(Jayden)“Daddy! I saw Mommy. I miss her.” Abby cries out when she comes in the door with Anne. My heart goes out to her, but I must maintain this façade.I scoop up Abby and hug her. “I’m glad you got to see Mommy.”Anne watches me closely. She’s vehemently loyal to Winona and Abby. So Winona is back in the townhouse. Good. I know she’s under house arrest until the case is over.There’s no chance of her doing anything to break those terms and I know she’s safe. No one can get to her there. It’s been difficult being back here with Ashlyn and I’m not leaving Abby alone with her. Anne sleeps in her room and goes everywhere with her.This confession thing better work because I don’t see how we can prove Winona innocent without it. Her father is a useless witness. He’ll easily be proven untrustworthy with his track record.“Mommy is sad.”“Abby, we can’t talk about Mommy right now, remember? Let’s go take a bath, have some supper and then I’ll read your favorite book,” Anne says gently.“
(Winona)Phillip stands at the secure office door, looking like a ghost of the man I once knew.His eyes are hollow, his frame gaunt, and he seems smaller in presence, as if the actions of his past mistakes have physically diminished him. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what’s to come, and open the door wider to let him in.Then I carefully close it behind him.“Phillip, sit down,” Gordon instructs, gesturing to the chair opposite mine.Phillip steps inside the office, his movements tentative, and sits down heavily. I move to sit in the chair next to him, feeling the tension in the room thicken with every second.“Hi, Phillip,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. The words feel weird coming out, like I’m talking to a stranger rather than the man I considered spending my life with.“Winona,” he replies, his voice cracking. “Thank you for… for letting me come back.” His eyes meet mine, and I can see the depth of his regret, the guilt weighing heavily on him.I nod, not tru
(Winona)We spend the next hour arranging his things and making the bedroom look like a shared space. It’s not monitored but that doesn’t mean authorities can’t come in and look.Tension is definitely there, but there’s also a sense of determination between us. We both know what’s at stake, and we’re willing to do whatever it takes. I’m actually glad I have Phillip back in my corner.When I look back, he was quite brave in going up against Judy with me before in my work office. She could have revealed him then and there. But she didn’t. She seemed happy to let us keep what we had going.I guess because I wasn’t trying to be with Jayden. That’s always been the thing with her, losing her son to me.As we finish, Phillip sits on the edge of the bed, looking worn out emotionally and physically. I wonder how long since he’s had a decent meal.“Winona, I never stopped loving you. Even when I was at my worst, you and Abby were always in my heart.”His words cut through me, and for a moment,
(Winona)The morning feels grim as I stand inside my townhouse entryway, my wrists and ankles shackled, waiting for my transportation to the Santa Monica courthouse.To be honest, I’m grateful to be going out despite the circumstances. A week of being confined and only talking either about weather and superficial stuff or things that affect me on a life-or-death level, has been exhausting.Then keeping up the pretense of Phillip and I. But we’ve done it and we are all going to hear what the judge has to say about where Abby is best to live for the time being. I’m more nervous about this than anything.The cold metal digs into my skin, and I feel it in my bones. Sheila Hobbs, my parole officer, stands nearby, her expression a mix of empathy and stern resolve.“We’ll get through this trip, Winona,” she says, her voice firm but kind. “Just follow my lead and stay calm.”I nod, trying to muster the strength to keep my emotions in check. “Thanks, Sheila. I’ll do my best.”As we make our wa
(Winona)When it’s Gordon’s turn, he stands confidently, presenting our case with precision.He begins, his voice clear and assertive. “Your Honor, the affidavits we’ve presented testify to Ashlyn’s past behavior raises serious concerns about Abby’s safety.”Gordon paces the floor, his footsteps echoing in the tense silence. He continues speaking, his tone unwavering. “Until Ashlyn’s accusations against my client are proven to be the truth, we cannot overlook the possibility that Ashlyn herself poses a significant risk to Abby Joseph.”Jayden’s lawyer jumps to his feet, his face flushed with indignation. “Objection, Your Honor! This is speculative and slanderous. There’s no concrete evidence to support these claims.”Gordon doesn’t back down, stepping closer to the bench. “Your Honor, if I may. Ashlyn’s character is as much in question as my client’s. We have reason to believe that she may have put her own unborn baby at risk on purpose.”He turns to Ashlyn and Jayden and stares at th
