie. You know how much she loves spending time with you guys,” I say with a smile, brushing her hair out of her face. “Aunt Lisa too.”“Yay!”As if on cue, the elevator dings, and I know it’s Lisa and Cass.“Hey sis.” I say as she approaches. “How’s life?”“Life is amazing!” Cass exclaims, arms outstretched as she makes her way in, like she’s on top of the world. “Gabriel’s amazing, work is amazing, everything is amazing. You don’t have to worry about a thing.”I smile. “Great.”Cass immediately drops down onto the floor with the kids, pulling Sarah and Abby into a hug. Then she fist-bumps Bobby and they talk a foreign Minecraft language.“I’m going to miss you guys so much.”“Come see my cu
(Winona)The playroom is busy, full of kids running around and laughter filling the space. It’s a typical scene for this supervised visit, the noise and chaos swirling around.I sit on the bench, arms crossed, watching Abby and Judy interact. Judy gets two hours a week with her, and I always make sure to keep my distance. Today’s no different.“Mommy, look at the tower I built!” Abby rushes over, beaming, holding up a colorful stack of blocks, her face glowing with pride.“Wow, that’s amazing, honey,” I say with a smile, softening just for her. “Go show Grandma Judy. This is her time with you, sweetie.”“Okay, Mommy!”Abby runs back to her, her little legs carrying her eagerly. I settle deeper into my seat, crossing my arms again. The less I engage with Judy, the better. But today, I have to tell her we’re leaving for Europe soon.Just thinking about that makes me tense up. I’m dreading her reaction, her manipulations.Judy’s voice drifts over from where she’s sitting with Abby, but i
(Jayden)“I’ve never been to a farm,” I admit.Viktor glances over, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “It’s not the life you’re used to.”“No kidding,” I mutter, my eyes sweeping over the open land. “Did you grow up here on the farm?”He shakes his head, keeping his focus on the road ahead. “Not here. Hungary. Until I was ten.”“Okay, wow. Hungary.”“I’ve got a big family. Twelve of us kids, all up. I’m the eldest. My parents had their struggles but managed to stay together.”“Twelve kids?” I whistle. “That’s a lot of mouths to feed.”“Yeah,” Viktor says. “It wasn’t always easy, but my father worked hard. Lost the family farm when I was young, so we had to move to the city. Budapest. He hated it—was never the same after that. He always dreamed of getting back to the land.”I nod, understanding. “Sounds like he fought hard for your family.”“He and my mother both did,” Viktor agrees. “I left at sixteen to work and help with money. Joined the military, sent money back. M
(Winona)I sit across from Phillip, the papers spread out between us like a line in the sand. The buyout offer is sitting right there, glaring at him. I’ve made my decision. This is it.“I’m offering you the chance to buy me out, Phillip. You take it, or I have other buyers waiting. Either way, I’m done.”His eyes widen, but I can see the shift in his expression—the surprise melting into something more defensive, even a little bitter. “You’re serious? Just like that? You’re ditching everything we’ve built up again?”I don’t flinch. “Yes. Just like that. It’s time for me to focus on my family, and I can’t do that while juggling this business. It’s what’s best for me.”Phillip leans back in his chair, arms crossed. “You’ve always had your own income, Winona. You’ve always needed your independence. And now you’re ready to just hand it all over?”“Never been more ready.”“What happened to you? You’re really okay with letting go of everything you’ve worked so hard for?”“I am,” I say firml
(Winona)I’m at my favorite café, waiting for Lance. After everything with Phillip, I’m hoping this is argument free. The sun is shining, and I’m in control again—at least for now.I text Lance to see if he had some time. I may as well get this over with as well. I told him I’m going to Europe at the end of this week.The door swings open, and there he is, his easy grin and relaxed posture unchanged.“Hey, stranger,” he says, sliding into the chair across from me. “You look like someone who’s just made a big decision.”“I have.” I smile, signaling the waiter. “I just told Phillip I’m out. Offer him the business.”Lance raises his eyebrows. “Oh, I was talking about Europe. So, the whole business? Just like that?”“Just like that.” I shrug. “I’m done, Lance. I’ve been done for a while, but it’s official now. It’s time to move on.”He smiles, crossing his arms. “Damn. You’ve always had your hand in something. You going to be a kept woman? You know that’s my dream job…”I laugh. “Jealous?
