(Winona)“It is positive, Winona. You are pregnant.”The words echo inside my pounding head, sending shock waves through me. My vision blurs, the walls close in. I can’t breathe, can’t think. This can’t be real.I feel tears on my cheeks but I’m so far away from reality right now. My anxiety has taken over. I clutch my chest and my breath won’t come out of my lungs so I can take another breath in.“Winona, focus on my voice,” Klara says gently, her hands on mine. “Breathe. In… and out. Slowly.”I try to follow her instructions, her calm voice guiding me through each breath. It’s hard. I just want to run away. Gradually, the panic recedes, leaving me feeling raw but steady.She reaches into her bag again, pulling out a small vial. “Here. This will help. passionflower and lavender. Just breathe the scent in.”I inhale the soft, calming scent, feeling it ground me as it fills my lungs. The tension in my chest loosens, and I look at Klara, grateful beyond words.“Thank you,” I whisper, ba
(Winona)I take a step back, assessing the open-plan kitchen, dining, and family room. It’s finally coming together. Fresh flowers from the garden fill vases on the counter.The windows gleam, and through them, I can see the forested areas and mountains. Every view, every little touch, feels like it belongs to us.Keeping myself busy with this house has become more than a distraction. Each polished surface, each thoughtfully placed piece, feels like a tiny triumph over the panic that keeps creeping in.I need to focus on things I can control—the endless arrangement of pillows, the organization of drawers, the flow of each room. These are things that make sense. Things I can handle.In two days, Jayden will be back, and every part of me aches for his presence here. The kids and I have been working non-stop, setting up their rooms, making sure there’s space for each of their personalities to shine.Bobby’s been a wonder, diving into landscaping and gardening with a passion I hadn’t seen
(Winona)The screen flickers, and Jayden’s face appears. “Hey, beautiful,” he greets me, his smile warm and genuine. “How’s everything over there?”“Hey yourself,” I say, managing a small smile. “We’re doing alright, keeping busy. You?”He leans back, glancing around as if taking in his surroundings. “London’s… interesting. Few challenges here, but I think I’ve got them under control now.”“Is everything okay?”“Yes, I fired the CEO of Nexus London today.”“You did what?!”“I’m not here to play, Winona. It had to be done.” Jayden has an edge in his voice I haven’t heard in a while.“How did he take it?”“Not well. He actually tried to attack me.”“Oh shit. Are you okay?”“He never got close, Viktor is lightning fast. We are a formidable team.”“You still need to be careful. I’m not sure ruffling feathers like that is wise.”“No. It needed to be done. Things here are stagnant and he was resistant to change.”“Just have a conversation with him, perhaps you can come to an agreement,” I s
(Winona)The morning air is warm, streaming through the cottage windows and casting a soft glow on the open plan kitchen and living area. I’ve just settled Henry on a blanket on the floor, watching as he kicks his little legs and grabs at the toys suspended on the frame above him.I was going to wait for our first night here with Jayden. But seeing as he’ll be delayed and the kids pleading got the better of me, we stayed here last night. I don’t think I’ve slept so well since I left the USA.The kids are running outside, their laughter carrying in on the breeze. Bobby’s voice is louder, guiding Sarah and Abby as they try to lure the kitten into the garden for its morning romp.My phone buzzes in my pocket, and Lisa’s name pops up. I answer quickly, holding my voice steady as I watch Henry wave his fists around, his face scrunched in concentration.“Hey, Lisa,” I say.“So, guess what? I’ve booked my ticket. I’ll be there in two days.”Relief floods through me. “Oh, thank god. I really
(Jayden)Viktor walks briskly beside me as we enter the boardroom the next day, his low voice weaving through the latest developments.“Grayson’s records don’t just have holes—they’re gutted. Missing files, doctored reports… a ghost operation right under your nose.”I grit my teeth, forcing a measured nod. “Great. I suppose this will all be my fault for being here.”Viktor raises an eyebrow. “This isn’t the first time embezzlement’s left Nexus London leaking. But Gus thought Grayson was clean.”Irritation simmers beneath the surface. It’s been days of the same. I’ve already pushed back my time by a day, there’s no way I’m leaving here tomorrow.Every time I pull back one layer of Grayson’s operation, another festering lie rots beneath it.“Let’s stop digging for his faults and start sweeping this entire team. Top down. And if that means closing this office…” I shrug. “So be it.”Viktor tilts his head, appraising. “It’d mean laying off a lot of loyal employees—there are a few good ones
(Jayden)The room is quiet as the last few of the management line employees file in, their faces a mix of confusion and concern. Before them, the formal investigation team entered.I need to make sure everyone’s legal rights are preserved as I make the announcement.This isn’t a meeting for laying blame. Today is about cutting ties, securing what remains of Nexus Global’s integrity, and showing everyone that embezzlement won’t go unanswered.However, I know not everyone here is to blame and I need to handle this carefully from a legal point of view and a personal one. I don’t want to be the enemy unless it’s clear they have been a part of knowing what’s gone on.“Thank you all for being here,” I start, keeping my tone flat but firm. “We’re here to address the findings of the internal audit. Effective immediately, the Nexus Global London office is shut down permanently for a full investigation.”Eyes widen around the room, a couple of stifled gasps reach my ears. Viktor stands quietly
