Chapter 3 - I am Jessica

In the weeks after Nicole’s tragic accident, Dominic Sandford dove headfirst into work at Henderson Industries, trying to drown his grief in paperwork and meetings. He wasn’t the kind, approachable vice president everyone knew before; he was all business now, no room for nonsense. The whole office could feel the shift, and it was a tough adjustment for everyone.

Henderson Industries had always been known for its innovative edge, but now there was this added pressure. Dominic’s new intensity made the place more stressful but also more productive. Everyone was hustling, making sure not to mess up because one mistake could mean a serious reprimand from the boss. The atmosphere had gone from collaborative to competitive, and people were scrambling to keep up.

Dominic was everywhere, impossible to ignore. Meetings felt like high-stakes games, and decisions were made with this cold precision. People were on edge, walking on eggshells, trying not to set him off. The once-friendly office chatter had quieted down, replaced by a tense silence as everyone focused on their tasks.

“Mr. Sandford, the board needs your decision on the new merger,” his secretary, Laura, said one morning, clearly nervous. She had seen the changes in him more than anyone, and it made her anxious.

Dominic barely glanced up from his stack of papers. “I know, Laura. I’ll be in the conference room in ten minutes. Make sure everyone’s ready.”

The conference room was like a pressure cooker. Dominic scrutinized every detail of the merger proposal, demanding thorough reports and questioning every number and motive. He was sharp and unyielding, nothing like the supportive leader he used to be. The board members exchanged worried glances, knowing they had to be on top of their game to meet his expectations.

One day, Dominic was deep in negotiations with Mr. Harrington, a big name in the tech world. The deal could be huge for Henderson Industries, but it was a tough sell. The stakes were high, and both sides knew it.

“I appreciate your interest, Mr. Harrington, but our terms are firm,” Dominic said, his voice steady and unwavering. He wasn’t about to back down.

Mr. Harrington leaned back, clearly not impressed. “I get it, but we need more flexibility. The market’s shaky, and we need guarantees.”

Dominic’s gaze was steely. “We don’t make promises we can’t keep. Take the deal as is or walk away.”

The negotiation dragged on for hours. Dominic’s persistence finally paid off when Mr. Harrington agreed to the terms. It was a win for Dominic, but you could see it took a toll on him—he looked worn out and stressed. His once neat and tidy appearance was now marked by dark circles under his eyes and a constant frown.

Meanwhile, the office was buzzing with gossip about Dominic’s new style. People talked about how harsh he’d become and the increasing pressure on everyone. Some thought it was because of his personal loss, while others worried about their job security. The water cooler conversations were filled with speculation and concern.

“Do you think he’ll ever go back to the way he was?” one employee whispered to another.

“I don’t know,” the other replied. “I just hope we can keep up with him. It’s like he’s a different person.”

Despite the tension, the company was getting more support from investors. Henderson Industries was still a big player in the market, and new partnerships were forming. The extra investment was crucial for staying ahead, but it also meant Dominic was busier than ever. He threw himself into every new project with the same relentless energy, trying to push the company to new heights.

Back at the office, things were hectic. Contracts were being negotiated, deals were being signed, and the business world was moving fast. Dominic’s shift from a caring VP to a demanding boss had changed the company, for better or worse. The pace was relentless, and everyone felt the pressure to perform.

As time went on, Dominic’s grief remained a constant undercurrent in his drive to succeed. He rarely talked about Nicole, but it was clear her loss had deeply affected him. The company’s future looked bright, but it was clear that the human cost of its success was significant. The once close-knit team now felt fragmented, each person focused on their own survival in the high-pressure environment.

Dominic’s transformation had left a mark on everyone. Some admired his determination and drive, while others missed the supportive leader he used to be. The balance between personal loss and professional success was a delicate one, and Dominic was walking that tightrope every day.

In the end, Henderson Industries was thriving, but at what cost? The future was uncertain, and the shadow of Nicole’s accident loomed over everything. Dominic had managed to turn his grief into a driving force, but it was clear that the company and its people had paid a high price for that transformation. The story of Henderson Industries was one of resilience and change, a testament to the impact of personal loss on professional life.

---

Three months had flown by, and Jessica had settled into a pretty steady routine. Brenda had noticed a few changes lately—Jessica’s belly was starting to show, and she’d been dealing with morning sickness quite a bit. Though Jessica's wounds had completely healed, they had left her with a big scar on her right cheek and forehead, a constant reminder of the accident.

One morning, as they were preparing breakfast, Jessica was bent over the sink, feeling queasy. “Ugh, I don’t know what’s going on,” she said, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. “I keep feeling sick.”