(Winona)The judge calls for a two-hour recess to speak privately with Abby and consider all the arguments and information.It’s only then I realize Abby is present in the courthouse somewhere. My heart skips a beat at the thought of her being here, so close yet so far from me. I hope she is okay. I’m sure Anne is with her.The bailiff escorts me out of the courtroom, and I’m allowed a brief toilet break. I head to the restroom, my mind swirling with anxiety and hope.I push open the heavy restroom door, the cool air hitting my face. I splash some water on my face, trying to compose myself. As I stand there, staring at my reflection in the mirror, the door swings open, and in walks Ashlyn, her eyes locked on mine.“Well, well, well, look who we have here,” she sneers, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “The desperate mother.”I take a deep breath, trying to stay calm. “You aren’t supposed to be near me or discussing the case.”She shrugs. “Who cares?”She steps closer, her smile twisted
(Winona)“After careful consideration of all the arguments and evidence presented, and after speaking privately with the child involved, I have come to a decision,” Judge Harper announces, her voice steady and clear.“Given Abby’s health and the compelling arguments for her need to be in a stable environment by her doctor, I am granting temporary custody to Winona Nolan.”A gasp echoes through the courtroom, and a rush of relief washes over me, almost making me dizzy. Did I just hear that correctly?The judge continues, “this arrangement is conditional. If Abby’s test results improve as a result of being in her mother’s care, I will consider this evidence of a positive impact, and she will remain with Winona until her operation. We will continue to monitor her progress closely.”The judge’s gaze sweeps over the room, pausing momentarily on Jayden before returning to me. “Furthermore, a stay of hearing in this case is granted until after Abby’s operation. This will allow us to focus on
(Jayden)The morning after the custody hearing, I woke up with a pounding headache. Sleep was almost impossible. Ashlyn being beside me makes me nervous. I came into the office early to try and clear my head. Now I’m hoping this black coffee will help.The judge’s decision is still fresh in my mind, and although I understand that Abby being with Winona is probably best for her, the thought of Phillip being back in the picture fills me with rage. Winona is my world, and now I can't even talk to her because of Ashlyn. I need to find a way to fix this, to be with Winona again.My lawyer, Daniel Richards, walks into my office, a grim look on his face. “Jayden, we need to talk.”My secretary must be on the job already. Good, we have a lot of work to do with Brennan Industries. But more crap news is not what I need. Anger is bubbling just below the surface. “What now?”Daniel nods, taking a seat across from me. “Ashlyn approached Winona in the bathroom at the courthouse yesterday. She tol
(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
(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
(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
(Winona)Pulling into the farmhouse driveway, I spot Cass sitting on the porch steps, her duffel bag at her feet. She looks up when Lisa and I step out of the car, a smirk already forming. She gives us a wolf-whistle.“Look at you two,” she calls out. “Business queens in the flesh.” Lisa tugs at her blazer. “Trust me, I’m getting changed right away. What a fucking disaster.” I roll my eyes and stride up to Cass, pulling her into a tight hug. She smells like vanilla and cigarette smoke, a weird combination that somehow suits her. “I’ve missed you, brat sister,” I murmur, holding her for a beat longer than necessary because I know why she’s here and it’s already breaking my heart. Cass pulls back with a grin. “Miss you too, boss sister. Seriously, what’s with the corporate look? You two getting ready to take over the world or what?” “Something like that,” I say, smoothing my blazer. “But I’ll let Lisa fill you in when she’s ready. So, I guess you’re here to say goodbye?” Cass nod