(Winona)Just after lunch on Monday, Klara is on the cottage doorstep. The kids are in lessons at the estate and I’m reading through all the future suggestions Jayden emailed me on the front porch.She’s balancing a large, rustic basket on her arm. She smiles warmly, setting it down on the wooden table with a soft thud. The assortment of jars, oils, and fresh produce inside exudes an earthy and comforting scent.“Some of the best we have—jams, honey, cheeses, and some of my own oils and remedies. Viktor mentioned Jayden wanted to thank me for the welcome basket I sent you, so I thought there better be one here when he got back.”“It’s perfect,” I say, touching a jar of dark amber honey. “Thank you, Klara.”She inclines her head, but I notice her gaze flicker briefly to her handbag, her expression turning slightly more serious.She reaches into her bag and pulls out a small envelope, setting it on the table between us. My heart starts pounding as I look at it, dreading what it might co
(Winona)Two more days. I can handle two days of this secret, can’t I? Jayden is coming back tomorrow. He may have to head back soon but he’ll be here when I find out.I can tell him in person at least.My phone buzzes, jolting me back to the present. It’s a message from Lisa.Just landed! Can’t wait to see you, girl!Relief and a sliver of happiness wash over me. Lisa’s here, my rock. I type back quickly, letting her know the driver will be waiting for her.A short while later, the doorbell rings, and I hurry to open it. She bounds in, grinning, suitcases rolling beside her.“Well, this so-called cottage is huge! But what is that behemoth the car drove past?”“That is Gus’s estate. Gifted to him by the royal family of Brussels. I suspect they needed somewhere more maintenance free.” I grin.“I am going to love staying there. Queen Lisa, if you please. Offfff with their heads!”We both burst out laughing. She pulls me into a warm hug.“Oh, I’m so glad you’re here,” I murmur, squeezing
(Winona)I don’t call ahead. I don’t give Mia a chance to prepare.I walk into Brennan Industries like I own the place, straight past the receptionist, ignoring the protests as I push open Mia’s office door and shut it behind me. Mia looks up sharply, her entire body stiffening. “Winona, what the hell?” Her English has nuances of her Cuban accent but less than the rest of her family.I step forward, keeping my voice steady. “We need to talk.” Her eyes narrow. “Then schedule a meeting like a normal person.” “I don’t have time for games, Mia.” I plant my hands on her desk. “Tell me the truth. Are you in contact with Don Alejandro?” Mia lets out a sharp breath, closing her laptop with more force than necessary. “Are you serious right now?” “Deadly.” She scoffs, shaking her head. “I have nothing to do with him. It’s also none of your business what I do.” “Right,” I say flatly. “But I don’t trust you. I don’t trust Gabriel and I’m not even sure I trust your mother. You better not be
(Winona)The call is done. Vault is set for the launch. I should feel good. It’s all about to happen for me. The biggest night of my life so far. And Jayden won’t be there to share it with me. I know he must have a good reason, but it still makes me a little sad. A major milestone missed. But we’ll have others.I go to step back into the room and stop. Jayden and Astrid are still talking, their voices low, steady. Sofia isn’t there. Astrid is smiling and laughing. I’ve never seen that before. She’s into him, I know she is. But I also know she won’t overstep. Won’t do anything that would throw Nexus Global out of whack.Is that the only reason why, though? I watch them relaxed and enjoying a conversation. It feels ages since Jayden and I have been so relaxed in each other’s company. But we do have the stresses of the family dynamic.The kids are undoubtedly our main priority. Are we just trying too hard for the rest?He and Astrid are joking about something.It’s not romantic. No
(Jayden)Winona’s phone buzzes against the table. She glances at the screen, mutters something, and pushes up from her seat. “Vault,” she says looking at me, already heading out to the terrace. I nod at Winona and give her a smile.“Jayden, the media shoot will go a long way to help turn public perception. Sorry we had to blow up your family time…” Sofia says with a smile. “But can I just say, those kids are adorable, and you guys really seem to have your shit sorted as a family.”“At least we have that perception down solid.” I grin at her. “Trust me, it feels the exact opposite sometimes. I appreciate you saying that, Sofia. We’ve worked hard to keep it real for the kids.”“And sacrificed a lot,” Astrid states.“There’s been a lot of changes, for sure. All worth it.”“Maybe we should do a segment on the kids. I know you adopted Bobby and Sarah… and Winona adopted Henry?”“Are you trying to get me killed? There’s no way Winona will ever go for an exposé on our kids, and neither wou
