(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
(Jayden)I clench my fists. Now I just have one other problem to deal with. Winona and Phillip saying they’re engaged again. Lance sticks his head in the office. He’s my CFO again. He’s the best, and I know I can trust him with the job.“You busy?”I throw my hands up in the air, frustration bubbling over. “Not with work stuff but come in anyway.”“Winona? Ashlyn?” he asks, concern etched on his face.“It’s a damn mess. In court yesterday, who should be there being all fucking loved up with Winona?”“Phillip?” His eyebrows shoot up in surprise.I nod, gritting my teeth.“Maybe it’s just for show,” he offers, trying to sound hopeful.“Not for Phillip. He’s a man in love. I can tell. Winona looked comfortable in his arms.”“Damn,” Lance mutters, shaking his head.“I was very harsh with Winona when I told her I believed Ashlyn. I had to be. But that’s proving harder than I thought it would be. I’m fearing for my own life every night,” I say, my voice trembling with barely contained ange
(Ashlyn)Pathetic, they are all pathetic. As if I’d be stupid enough to fall for their tricks. I’m not confessing to anything I said to Winona in that park. She pushed me. She wanted to kill my baby, Jayden’s baby. Her jealousy of me consumes her.Jayden is mine now, and I’m not letting him go. I don’t care that his brat is out of my home. Saves me the trouble of getting rid of her. If she ever comes back, I’ll do just that. Phillip is back. He’s just as pathetic.Mooning around after Winona like Jayden used to. Winona never deserved Jayden. I was born to be with him. My family raised me to be his wife. No one is going to take that away from me.I finish my makeup, the ritual calming me, and go out to face the rest of the day. Judy may think she has me fooled, but I know she’s here to ‘protect’ Jayden. She’s just as stupid as the rest of them, underestimating me. I’ve played her for years. Now it’s just getting interesting.I walk out into the living area, forcing a smile on my face.
(Ashlyn)The words are a cold slap, a reminder of the precariousness of my position. “He loves me,” I insist, my voice shaking slightly, betraying the fear that Judy’s presence instills in me.“I’m sure,” she replies, her sarcasm cutting deep.“He does!” My voice cracks, the pressure mounting, the walls closing in.“He’s said a lot of things lately, but loving you isn’t one of them,” she counters, her voice a calm contrast to my increasing desperation.The balance of power has shifted, and I feel it with every fiber of my being. Judy, with her strategic silences and her measured threats, has reshaped the battlefield. She’s just shown me how easily she can pull the strings.I eye Judy carefully, my gaze sharpening as I attempt to assert control over the conversation. “Jayden and I will stay together,” I state firmly, trying to convince both Judy and myself of my words.“He can’t bear to let you touch him. He knows the truth about what you did,” Judy retorts with a steely calm that unne
(Judy)I stand by the bed, looking down at Ashlyn's still form, her breathing shallow under the influence of my carefully administered concoction. I wonder how long it will be before she realizes I tampered with her breath freshener spray. The stupid woman is obsessed with that stuff first thing in the mornings.Just enough to send her to sleep for a few hours. The room is silent except for the soft, rhythmic whisper of her breath. I pull out my phone as it vibrates gently in my pocket—it's Jayden. Perfect timing."Hello, Jayden," I answer, my voice a perfect blend of warmth and maternal concern."Hey, Mother. Just checking in. You all settled in?" His voice is casual, unsuspecting of the drama unfolding under his roof."Yes, everything's fine.”“Ashlyn texted me earlier. I hope she didn’t give you any trouble.”“Ashlyn's taking a nap. I think the whole ordeal lately has worn her out," I reply, glancing at Ashlyn to ensure she hasn't stirred."Okay. I’ll be late home, so you two eat d
(Jayden)“Jayden, are you okay?” Dr. Helen Winters, my hypnotherapist, asks with a hint of concern just before our next session. Her office, with its soft lighting and serene atmosphere, has become a place of revelation and reflection for me over the past months.I nod, more to reassure myself than her. “I’m ready. I want to get back into life. I’m done not being sure.” My voice is steady, the resolve clear in my tone. Unresolved memories have been a heavy burden, one I’m prepared to shed today.She gives me a nod of understanding, clearly recognizing the significance of this moment for me. “Well, we sure can try. Ultimately, it’s going to be up to your mind if it’s ready to reveal what’s been tucked away.”“If anything.”“That’s true. There simply may be nothing else to remember.”“I’ve had a lot of dreams lately, about Winona and how we were.” The dreams, vivid and emotional, seem more like fragments of memories trying to break through the surface. “I’m done letting this rule my l