(Jayden)“We have a little bit of everything here,” Viktor says as we settle at the laden long wooden table.“This is all from the farm?” I ask, glancing over at the colorful dishes, the jams, honey, cheeses, and cured meats. Even the bread and butter has the same label.“All of it,” Viktor confirms. “The bread is from our grain, milled right here. The honey, the jams, the cheeses—everything comes from what we produce on the land.”Klara, Viktor’s mother, balances the baby on her hip while ladling soup into bowls. “I’m a local Doula and I make a range of natural remedies and skin care products. Grow all the herbs myself.”“I have a five-month-old boy. Henry. He was born very prematurely. But he’s growing stronger.”“I’m glad he is. This vegetable soup is from the garden,” she says, handing me a bowl. “No preservatives, no chemicals—just fresh, organic produce.”I take a spoonful. It’s rich and earthy, with a depth of flavor I’ve never tasted before. “This is incredible,” I admit, savo
(Judy)I tap my fingers impatiently on my desk at Brennan Industries, staring at the documents in front of me. Gabriel’s sisters, those sentimental fools, turned down my offer. All because they wanted to sell their shares to him directly. Idiots.I gave them the best offer they’ll ever get, but no—family first, apparently.That will bite them on the ass one day. Mark my words. They’ll learn that family loyalty means nothing when I’m in control. Family is just a tool—leverage to use when necessary.I smirk to myself. If I can’t convince them to sell to me, I’ll force their hand. I always find a way. There’s more than one method to get what I want, and I’ve never been afraid to get my hands dirty. They’re going to regret turning me down.My phone buzzes, interrupting my thoughts. I glance at the screen, a message from one of my contacts. It’s about Maria. My smirk deepens—I’ve been waiting for this. I know she’s been feeling the pressure lately.I skim through the message, but then,
(Lisa)Dr. Harris’s voice echoes in my head:She’s stable for now, but the next 24 hours are critical. Heavy blood loss. The surgery was successful, but we had to perform a hysterectomy to save her life.Hysterectomy. That word affects a woman. I don’t know, it’s the finality of it, I guess. One of life’s fundamental functions of the female body, taken away.I feel guilty because here I am perfectly functioning and not wanting to be a mother. Some who want that more than anything never get to have it. But mothering, it’s not for me. I’m a free spirit. I like to go with the breeze.Kids are a lot of work and responsibility. I’ve watched Winona… I just don’t have that in me. And that’s okay. It’s okay to want something different.But hearing it for Winona and Jayden knocks the air out of me. They wanted this baby so much. I wanted it for them. But it was out of anyone’s control. Now, all chances at miracles are wiped.I wonder if Winona will see it as a clean slate or if it will eat aw
(Jayden)I sink into the chair beside Lisa and Cass, once I’ve signed the permission forms, my elbows on my knees and my face in my hands.The adrenaline from holding it together for Winona is wearing off, leaving me raw and exposed. My whole body is tight, and the silence is suffocating.But I have no clue what to say to them. I don’t want to make promises I may not be able to keep.Cass is the first to break it. “She’s tough,” she says, her voice firm but shaking at the edges. “Winona doesn’t quit. She’s been through worse and come out swinging. She’ll get through this.” I look up at her, appreciating the confidence she’s trying to project. “I want to believe that,” I say quietly. “But seeing her like that...” I trail off, unable to finish the thought. Cass sits forward, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. “Do you think she knew?” she asks softly. I frown. “Knew what?” “The baby… was…gone,” Cass says, her voice barely above a whisper. “She seemed so... hopeful this mornin
(Jayden)Winona looks pale, her body trembling, her grip on my shirt loosens as her strength fades. The blood beneath her is too much. Fear grips me.I can’t lose her too.Dr. Harris steps back from the bedside, her face tight with focus as she assesses the situation. “Jayden, we need to stabilize her now,” she says firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. “I need to prep her for emergency surgery. You’ll need to wait outside.”I don’t let go of Winona’s hand.The nurses move swiftly, adjusting the IV, getting her ready to move to surgery. One of them gently touches my shoulder. “Mr. Brennan, we need you to step back, please.” I shake my head, my grip tightening. “I’m not leaving her.” “Jayden,” Dr. Harris says, her voice soft but commanding. “You can’t help her right now. Let us do our job.” Winona’s eyelids flutter. “Jayden…” she whispers weakly. “I’m here,” I say, kissing her on the nose. “I’m right here.”“Please,” she breathes. “Don’t… let them take me away…” I kiss h