(Winona)The kids are out cold, completely wrecked from a full day of running, climbing, eating junk food, and making a mess of the suite. River and Kit have been off-duty since we got back from our day until we fly out tomorrow night.My muscles are really feeling sore right now. I make mental note to get more strength training sessions in. Maybe I better get out of the gym and do more outdoor activities. I loved the rock-climbing wall.I place the green salad on the table next to the warmed flatbreads. Jayden and I are hosting Astrid and Sofia for a late dinner. A bit of a debrief on the media situation and a friendly catch up outside of work. I’m looking forward to it but also a little nervous about being in close proximity to Astrid.She is very straightforward, and she doesn’t flinch at stating things how they are. Something I always appreciated about her even though at first it was a little jarring. So far, so good though. Jayden places the char-grilled meats and vegetable pl
(Jayden)Henry is in his highchair, making a complete mess of himself with mustard and ketchup. Bobby and Sarah are locked in a dramatic debate over whether onions belong on hot dogs, while Abby is curled up between us singing the song on the movie. Winona leans over to me, her body warm against mine.I tighten my arm around her. “We’re okay? Yes?” She hesitates. “Yes, we’re just fine. Sorry I get in my head so much with feelings.” “Sorry I don’t get in mine enough with your feelings.”She smiles back at me and I’m glad we just get each other these days. “But what about sleep? Are you getting enough?” I’m really asking if Winona is still having the nightmares about the baby crying…“Mostly.”“So you still having them, huh?”“It’s been better with Vault to focus on. Staying busy.”“If you need to get to the point of exhaustion before you can sleep soundly, that isn’t good long term.”She leans over and kisses me. “I’m okay. I promise. It’s getting better. Let’s not ruin the fun ni
(Jayden)Henry shrieks in delight as the bucket tips over, drenching him in a torrent of water that would terrify most kids his age. His little hands slap the wet surface, his laugh infectious as Sarah and Abby cheer him on. “I told you he’d love it,” Bobby calls from the climbing ropes, shaking his head as he swings across to the next section. “He’s used to the hose at home.”“I’m not sure you and your little brother are safe together.” I laugh and Bobby climbs higher. This is a fantastic kids park, it has everything and not just for kids. Winona and I have given them a run for their money today.Kit chuckles beside me. “Gotta admit, the kid’s fearless.” “No argument there,” I say, keeping a watchful eye on Henry as he wobbles through the shallow splash area, River close behind. It’s been a perfect day—the kind we don’t get nearly enough of. No meetings, no deadlines, no PR disasters. Just us. The family. All playing and having loads of fun. The film crew is here, but they’ve don
(Winona)Sofia’s voice cues the next topic. “You’ve both had demanding careers. How do you make sure the kids come first?” I shift, pushing my sunglasses up onto my head. “We make it work by making sure that when we are together, we are fully present. No distractions.” Jayden smirks. “Well, most of the time. There’s always the occasional emergency.” “Business emergencies are one thing. But the kids know they’re our priority. They always come first,” I say.Bobby speaks up. “We have a family video call every night, before bed. We never miss it. No matter where we are.” I nod. “That’s right. And this is our first family trip but not our last. The kids have chores. Bobby gets out in the garden and he’s great at landscape design. We just find ways to drown out the negative white noise with positive family energy.”The day finally comes to an end and cameras capture it all. The smiles, the laughter, the easy dynamic we’ve spent years building. I’m proud of us. Sofia was right. This was
(Winona)The sun blazes down, the sky a perfect, uninterrupted blue as we step onto the deck of the yacht. Dubai’s skyline looms behind us, glass towers gleaming in the heat, the water an impossible shade of turquoise. The cameras are already set up, discreet but ever-present. A carefully curated glimpse into the life of a family that—on paper—has it all. Jayden shakes hands with the producer, exchanging pleasantries, while I shift Henry on my hip, forcing a smile. I see Sofia Fernandez, Nexus Global’s Head of Public Relations. I’m a little relieved to see a familiar face and someone I bonded with in Brussels. Then behind her I see Astrid Koenig. I stiffen slightly at the blank expression but that’s just Astrid. Sofia comes straight in with a huge smile and hug for me.As I hug her back, I see Astrid approach Jayden. She’s not a hugger but she does touch his hand and eyeball him while giving a definite nod. He smiles back like he’s not trying to smile. I can tell she likes him.A w
(Winona)Dubai is breathtaking. The resort is pure indulgence—pristine beaches, towering glass buildings, the smell of salt and luxury in the air. The kids are all fed and crashed in bed and Jayden has arranged a late dinner for us.Dinner is set on the resort rooftop, candles flickering against the warm night breeze, the city stretching out beneath us in a blanket of gold lights.Jayden reaches for my hand across the table. “It’s nice, isn’t it? Us, here. Without work hanging over our heads. Our family all together. I’ve missed the kids so much.”I smile, but it’s not quite real. I’m trying to forget earlier. “The kids?”“And you as well, that goes without saying.”“Does it?”He studies me. “You okay?”“Not really. But I will be. It’s been hectic and I so looked forward to being here,” I say, “ without the media.”“I can guarantee you there’s no media or cameras clicking tonight. I made sure we had absolute privacy.” “We may as well get to the first of the herd of elephants in the r