(Jayden)I drop Viktor off at the penthouse, handing him the spare key fob. “Cat’s in charge while you’re here. Don’t let him boss you around too much,” I say with a smirk.Viktor raises an eyebrow. “I’m sure I’ll manage. Can’t be more troublesome than your sister-in-law.”I let out a low laugh. “Truth.”“I’ll get back here as soon as I can. I have some forward trajectory I need to discuss with you on Nexus Global. Help yourself to anything.”“I’ll be here. If anything happens with Winona, please let me know.”“I will. Right… now it’s time to go and finally put Brennan Industries behind me.”***By the time I pull up outside Gabriel’s hotel, I’m ready to let go and walk away.I knock on the door and it opens. Gabriel is there looking as tall and suave as ever. I step into the suite, and he greets me with a firm handshake. “Jayden,” he says, his tone even. “Thanks for coming.”“No problem,” I reply, keeping things brisk. “Let’s get this done.”Gabriel gestures to the small conference t
(Cass)When Viktor and I step into the Brennan Wing family suite, the first thing I notice is how together Jayden looks.He’s standing by Henry’s highchair, feeding him bits of banana while the little guy alternates between smearing food on his face and laughing like he’s cracked the greatest joke in the world.Jayden doesn’t even flinch when Henry chucks half a cracker at his chest.“Alright, Superdad,” I say, dropping my bag on the couch. “You’re really leaning into this whole family-man thing. Should I be worried you’re going to start wearing matching dad-and-son tracksuits next?”Jayden smirks without looking up. “You jealous, Aunt Cass? I can always order you one too. I’m thinking neon green?”I grin, then I run to hug him. “Pass. I prefer my black on black for now.”Henry spots me and lets out an excited squeal, waving his sticky hands in my direction. “Oh, no you don’t,” I warn, taking a step back. “Your dad can keep the food fights. I’ll hug you as soon as we use some wipes.”
(Jayden)“Gabriel.” I say as Henry tries to grab my cell out of my hand.I manage to dodge his lightning-fast hand, holding the phone just out of his reach. He laughs, thinking it’s a game.His little giggles make me grin.“Jayden. I wanted to let you know I’m flying in to finalize the shares. Everything looks good on my end. I land at six.”“Great. Let me know your hotel room; I’ll come see you there.”“Sorry to hear about Lance and Judy. I’ve read over everything you sent. Are you sure?”“Yes,” I reply coolly. “You’ll be in charge now unless you make other arrangements with your family. I'm out.”There’s a pause on the other end, but I don’t care to fill it. Gabriel’s voice is measured when he continues, “How’s Winona? I heard she had a fall.”“She’s in recovery. We’ll know more tomorrow.”“I heard Cass was in Europe. Is she coming back to see her?”“She is. And I don’t want any trouble for her, Gabriel. She’s been through enough. I’m still pissed that Mia provided her with drugs an
(Jayden)I stand at the door the next morning as Anne steps in with the kids, managing the chaos with her usual calm authority. Abby clings to her arm, eyes darting nervously around the suite. “You remember this place, don’t you, sweetheart?” Anne asks gently. Abby nods but doesn’t let go. “It’s where the doctors made my heart better,” she whispers, glancing at me for reassurance. “It is,” I say, crouching to her level. “But this time, we’re here for Mom. She’s going to need all of us to help her get better. You up for the job?” Abby hesitates, then nods firmly. “Yes!” Then she opens her eyes wide. “Am I supposed to be really quiet?”“No darling. You can just be yourself. But we’ll try for no arguing and shouting with your brothers and sister, okay?”“Okay. Can I go see Mom now?”“Mom is having special medicine to keep her asleep for now, but I think she can still hear us. Go tell her about your day and we’ll join you soon. Keep her company for me. You know how she loves all your
