(Winona)I close the bathroom door behind me, leaning back against it as my heart pounds against my ribs. I clutch the pregnancy test in one hand, determined to finally go through with it.No more interruptions, no more stalling. It’s time to know. Sitting on the toilet, I’m ready.Before I can open the package, my phone rings. I nearly drop the test, the sudden sound jolting me. I pull my phone out of the pocket of my jeans now pooled at my ankles, and Jayden’s name flashes on the screen.My thumb hovers over the decline button—I want to be alone in this moment. But then, something stops me. It’s as if he knows I need him, even though he’s not with me.I swipe to answer, bracing myself, hoping he doesn’t pick up on the anxiety in my voice.“Hey, babe,” I say, clutching the test in one hand.“Hey,” he replies, his tone warm and steady. There’s a softness in his voice, the kind he only uses when he’s about to say something important.“I’m just about to take off for London, but I had to
(Judy)“Mia,” I begin smoothly, my voice laced with the warmth I’ve practiced for years. “I’m so pleased you are taking the time to learn the business. It’s been quite refreshing having you around.”Mia meets my gaze, a hint of challenge in her expression. “This is my father’s legacy, my legacy. Thank you for helping me.”There it is—the notion that this business is hers to shape, a piece of her inheritance to mold as she sees fit. I smile, keeping my tone steady and calm, though a flicker of irritation sparks beneath the surface.I nod, careful to conceal my real thoughts. “I’m always here should you decide to sell.”She raises an eyebrow. “It seems to me that Brennan Industries is just as much a legacy for my sisters and Gabriel. I’m not sure anyone should sell.”So, she’s catching on—realizing I’m angling for those shares. I force a smile, concealing the irritation bubbling within.But she has no idea what I’ve sacrificed to bring Brennan Industries to where it is today.“Mia,” I s
(Jayden)The Nexus jet is smooth and steady as it slices through the clouds, with Viktor sitting across from me, his usual calm demeanor just a touch more relaxed than usual.I can’t help but feel a rush of excitement about the future. Everything is falling into place here in Brussels—the kids are adjusting, Winona seems at ease for the first time in a long time, and the cottage feels like it was made for us.I can’t remember the last time things felt… normal. As if, maybe, this could be our life, no huge shadows from the past ready to crash over us.“I have to say,” I start, turning toward Viktor, “the staff BBQ was perfect.”“I agree.”“They all seemed genuinely happy to be there. Now, with the diplomats’ welcome party coming up, I can feel like we’re… part of something here.”Viktor nods, a hint of a smile on his face. “It’s a unique environment,” he says. “But it works because you and Winona are making it your own.”“It’s starting to feel like home,” I admit. “Moving to the cottag
(Winona)It’s been two months since I saw my husband Jayden. I’m almost positive he’s coming to ask me for a divorce right now but I’m not giving up.Three years ago, after a car accident, he lost his memory, and I lay in a coma for a year. When I woke up, all I wanted to do was see him again. All I wanted was for us to be the couple we once were. When I found him, it was like a knife straight through my heart. Not only didn’t he remember me, but he loved another woman, Ashlyn. My heart pounds and tears swell in my eyes as I listen to the husband I love speak to me over a call like he hates me more than anything else in the world.“Despite what you did, I’m coming there,” he seethes over the phone. “I want this over once and for all and I’m coming back to see that happens. I’ll be there at dinner time.”He believes I drugged him into sleeping with me two months ago. “I did nothing. This is all a mistake, if only you could remember how much we loved each other…” I beg. “Don’t start
(Winona)I’m packing up my personal things. Slowly placing the possessions I love into boxes. My heart is torn apart as I glance around the house I’d started to set up as my forever home. The one I’d build a family with Jayden in and live happily ever after. Fresh tears start as I think about maybe never being a mother now. I just can’t imagine myself ever loving anyone else as much as I love Jayden. I certainly can’t see myself pregnant and happy with another man.I grew up in a loveless and abusive family. The shining light was a kind and loving foster mother I got to live with when I went to college and university. Come to think of it, she was as much responsible for my success as Jayden was at the time. That home made me forget my awful early childhood and see the world could be a nicer place. You know what? I’m going home to her. She never ever judged. She never tried to tell me not to see Jayden.My father was a drunk and my mother was cold because she never wanted a baby to h
(Winona)“Why are you here? How did you get in? The door was locked.”Every aspect of Judy Brennan was perfect. Her thousand-dollar outfit. Her smile. Her trim, athletic shape. But the shiniest apples are sometimes rotten inside. This shiny apple was the most rotten I’d ever known.“This is Jayden’s house. Of course, I have a key. I have every right to stop by and see if you need help getting your sorry backside as far away from here as possible.”I’m about to say something back and the urge to vomit hits me. I rush to the bathroom and try to throw up in the washbasin. I’ve had nothing to eat and I just heave and cough until my stomach hurts.But every day this week I’ve been nauseous, and I can’t eat much. I figured it’s the stress. Now it’s just this horrid woman.She’s in the bathroom doorway. “Hmph… sick again are you? Ashlyn told me you’d vomited last week when they came by with the divorce papers. She told me you’d been with Jayden not so long ago too.”Even though she scares t
(Winona)This is my second night in the hotel and I’m expecting Lisa to come visit. But I need a shower because I’ve slept half the day, too sad to get out of bed. I had the hotel restaurant make her a cake and stock the mini bar.Although I won’t be drinking alcohol, I’ll mix the drinks and pretend. I fly out tomorrow. I’m not even telling her I’m pregnant. I can’t tell anyone. Not if I want to keep my baby.I need her to believe I’m okay because I can never have her come and visit me. We probably won’t see each other again for a while, unless I am sure Jayden’s mother won’t do anything to the child.It’s my only hope right now. It’s fifteen minutes until she arrives. I text to say the hotel door is unlocked and to come right in, I’m having a shower. I get back a thumbs up.The hot water cascades over me and I rub my hands over my belly. Soon enough I’ll start to show. I need to go where no one knows me or my past and reinvent myself and my story. I could stay here forever but I know
(Winona)Moving to the city I grew up in was a real struggle at first. It’s been three years and slowly each day got better. The tiny life growing inside me made me stronger. This wasn’t just about me.After giving birth to my beautiful girl, I started a little firm as a marketing and financial advisor, putting my education to use. It seemed being able to put forward proposals for successful marketing campaigns is something I’m very excellent at.All of my smaller company campaigns have been going like wildfire. Enough to get the attention of several larger firms. Bigger contracts really turn things around in the corporate world.I guess time does heal all wounds. It’s been the best time of my life since the divorce. Mostly because I’m a mother now and she is the most important thing in the world to me.Would I love being a complete family? Sure. But families come in all shapes and sizes and mine is my daughter and my foster mother who stepped in without hesitation and welcomed me and