(Winona)Lisa stares out the window, chewing on the corner of her nail—something she only does when she’s about two seconds away from a full-on meltdown.The highway stretches out ahead, I can’t stop thinking about Logan Bennett. Lance’s twin. A walking, talking ghost we never knew existed. I can only imagine how rocked Lisa must feel.I grip the steering wheel. “You good?” Lisa lets out a short laugh, but it’s hollow. “Define ‘good.’ Because if it means questioning my entire reality while also wanting to throw myself into traffic, then yeah. I’m fucking great.” I glance at her. “You’re not throwing yourself into anything except maybe a bath later with a gallon of wine.” “I think any alcohol now might result in me making myself obnoxious. You know how I get.” Lisa stares out her window again.Then she continues talking. “I seriously thought I was hallucinating, Winona. Like, actual delusions. One minute I’m faking my way through this business gig, the next I’m staring at Lance—exc
(Lisa)The lights are too bright, the sheets too crisp, and everything feels weird. I blink slowly, my head pounding. My mouth tastes like I’ve been chewing cotton balls for breakfast. Where the hell am I? Then it hits me. The office. The meeting. Lance. I sit up too fast, and the room spins like I’m on some twisted carnival ride. I feel something in my arm and see an IV. There are monitors and things stuck on me.Shit, I’m in a hospital.A groan slips out before I can stop it, and suddenly there’s a nurse by my side, her face all sympathy and no-nonsense professionalism. “Easy now,” she says, pressing a cool hand to my wrist. “You fainted, remember? You weren’t responsive for a while. But the drip has done its job.” Fainted? Right. That’s what normal people do when they think they’ve seen their dead ex-lover casually standing in a boardroom like it’s just another Tuesday. “Okay... fainted,” I mumble, rubbing my temples. “Great. That’s just... fantastic.” The nurse offers me a
(Jayden)The kids are sprawled across the living room floor, their energy buzzing like they’ve downed three bags of sugar each. Henry’s babbling as he stacks blocks, while Abbey and Sarah argue about whether they should play schools or princesses. Bobby is pretending not to care, phone in hand. Anne is at the shops.It’s noisy and busy, just like normal. I think of Winona and Lisa. I wonder how they are going with the meeting? I pat my pocket, then the other side.“Guys, I left my phone outside on the bench. Try not to kill each other and watch Henry while I go and grab it.”They all look at me and nod and keep doing what they are doing. Henry seems taken with his blocks, so I whip out through the kitchen and out the back door.I see I’ve missed a call and she’s left a message. I scoop up my phone and head back inside to listen to the message. I won’t call back yet, they may be in the meeting still.I hurry back in and check out the kids. No one has moved. Great. I listen to the mes
(Mia)Gus walks through the living room slowly, his gaze flicking over the ornate furnishings, the heavy curtains, the marble-topped tables.His fingers trail along the edge of a sideboard, and for a moment, he looks lost in thought. “You okay?” He glances at me. “It’s strange being here without her and having all her stuff still here. I’ll see that it’s all collected. There’s some valuable pieces here.” “Judy’s gone,” I say bluntly, shrugging my shoulders. “You’ll have to get used to it. This place is part of Brennan Industries now, I believe.” His mouth tightens, and he doesn’t respond. Instead, he turns his attention to the window, looking out at the street below. I don’t know what he’s thinking, and honestly, I don’t care.Gus being here isn’t my concern—what he wants is. I know he says he’s here to pick up Mama, but that doesn’t fool me.“You didn’t come here to reminisce,” I say. “What do you want?” He turns back to me, his eyes narrowing slightly. “I want to know where y
(Winona)Lisa’s body is sprawled awkwardly on the sleek office floor, and my heart nearly stops as I drop to my knees beside her.“I’m Logan Bennett.” The sound of Logan’s voice, Lance’s voice, steady but sharp, slices through the haze of my panic.I glance up at him. Neater haircut, lesser designer suit, but that is Lance Collins right there.What the actual fuck is going on? No wonder she collapsed.“I’m calling 911,” he says, his phone already to his ear. “St James Hospital is close.”“Lisa!” I whisper, shaking her gently. Her skin feels clammy, her breathing shallow but steady. “Come on, Lis, wake up.” I turn her over to the recovery position. She is breathing but she isn’t waking up.Logan lowers his phone. “Paramedics are on the way.” His gaze flickers between Lisa and me, worry etched into his expression. “Is she…?”“She’s breathing,” I say. “But she’s not waking up.”Logan crouches down, his movements deliberate and calm, and for a moment, his presence reminds me so much of La