(Winona)“Don’t lose that, Winona,” he says, his voice firm. “Don’t let anyone—not Jayden, not the kids, not anyone—take that power away from you. Nurture your spark and let it be a flame when you can. You’re so fucking hot… don’t be afraid of it.”I smile. I think I needed to hear that.“If Jayden has any brains at all, he’ll never let you go. You’re an incredible woman, a badass mother, and the kind of person I could only dream about having as a mom growing up.”I take in a ragged breath. This is so hard to watch and yet I want it to go on forever.“Okay, to be honest, being raised by a family of slugs would probably have been better emotionally for me, but you know what I’m saying. If I could have chosen the best Mom, it would have been you.”He gives his big, cheesy grin. “Now that would’ve raised some eyebrows when I had sex with you, if you were my Mom. Am I right?"“Jesus, Lance!” I say out loud.“Oops, too far, sorry,” he says like he’s heard my protest.His gaze softens, and
(Winona)The phone buzzes on the counter, Jayden’s name flashes on the screen. It’s been a few hours since we last spoke, and he sounded strained then. I swipe to answer. “Jayden,” I say, “everything okay?” “Not exactly, I need a favor.” “Of course. What’s going on?” He exhales, and I can hear the faint clatter of papers in the background. “I need you to go to Brennan Industries. Talk to the employees. Offer them some support after everything that’s happened with Lance and Judy.” My stomach tightens at the mention of Judy. The entire feud between us has been splashed across every media outlet forever. Everyone at Brennan Industries knew, and they’d seen the fallout.“Why me?” I ask cautiously. “Because you’ve worked with them,” Jayden says. “You’re respected there. They deserve some support because everyone loved Lance and Judy was a well-respected CEO despite her side game with us.” “Jayden, they know about everything between Judy and me. What if they think I’m just showing up
(Winona)“It’s not,” I admit, keeping my tone neutral. “But it’s important. I have a lot of friends and colleagues here. The deaths and the media surrounding them will have a profound effect on morale. Not to mention investor confidence.”Mia raises an eyebrow. “Investor confidence? Bold of you to assume that’s a concern you need to handle. My family owns half of Brennan Industries. It’s our legacy, and we won’t be giving it up anytime soon.”I hold her gaze, unflinching. “You can hash that out with Jayden. And Mia? Don’t think I’m as easy to manipulate as my sister.”Her smile falters slightly, replaced by something colder. “How is Cass? She disappeared it seems. I was worried.”“Cass is just fine, thanks. She’s safe and well.” I’m not mentioning exactly where Cass is. I don’t trust Mia. “No thanks to you. Getting her involved in drug selling.”“That had nothing to do with me. Cass got herself into her own mess. She wouldn’t listen to me. Why do you think Gabriel got out when he did?
(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
(Winona)“It’s not,” I admit, keeping my tone neutral. “But it’s important. I have a lot of friends and colleagues here. The deaths and the media surrounding them will have a profound effect on morale. Not to mention investor confidence.”Mia raises an eyebrow. “Investor confidence? Bold of you to assume that’s a concern you need to handle. My family owns half of Brennan Industries. It’s our legacy, and we won’t be giving it up anytime soon.”I hold her gaze, unflinching. “You can hash that out with Jayden. And Mia? Don’t think I’m as easy to manipulate as my sister.”Her smile falters slightly, replaced by something colder. “How is Cass? She disappeared it seems. I was worried.”“Cass is just fine, thanks. She’s safe and well.” I’m not mentioning exactly where Cass is. I don’t trust Mia. “No thanks to you. Getting her involved in drug selling.”“That had nothing to do with me. Cass got herself into her own mess. She wouldn’t listen to me. Why do you think Gabriel got out when he did?
(Winona)The phone buzzes on the counter, Jayden’s name flashes on the screen. It’s been a few hours since we last spoke, and he sounded strained then. I swipe to answer. “Jayden,” I say, “everything okay?” “Not exactly, I need a favor.” “Of course. What’s going on?” He exhales, and I can hear the faint clatter of papers in the background. “I need you to go to Brennan Industries. Talk to the employees. Offer them some support after everything that’s happened with Lance and Judy.” My stomach tightens at the mention of Judy. The entire feud between us has been splashed across every media outlet forever. Everyone at Brennan Industries knew, and they’d seen the fallout.“Why me?” I ask cautiously. “Because you’ve worked with them,” Jayden says. “You’re respected there. They deserve some support because everyone loved Lance and Judy was a well-respected CEO despite her side game with us.” “Jayden, they know about everything between Judy and me. What if they think I’m just showing up
(Winona)“Don’t lose that, Winona,” he says, his voice firm. “Don’t let anyone—not Jayden, not the kids, not anyone—take that power away from you. Nurture your spark and let it be a flame when you can. You’re so fucking hot… don’t be afraid of it.”I smile. I think I needed to hear that.“If Jayden has any brains at all, he’ll never let you go. You’re an incredible woman, a badass mother, and the kind of person I could only dream about having as a mom growing up.”I take in a ragged breath. This is so hard to watch and yet I want it to go on forever.“Okay, to be honest, being raised by a family of slugs would probably have been better emotionally for me, but you know what I’m saying. If I could have chosen the best Mom, it would have been you.”He gives his big, cheesy grin. “Now that would’ve raised some eyebrows when I had sex with you, if you were my Mom. Am I right?"“Jesus, Lance!” I say out loud.“Oops, too far, sorry,” he says like he’s heard my protest.His gaze softens, and
