(Jayden)My brain can’t handle all of this. The revelations hit me like a freight train, shattering my composure and ripping through the thin veneer of control I thought I had. I just don’t want to think about the emotional and mental abuse I copped from the man I thought was my father. He always acted like he hated me. Every scornful glance, every harsh word, a bitter confirmation of how he despised me. I never got it back then. Now it’s all clear, the pieces fall into place in a sickening puzzle. Why would Mother keep us there like that? Greg was nothing short of cruel to her at times. The memory of his rage, his unrelenting criticism, sears through me. I often thought he hated her as well. I wonder why they ever got married if there was no love.I pace the room, my hands clenched into fists, nails biting into my palms. I’m confused and angry, a tempest of emotions swirling inside me. If this Gus thinks he is going to be welcomed with open arms as my father, he has another thing
(Jayden)I pat her on the head. “I’m okay, Abby. I’m glad you’re here though.” Her small smile lights up a part of me that’s been dark for too long.“I thought she might cheer you up. We were at the park,” Winona says, her voice soft but tinged with concern.“Come in. I was just thinking about something.” My voice comes out strained, barely masking the turmoil roiling within me.“Are you okay? I mean, that was unbelievable really. I think we all need to lick our wounds for a while.” Winona says.“I’m angry.” We walk into the lounge area, the weight of the day pressing down on us. I sit and pull Abby up onto my lap, her warmth a temporary balm to my frayed nerves.“With Gus?”“With myself.” I sigh, running a hand through my hair, feeling the frustration build.“You can’t blame yourself for what he’s done. What everyone around you has done.” Winona’s voice is soothing, but it doesn’t reach the core of my guilt.“I dropped the ball with Brennan Industries. Gus is right. I’m not in a posi
(Winona)Back home, I’m feeling torn. On the one hand the beach would be an amazing time for Abby and getting her strong for her next surgery. On the other hand, being there puts my heart in the firing line and I cannot let myself get sucked into loving Jayden again.I’m not letting myself get sucked into loving anyone, ever.Lisa and Lance are coming over for drinks later. Anne has said she will go back to her home and catch up with her other family members for six months if I decide to go. But she will be back as soon as I need her. She said she knows I’ll make the right decision either way.I’m sure Anne could use the break from the drama as much as us.I have no clue how Ashlyn has reacted to all these developments, but I don’t think it will be in a good way. Judy is as hard to read as ever, and I will never trust her. Especially when it comes to Abby. Now I have this security around and, in a way, I like it. But this isn’t a normal life. I don’t think I’ll ever see Phillip again
(Winona)“Are you sure you’re making the right choice?” Lisa asks.I nod. “I’m just going to do exactly what I want to do for a change. I honestly can’t be any worse off. Abby will thrive in the sea air.” Lance holds his glass up. “Good for you. That family needs a good kick in the ass.”“It’s not that simple for Winona though. She has enemies. I’m worried this will force Ashlyn and maybe Judy to do something drastic.”“Ashlyn has the baby to think about. She would know that as long as she has his baby, Jayden will always be tied to her. I don’t think she’d risk that,” I say.“I wouldn’t put anything past her. She needs medicating or something.” Lisa shakes her head.“I don’t think Gus will let her out of his sight while she’s pregnant with his grandchild,” Lance observes.“Oh my god! Abby is his grandchild too. It’s like this is all just occurring to me. And she’s the heir apparent if anything happens to Jayden. I don’t want that life for her.”“I’m glad it’s all out in the open now
(Winona)“Winona! Come in. Take a seat,” Gus says loudly as I inwardly wince.I slowly sit across the desk in Jayden’s office and remove my sunglasses, trying to gather my thoughts. The light feels harsh, stabbing into my already pounding head.“Hard night?” Gus inquires, his tone a mix of curiosity and judgment.“I suppose your watchdogs filled you in. I am entitled to a life, you know,” I retort, a bit sharper than intended.“My staff know better than to speculate on the private lives of anyone they are detailed to. Privacy is of the utmost importance. It’s your eyes giving you away,” he responds, leaning back in his chair, scrutinizing me.I sigh deeply. “My head is mush, but I want to tell you in person that I’m not accepting your offer.”Gus raises an eyebrow, clearly not expecting this. “I appreciate you coming in. But are you sure?”“Mr. Brennan…”“Call me Gus.”“Gus. Abby is really my only priority now. Those hours are ridiculous, not to mention the workload,” I explain, tryin
(Ashlyn)One Week LaterSo, this is the infamous Gus Brennan. Last week he outed Lance and I and the little indiscretion. But he also did me a favor and named Jayden as the biological father of this baby.Judy has been ridiculous about it all, but I don’t care. I eye her defiantly across the office that used to be Jayden’s. She can pretend she hates me, but I know she needs me. She can’t get rid of Winona from Jayden’s life without me. She’s been carrying on about where Jayden is and that he hasn’t answered any messages or calls. It’s not like I’m holding him hostage. He hasn’t been home since all this about Lance went down.Now Judy pretends to be shocked about me sleeping with Lance. She doesn’t fool me. Don’t pretend to be holier than thou when you’ve been hiding Jayden’s real father all this time. She’s looking at Gus and he’s studying whatever is on the desk in front of him. “Ladies, please, take a seat.” He says without looking up.I sit in the plush leather chair. Judy rema
(Jayden)I look at the beach view from my Santa Monica property. I don’t remember purchasing this place but I’m glad I did now. When I was looking over my portfolio before I divorced Winona, this one caught my eye and I wanted to come see it right away.Of course, I got too busy with the business and all this memory crap. Since finding out about Abby, and now her condition, life has been a whirlwind. I take a deep breath. Here it feels like the world has slowed.I think back to the divorce and before it. The night Winona and I made Abby. Then I was so confused when the drugs were found in my blood. Of course I would trust my mother. But I’ve learned since, I can love her but maybe trusting her is a different thing.How did I let myself be convinced so easily that Winona was lying and had tricked me into everything? I guess my mental state was a lot more volatile back then. I know I certainly don’t want to be like Greg in that way again. If that’s what it takes to run this business, I
(Winona)I’m not sure I’ve ever felt this free or relaxed. Not since the accident anyway. But this is nice. No Ashlyn, no Judy. No pressure. The air feels lighter, the weight of the world has lifted off my shoulders, at least temporarily.Jayden is cleaning like a demon out in the kitchen with Abby, although I’m sure there’s some soapy water fights going on. Every few minutes, I hear giggles and splashes, making me smile.I’m setting up Abby’s bedroom. I’ve cleaned dirt and mold off the walls. I’m hoping it’s old stuff. It looks a lot better, and that dank smell is gone. It’s very satisfying transforming this space for her.The overriding smell now is bleach, but I have some scented candles to light. I make her bed and pop her toys on top. She insisted on bringing her doll house, and I’ve placed it in the corner where it looks perfect. The living room is pretty much done and I’m hoping the kitchen/diner is sorted as well. I glance around, making sure everything is in place for Abby a