Trigger Warning:The following chapter contains sensitive content, including the loss of a pregnancy and scenes of emotional distress. This may be triggering for some readers, particularly those who have experienced similar situations. Please proceed with care, and remember to prioritize your well-being. If needed, take a break or seek support.(Winona)I’m propped up in bed with a stack of pillows, sipping herbal tea from a handmade ceramic mug Klara sent as part of a care package all the way from Brussels.It came with a range of her organic herbal teas, a lavender-scented balm, and a handwritten note in her elegant script: Rest your body, nurture your heart, and trust your strength, Winona. That woman always seems to know what I need before I do.I’m so grateful and thankful for meeting her. I miss her gentle counsel and seeing her on a daily basis now I’m back in the States.My body feels stronger today, the heaviness weighing me down since the fall has lifted ever so slightly. Me
(Cass)He steps forward and takes my hand in his. “And I regret it every day,” he says. His touch burns into me, but I know I can’t be betrayed by this physical attraction again.I pull my hand from his. “Enough. You don’t get to touch me. I’m here for my family. Go back to your business. I’m not interested.”Gabriel moves into my personal space again.Viktor moves lethally, placing himself directly between us. “She said enough,” he says, his voice is cold steel. It shouldn’t, but Viktor’s level of protectiveness sends a thrill down my spine. Fuck, I’m so wrong. Stop it.Gabriel’s jaw tightens, and for a moment, I think he’s going to push back.But then he steps away, his hands raised in mock surrender. “Fine. I’ll back off. But only because Cass asked me too. It was wrong of me to barge in with expectations.”“You’re damn right it was,” I say.“I hope Winona recovers well. Perhaps you can spare me some time one evening. For me to apologize properly…”“What part of the word no, don’
(Cass)Henry is a whirlwind of energy, zipping around the lounge like a tiny hurricane, clinging to the TV remote he’s found and smacking it against the couch.Jayden keeps half an eye on him while balancing a steaming cup of coffee and scrolling through something on his phone. “Should I be worried that your kid’s favorite pastime is destruction?” I ask, leaning against the back of the couch. Jayden smirks but doesn’t look up. “He’s not destructive. He’s… curious.” “Curious? That’s one word for it.” “Curiosity is healthy,” he smiles.Henry giggles and bolts along the floor as I make a beeline to get the remote back off him.“Healthy for him maybe.” I huff and puff as I wrestle the object out of his vice-like grip. “Give me that before you break something, little man.” Henry retaliates with an ear-piercing squeal that makes me cringe. Jayden just grins and plucks him off the floor, holding him upside down like a sack of potatoes. “That’s enough, buddy. Aunt Cass is tired of your a
(Winona)The gel is cold, but I don’t care. I need this done. Dr. Harris adjusts the probe on my stomach, her face neutral as she stares at the monitor. Jayden sits beside me, his hand gripping mine. Lisa is standing at the end of the bed, arms crossed, her eyes flicking between me and the screen. Cass perches on the bedside out of the way. I’m grateful for their support.“Let’s see,” Dr. Harris says. Her tone is calm, but it doesn’t ease the storm raging inside me. My breath comes in shallow bursts, and I glance at Jayden. He hasn’t let go of my hand since they rolled the machine in. He looks focused, his eyes glued to the screen. Lisa breaks the silence first. “Should it take this long?” Her voice is sharp, her worry evident. Dr. Harris keeps her tone steady. “Sometimes the baby’s position makes it harder to pick up a signal. Let’s not assume anything yet.” “Easier said than done,” Cass says.I can’t help but agree. My mouth is dry. “Doctor, should I be worried?” Dr. Harris m
(Winona)The first thing I feel is exhaustion—a bone-deep, crushing weight that makes it nearly impossible to move. My body aches everywhere, like I’ve been run over by a truck.My head pounds, and my throat feels dry, but I force my eyes open, blinking against the soft light.“Mommy?” A small voice breaks through the fog, hesitant but hopeful.I blink again, and there she is. Abby, her little face framed by messy pigtails, her big blue eyes filled with worry. “Abby,” I rasp, my voice barely audible.Her face lights up, and she leans in close, clutching the edge of the bed. “You’re awake!” she exclaims, her voice trembling with relief. “I missed you so much, Mommy!”I try to lift my hand, but it feels like lead. Instead, I manage a weak smile. “I missed you too, sweetie,” I whisper.“Alright, sweetheart, let’s give Mommy a little space,” Anne’s calm voice comes from somewhere nearby. “Glad you’re back with us, Winona.”Abby shakes her head fiercely. “No! I want to stay with Mommy!”“I
(Jayden)I drop Viktor off at the penthouse, handing him the spare key fob. “Cat’s in charge while you’re here. Don’t let him boss you around too much,” I say with a smirk.Viktor raises an eyebrow. “I’m sure I’ll manage. Can’t be more troublesome than your sister-in-law.”I let out a low laugh. “Truth.”“I’ll get back here as soon as I can. I have some forward trajectory I need to discuss with you on Nexus Global. Help yourself to anything.”“I’ll be here. If anything happens with Winona, please let me know.”“I will. Right… now it’s time to go and finally put Brennan Industries behind me.”***By the time I pull up outside Gabriel’s hotel, I’m ready to let go and walk away.I knock on the door and it opens. Gabriel is there looking as tall and suave as ever. I step into the suite, and he greets me with a firm handshake. “Jayden,” he says, his tone even. “Thanks for coming.”“No problem,” I reply, keeping things brisk. “Let’s get this done.”Gabriel gestures to the small conference t