Brenda glanced at her, trying to hide her concern. “Maybe you just need to take it easy today,” she suggested. “How about we have some oatmeal and fresh fruit? It’s light and might help settle your stomach.”

Jessica nodded, looking relieved at the idea of a break. They had a simple breakfast of oatmeal topped with berries and a side of apple slices. Brenda made sure it was something gentle on Jessica’s stomach.

After breakfast, they headed outside with Tofi. The fresh air and sunshine were nice distractions. Jessica was getting more comfortable with gardening and spent some time weeding and watching Brenda plant herbs in the garden. Tofi darted around happily, occasionally stopping to nudge Jessica’s hand for a pat.

The cabin was far from the city, a peaceful retreat surrounded by woods and a nearby lake. Brenda had lived off the land for years, growing her own food and fishing in the lake. The isolation provided a comforting escape from the chaos of the outside world.

While they were in the garden, Brenda tried to keep the conversation light. “You know, this cabin has been in my family for generations,” she said, smiling at the memories. “We used to come here every summer.”

Jessica looked up from the herbs Brenda was planting. “Really? That sounds nice. It’s peaceful out here.”

Brenda nodded, feeling a pang of sadness but hesitant to share too much. “Yeah, it was. My husband and I would bring our two daughters here. We’d spend our days fishing, gardening, and just enjoying the quiet.”

Later that day, Brenda suggested they make a salad for lunch. They gathered fresh vegetables from the garden—lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers—and mixed them with a light vinaigrette. They also added some grilled chicken for extra protein. The meal was colorful and nutritious, and Jessica seemed to enjoy it.

While they were eating, Brenda said, “I think this salad is perfect for a light lunch. It’s fresh and should be easy on your stomach.”

Jessica took a bite and smiled. “This is really good. Thanks for making it.”

In the afternoon, Brenda and Jessica made a fruit smoothie together. They blended bananas, spinach, and a splash of almond milk. The smoothie was a refreshing treat and felt good on Jessica’s stomach.

As the day went on, Brenda suggested they bake some whole-grain muffins. It was a nice change from their usual meals and would add some variety to their diet. They mixed up a batch with nuts and dried fruit, filling the cabin with a warm, comforting smell.

While the muffins baked, Brenda and Jessica sat on the porch with Tofi, enjoying the late afternoon sun. Brenda watched Jessica carefully, noting how tired she seemed.

When they went back inside, the muffins were golden and smelling delicious. Jessica took a bite, her face lighting up with a smile. “These are really good. I didn’t expect to like them so much.”

Brenda smiled back, trying to mask her concern. “I’m glad you like them. It’s nice to have these simple things to look forward to.”

As the day ended, Brenda couldn’t shake her worries. She had seen enough to suspect that Jessica might be pregnant, and the thought weighed heavily on her. The scars on Jessica's face were a constant reminder of her fragility, and Brenda worried about how Jessica would handle the news.

But for now, Brenda focused on making sure Jessica felt comfortable and at ease. They spent the evening relaxing, with Tofi curled up beside them and the cabin filled with the cozy smell of freshly baked muffins.

One evening, Jessica sat in front of the small mirror Brenda had given her, gently tracing the scars on her face. “I look so different,” she said softly, her voice tinged with sadness.

Brenda walked over and placed a hand on Jessica’s shoulder. “You’re still beautiful, Jessica. These scars are just a part of your story now. They show how strong you are.”

Jessica smiled weakly. “Thanks, Brenda. It’s just hard sometimes.”

Brenda squeezed her shoulder gently. “I know it is, but you’re doing great. One step at a time, remember?”

The next morning, Jessica felt a bit better. She and Brenda decided to take a walk through the woods nearby. The fresh air and the sounds of nature were soothing. Tofi ran ahead, barking at squirrels and sniffing around.

As they walked, Brenda shared more about her past. “This cabin has always been my comfort place,” she began, her voice soft. “Ten years ago, I lost my husband and daughters in a fire. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever been through. Coming here makes me feel close to them.”

Jessica felt a wave of sadness wash over her. “I’m so sorry, Brenda. That’s awful.”

Brenda nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Thank you, Jessica. This place helps me heal, just like it’s helping you.”

They walked in silence for a while, each lost in their thoughts. When they made their way back to the cabin, Jessica felt a deep sense of belonging. She might not have any memories of her past, but she had found a new family in Brenda and Tofi, and for now, that was enough. The cabin had become more than just a place to stay; it was a home, filled with love, peace, and the promise of new beginnings. Even though Jessica couldn’t remember her past, she was creating new memories and finding a place where she truly belonged.