(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
(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
(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
(Winona)The dining table feels more like a boardroom today. Jayden’s laptop is open, his notes meticulously organized. Anne sits beside him, her ever-calm presence keeping us in check.I’m across from them, sipping coffee like it’s a lifeline. I’m nervous and nowhere near as organized as Jayden looks.“Anyone think you’re vetting the CEO of Nexus Global,” I say, glancing at Jayden’s neatly printed spreadsheets. “Just as important,” he counters, tapping his pen against the table. “This person is going to live here, help raise our kids, and be part of our lives. I’m not leaving this to chance.” “Fair,” I admit, “but this can’t be about just what’s on paper. It has to feel like the right match.” Anne brings some crackers over. “We’ll find someone and I’m quite happy to keep doing it until we do. Don’t feel pressured to choose today.”“Anne, you need a life. You’ll always be a part of this family, the kid’s Nanny Anne. But I want you to be able to have a grandmother role, not a primar
(Jayden)I’m trying not to feel like we’re auditioning for the next season of Who Wants to Join the Brennan Circus. And I’ve already taken two calls from our afternoon shortlist saying they’ve taken other positions.That leaves two for this afternoon’s session.The first is Eric, a fresh-faced twenty-something with dreadlocks, wearing a tie-dye hoodie and Birkenstocks. He walks in like he’s about to lead a yoga retreat, and I immediately have doubts.“Thanks for coming in, Eric,” I say, extending a hand.Eric gives me a two-handed shake and beams. “Namaste, Mr. Brennan. Your aura is very welcoming.”Winona shoots me a look, her eyebrow practically climbing into her hairline.“I’ve worked as a live-in nanny for two families,” Eric says, his voice calm and measured. “I focus on mindfulness practices for children—teaching them to ground themselves, manage their emotions, and find inner peace.”Anne furrows her brow. “And how do you handle structure? Rules? Boundaries?”Eric tilts his hea
(Winona)“To be fair,” River says, “we didn’t know why we were coming. Gus just said to meet some cool people.”“And hang out with some kids,” Kit adds. “Mission accomplished.”I stiffen and I’m not sure whether to yell at Gus or just accept defeat.“They’re great!” Bobby exclaimed, looking up from the Switch. “Kit knows all the cool games. He’s way better than you, Dad.”“Thanks, son,” Jayden mutters dryly.“And River’s an artist!” Abbey adds, holding up the sketch—a surprisingly detailed picture of Abbey wearing a glittery crown.“It’s beautiful!” I say, surprised.“Thanks,” River answers. “Your kids are pretty inspiring.”“They’ve been telling us all about their adventures in Europe,” Kit looks genuinely amazed. “They’ve seen more of the world than we have. We love to travel. But funds are an issue. We find private gigs more profitable than formal teaching jobs. And less… regimented.”“With all due respect, you might not be ready for the chaos these four cause.”River nods. “I come
(Jayden)The sun’s barely up, but the construction crew is already on-site, working like a well-oiled machine.The new unit will go up fast—modular design, pre-fabricated, delivered on a truck, and put together in a day. Efficiency at its finest.I must admit the sheer thrill of bringing a massive project to completion like this is something I’ve missed since I left Nexus Global in Viktor’s hands. Bobby is already there, sleeves rolled up, soaking up everything he can from the tradesmen.That kid is going places. He’s never afraid to do the work.I sip my coffee, watching as the walls come together like a giant LEGO set. Inside, Kit and River are sitting with Anne, going over the final details of their contract.They arrived at 6am—Kit in a hoodie with some obscure gaming logo, River in ripped jeans and a paint-stained sweater. It should look unprofessional, but somehow, it just works for them.Winona steps out onto the porch, Henry on her hip, rubbing her eyes like she’s still half-a
(Winona)Today isn’t just any meeting—it’s the meeting. The one where the board either gets behind my vision for the app’s future or decides I’m just a placeholder CEO with a famous name.I step out of the bedroom, grabbing my portfolio from the dresser. Jayden is in the kitchen like he doesn’t have a million things to do before he leaves for Brussels.He looks up as I walk in, his gaze sweeping over me in that slow, assessing way.“Wow! Stunning. You look like you could fire everyone before they’ve even said hello,” he says, smirking.I huff, placing my portfolio into my leather briefcase. “I’m considering it.”“Nervous?”I scoff. “No.”He raises an eyebrow. “Winona.”“Fine, I’m nervous. Only a lot,” I quip.Jayden folds his arms. “They’d be idiots not to get behind you. You’ve already proven it’s your priority.”“That doesn’t mean they’re going to just hand me the budget I need,” I counter. “The marketing strategy is aggressive. The rebrand isn’t cheap. The amount of money I’m askin
(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