(Winona)The TV glows in the dim light of the bedroom. Lance appears, sitting in what looks like his hotel room.He’s bruised from his fight with Jayden—his eye still dark, his knuckles marked. Despite everything, he looks like himself, leaning back in a chair with his usual grin.Even battered, he exudes that maddening confidence that was so uniquely him. My heart twists. It’s Lance, exactly as I remember him, but this is the last time I’ll ever see him. “Winona,” he starts, he looks solemn. “If you are watching this, it means I’m gone...”Then he bursts out into a laugh, “I’ve always wanted to say that, like in a Bond movie or something…”Oh god, even now he has to joke about it. I have to grin. So typical Lance.“Anyhoo… Here I am, in all my battered glory. I just want to add, Jayden did throw the first punch and that is the only reason why he got a hit in. I win the bet again.”I shake my head. Honestly.“But I thought I’d leave you a little something since... well, I’m not arou
(Winona)The sight of their toys scattered across the floor feels like a lifeline in the middle of a horrible dream. Despite how I felt when I left here, the penthouse actually feels like home now. Familiar and safe.As I step out of the elevator, Anne greets me softly. “They’re asleep. They were very happy to see their things and Bobby settled the cat in first. They even did all their chores without being asked,” she pauses, studying my face. “How are you holding up?”I set my bag down on the counter and exhale. “I’m managing. Lisa’s... not okay, but I think she’ll be fine as time passes. She’s angry at Lance for giving up.”Anne nods, her expression sympathetic. “And Jayden?”“He’s focused on logistics, keeping himself busy. He’s bringing Lance and Judy back to the States soon, sorting out the wills, the services... everything. I think he’s in shock, honestly.”Anne steps closer, placing a comforting hand on my arm. “And you? You’re shouldering so much right now. Are you really okay
(Winona)Lisa finally emerges from her bedroom, her eyes red-rimmed, her face pale.I stand from the couch, where I’ve been sitting for what feels like hours.“Hey,” I say softly.She doesn’t answer at first, just walks to the kitchen. Her movements are slow, deliberate, like she’s holding herself together with sheer will.I take a tentative step closer. “Lisa... can I get you anything?”She turns to me, her expression a mix of sadness and exhaustion as she shakes her head. “I don’t know, Winona. None of this feels real.”Her voice breaks, and she presses her hands against the counter, her head bowed. “I’m so angry at him. I’m so damn angry. Why did he have to do this?”I move closer, keeping my voice gentle. “I know. And it’s not fair. None of it is. But you’re allowed to feel everything. The anger, the disbelief, the confusion—it’s all valid.”She lets out a shaky breath, lifting her head to meet my gaze. “I wish he loved me enough to stick around.”“No, Lisa,” I say firmly. “He lov
(Jayden)“She loves you, Jayden. Her life has been crap. And you’ve got another baby on the way now. That’s big, man. That’s bigger than anything else. Don’t screw it up.”I flinch at the mention of the pregnancy. How did he know? Winona must’ve told him. Of course, she did. She trusted him.“Look,” Lance says, leaning back in his chair, “I know you’re pissed at me right now. Hell, you’ve got every right to be. But don’t let that anger eat you alive. Find a way to forgive. Not me—I don’t deserve it—but for yourself. For those kids. They need you, Jayden. All of them.”His voice softens again, and he smiles faintly. “You were my brother, Jayden. The only real family I ever had. You, Winona, and Lisa... you made my unbearable childhood memories bearable. And I know I wasn’t perfect. Far from it. But I’m grateful for you. For everything.”He pauses, his eyes glinting with a hint of mischief. “I wasn’t perfect, but I was awesome. And don’t dwell on not having a mother now, we all expect p
The screen flickers for a moment before Lance appears, sitting in what looks like his hotel. He’s bruised from our fight—his eyes still dark, his knuckles marked. But he’s himself, leaning back in a chair with his usual grin. Even battered, he looks at ease.My heart is in my throat as it hits me that I’ll never see him again. He was my ride or die. He chose to die.“Jayden,” he begins, tilting his head. “You son of a bitch. You threw the first punch again. Or rather you mowed me down before I could do anything. Let’s just get that out of the way. That’s the only reason you ever landed one on me.”A laugh escapes me. Typical Lance. Even now, he finds a way to turn the pain into a joke.“Look, I know you’ve got questions. Probably a lot of them. Maybe you’re angry, or maybe you’re just sitting there thinking, ‘What the hell, Lance?’ So let me explain… as much as I can.”He pauses, rubbing the back of his neck. “I always knew this was how I’d go out. One day, when the time was right, I’
(Jayden)It’s been hours since I walked in on that horror scene, but my mind is still running on adrenaline. The detectives have been and gone, ruling it a straightforward case of murder-suicide.I’m not sure what to feel about that—relief that it’s simple enough to close quickly, or anger that they’ve already written off Lance’s actions and the death of my mother with such cold efficiency. I push those thoughts aside. There are practical things to handle, and that’s where I focus. Emotions can wait. I sit at the desk in my suite, surrounded by a chaos of papers and my phone. Viktor is dealing with much of it and I know he’s going to contact Gus. Cass sits on the arm of the couch, her arms crossed, watching me like a hawk. I dial my lawyer, leaning back in the chair as I press the phone to my ear. The familiar voice on the other end picks up after a few rings. I know this will have hits all the media outlets by now but I refuse to watch any of it.“Jayden, how can I help?” I keep