(Jayden)The door opens, and Lisa steps in, carrying a fresh change of clothes and some toiletries I had her swing by the penthouse and grab.“Jayden,” she says quietly, setting the bag down near the chair. “You look like shit.”I don’t even glance at her. “Thanks for the compliment.”She pulls up a chair beside me. “I mean it. You’re running on fumes. Go shower, get something to eat, and grab a couple of hours of sleep. I’ll stay with Winona. You need to be human when the kids get here tomorrow morning.”“I’m fine,” I lie, tightening my grip on Winona’s hand. “I don’t want to leave her.” I mean I can actually smell myself at this point.“Jayden.” Lisa’s voice takes on that tone she uses when she’s not going to back down. “I’m serious. You’re no good to anyone in this state. Winona will kick your ass if she sees you like this—smelling like death warmed over and looking worse.”She’s so right. I really need to get my shit together and show Winona I can lead our family when needed. Not
(Cass) I pace the estate office, Viktor’s phone pressed tightly to my ear. Viktor leans against the desk, his arms crossed, the picture of calm professionalism. Good. I want to ignore the way he held me earlier, like I actually mattered to him.He’s trained to say the right things to defuse situations. That’s all it was.Jayden picks up, his voice tense but steady. “Cass. She’s okay. I mean, she’s in an induced coma for a few days but she’s okay.” “Thank God!” I say, my voice cracking. I can’t stop the tremble in my hands. “Are you with her still?” “Yes,” he says, and I let out a shaky breath. “The head wound is under control, the coma is to wait for the swelling and her blood pressure to go down. But she is going to get through this.”“What about the baby?” “No,” he cuts me off sharply. “Just positive talk. She’s strong. They both are.” His voice softens, and I realize how much he’s struggling to hold it together. It’s so unlike him to sound vulnerable. “I’m coming home…”“Wai
(Jayden)Winona lies motionless in the Brennan Wing’s family suite medical bedroom, surrounded by machines that hum and beep softly in the background. This room was designed to keep families together during the most terrifying moments of their lives.This wing is my initiative, but I never thought I’d need it personally so much. I’m bending the guidelines a little having Winona here now but I know her best chance is having the ones she loves the most around her.Right now, I’d give anything for a sign—any sign—that she’ll wake up. I don’t have that yet but what I am going to do is create a positive environment around Winona. I called Barnaby and he reminded me of many coping mechanisms I’d learned from his sessions.I’m going to only speak of the future and what’s happening now. I’m not mentioning the past. Winona deserves to hear and believe the wonderful future ahead of us. No matter what has happened or what may happen.Dr. Harris and Dr. Reeves stand at the foot of the bed, revie
(Jayden)I burst through the front door, taking the stairs two at a time to the second floor. I pray I’m in time. I stop at the bottom of the attic stairs.Then I see her.Winona lies crumpled halfway down the attic stairs, her body twisted awkwardly. Her head jammed up against the wall, her hand rests on a spindle. Blood pools beneath her head on the stair, dark and horrifying, and for a second, I’m frozen.My mind blanks out, every thought swept away by raw panic.But then I snap back. She needs me. She needs me to be fully present, not panicking.I force myself forward, the first aid kit from the car clutched in my shaking hands. Every instinct screams at me to scoop her up, to hold her, but I stop myself. If she’s hurt her neck or spine… I could make it worse. My knees hit the stair below her, and I reach for her wrist with trembling fingers.A faint pulse. Relief crashes over me so hard I almost collapse, but it’s short-lived. She’s alive, but for how long?I tear open the first
(Cass)“Winona!” I scream into the phone again, but there’s only silence. The screen is dark, it’s silent. She isn’t answering. “Goddammit, Winona!” I shout, “answer me! Be okay. Answer me…”I don’t want to end the call, she could be… But I have to. I need to call Jayden.My breath is ragged gasps as I stumble to the kitchen counter, gripping the edge for support. My shaking fingers scroll to Jayden’s number. “Pick up, pick up!” My voice cracks as I pace in a tight circle, clutching the phone to my ear. It rings, and then—voicemail. “Are you fucking kidding me?” I scream, slamming the phone onto the counter so hard it bounces off and hits the floor. Fuck! It’s totaled now.My chest tightens, panic squeezing my throat. How can I call him, how can I contact Jayden? I grab my jacket and bolt out the door, running as fast as my legs will carry me to the estate. Viktor. He has a another number, one that always gets answered.My lungs are bursting as I run full tilt for the estate, but