(Winona)The airport is a swirling mass of bodies, luggage, and barely controlled chaos. Some flights have been cancelled because of the weather, and I just hope ours is not one of them.I refused the private jet as I want the kids to see how the majority of people travel. We’re still business class but even that lounge is backed up right now.Sarah is not one for big crowds, so she’s on edge. I’m trying to stay calm to show her it’s okay and we can cope with this.“When will we get there?” she asks for the tenth time. Bobby groans loudly beside me. “Sarah, we’re not even on the plane yet. Stop asking dumb questions.” “Don’t be mean,” I chide, shifting Henry higher on my hip. He’s already getting restless, his little hands grabbing at my necklace. I just hope he doesn’t need another diaper change anytime soon.River chuckles, adjusting her backpack. “Gonna be a long flight, I think.” Kit smirks. “Oh yeah. Definitely. But it’s just energy in here. The kids pick up on it.” Sarah pou
(Mia)The ink is barely dry on the new contract, Ana has let half her shares come to me, another step closer to control of Brennan Industries. I should feel satisfied.Instead, my skin crawls. Because I know what’s coming. I try to ignore the feeling of dread as I step into the underground parking garage, but it’s useless. The moment I see them—two of his men, stationed by a sleek black sedan—I know. I school my features, walking toward them with measured steps. They don’t speak, just open the door. I slide inside, the door clicks shut, and he is sitting across from me. Don Alejandro, watching me with the patience of a man who has spent his entire life winning wars that no one even knew he started. He doesn’t speak right away. Just lets the silence press down on me like a vice, his eyes sharp, assessing. Then, finally, he sighs. “You have been busy, mi princesa.” I don’t flinch. “Securing my future.” His head tilts slightly, amusement flickering in his gaze. He lets the silence
(Winona)Henry’s screams are relentless. His face is red, tiny fists flailing as he buries his head into my shoulder, but nothing I do settles him. His little body is warm, his exhaustion radiating into mine. So much for a relaxing Saturday at home with only one business call.Bobby is circling the kitchen, pushing the stroller towards me like a man on a mission. “This usually works,” he offers.We lay Henry in there and it doesn’t help. Bobby pushes him towards the kitchen door to head outside. But Henry isn’t settling, and I can tell he won’t. I call Bobby back. No point us both being deafened.At least Sarah and Abbey are happy outside, shrieking in delight over whatever game they’ve invented. Kit and River are off for the day, finally getting some time to set up their home. Anne’s out of state. I’m alone. Henry wails louder, his little face blotchy with frustration, arms flailing as I take him from Bobby’s arms.“Alright, baby. What is it?” I bounce him gently, pressing his da
(Lisa)The office is too big. Too polished. Too… corporate. I drop into the massive leather chair behind my desk and glare at the sheer size of the space. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a sweeping view of the city, the kind of view people kill for.It’s ridiculous. How is this my life now? Howe is there any money left for the actual charities when I have an office like this. It seems top heavy. Something I’d like to change. I’m not sure Logan will agree.A week ago, I wasn’t even sure I could do this. Now, here I am—CEO, handling meetings, locking in funding, making things happen. And for the first time in my life, I’m actually working for something.Not just existing, floating from party to party, living off old money and good genes. I should feel on top of the world. I do, in many ways.But exhaustion drags at my bones. I’m not sure this is sustainable for me. Or maybe I will get used to it. I don’t know.My body isn’t my own anymore, and I know why. But I won’t say it. Won
being in relationships. It doesn’t seem to affect you at all.” She tilts her head, considering. “I guess I know who I am and I know what makes me happy.”I nod slowly. “There is a certain freedom in not being emotionally attached to another person like that.” She doesn’t answer right away. When she does, it’s quiet. “Exactly.” I get it. More than I want to admit. Once, I thought the same way. That staying alone was the best way to keep control. That life was easier when it was just me, my work, and nothing to lose. But then, there was my mother who’d never let me be, Ashlyn and all the rest of my crazy past that never gave me a minute of real peace.I could have swiped them all away in some moments. But all of that made me the person I am today. A man who really does know what makes him happy and want he wants in life.Exactly what I have now. Maybe less business hoops to jump through would be great but it is what it is right now.“Married, with kids, a life that’s full and chaot
(Winona)I step in front of Phillip and he tries to touch my back as he follows me into the restaurant. I quicken my step so he just misses. I do not want him touching me.We settle at the long table with so many VIP’s my head almost spins. I take a breath and thank them all for coming as I take my seat before Phillip can be gentlemanly and pull out my seat or anything.A glass of champagne is poured for me and I take a sip.Then I hear my phone in my purse. I pull it out. God, it’s seven o’clock already.Incoming video call – Jayden & Kids. Shit. I take a quick sip of wine and push back my chair, standing up. “Excuse me, I need to take this.”I don’t wait for acknowledgment, just step away, weaving through white-clothed tables and murmured conversations until I reach the terrace. The night air is crisp, grounding. I answer the call, forcing a smile. “Hey, family.” The screen fills with Henry’s chubby cheeks and he’s held by Kit. Abbey’s bright eyes light up her frame. Bobby and S