(Judy)I know there was a board meeting happening today. Whatever, I’ve honestly lost my zest for life anyway.Maybe I’ll take up cruising life. There’s nothing here for me now. I can go be a prisoner of my own doing in my castle after that.My lawyer calls and I connect. “Hello.”Mark’s voice comes through, tense and measured. “Judy, you’re not going to believe what I’m about to tell you.”“Try me,” I say, rolling my eyes.Lawyers always have a flair for the dramatic. I used to be able to trump the dramatic with a flick of my fingers. Those days are over. I have no battles left to fight.“It’s about Jayden,” he begins, “he’s… well, he’s walked away from Brennan Industries.”“What do you mean, ‘walked away’? That’s ridiculous. Jayden wouldn’t just leave. He’s not stupid.”“I know it sounds unbelievable,” Mark says, his tone cautious. “But it’s true. He handed over half of his shares… to you.”“To me?” My heart leaps at the thought.Maybe, just maybe, he’s finally come to his senses. M
(Winona)The room is bright, too bright, as the surgical lights glare down on Ashlyn’s still form, her chest still rising and falling in time with the machine keeping her alive. Alive for this, this moment.I pray the baby comes through. I stand beside Jayden, gripping his hand tightly, trying to be strong for him—for both of us. The tension is thick with worried nerves from the both of us, every second dragging on like an eternity.Jayden hasn’t taken his eyes off Ashlyn’s face, his face set in a grim expression. He’s stroking her cheek, and my heart is breaking for him. I know he’s trying to keep it together, but I can feel the tremor in the hand I’m holding.I tighten my grip momentarily and then let go.I take Ashlyn’s hand. “This is it, Ashlyn, the one thing you wanted. To see this baby make it. You asked me to adopt your baby. To keep the baby safe. I promise you I will always do that for you. Jayden and I will always do that.”A single tear rolls down Jayden’s face onto his fac
(Jayden)“But what about Ashlyn? What happens now?” I ask because as much as my baby has life, this also means hers will likely end. I can’t just ignore that.“She’ll be well cared for post-op and taken back to her room. The same as any patient. You’ll get time to say goodbye if that’s what’s needed.”I sigh in relief. “I want Ashlyn taken to the Brennan Wing. No arguments. Her mother is due this afternoon. Please make sure she has everything she needs in there with her daughter.”“Of course, Mr. Brennan.”The trip to the neonatal ward is a blur. The tiny form of my son, wrapped in a small, sterile blanket, is surrounded by the best medical equipment and minds available.The doctors and nurses work quickly, their hands deft and sure, ensuring that every moment counts.The billions in my bank don’t count for anything right now. Because sometimes the best medical care you can buy still isn’t enough.Winona is beside me as we follow along with the small incubator that holds my son, our s
(Winona)A few hours later, Dr. Green pops in. The doctor’s face is calm, but she does look serious. Jayden and I stand on either side of our son, our hands still resting gently on his tiny form.The reality of what we’re facing is beginning to set in.“Congratulations on the birth of your son,” Dr. Harris says, her voice soft but serious. “He’s stable, but we need to be realistic about the challenges ahead.”“What kind of challenges?” Jayden asks.“He’s going to need tube feeding for a while,” Dr. Harris explains, her eyes meeting mine with a steadiness that I appreciate. “He’s very premature, and his organs are still developing. The next few weeks will be critical in determining his long-term health.”Jayden nods, he’s absorbing every word, every piece of information. “Will he be…? I mean, will he have any ongoing disability?”“There’s always a chance of health complications in the long term,” Dr. Harris continues. “We’ll be monitoring him closely.”I swallow hard, trying to keep my
(Jayden)I stand in the Brennan wing of the hospital. I’m going into the smaller unit to meet with Ashlyn’s Mom. Ashlyn is in there as well and I know that her Mom, as her next of kin, has to sign the papers that will let the doctors turn off the life support.This has to be hard for Mrs. Carter. I let myself in the door and went to the living area. I don’t want to interrupt her personal time with Ashlyn in the bedroom. I hear voices, and I guess the medical staff are updating her.I named the baby after Ashlyn’s father, as a small gesture of respect, something that might offer some comfort to Mrs. Carter.But as soon as Mrs. Carter walks into the room, I feel the tension. She’s a tall woman, her posture rigid, with a coldness in her eyes that immediately puts me on edge. She looks perfect, too perfect.The kind of perfect that you know is bought and paid for.“Mrs. Carter,” I say, keeping my voice steady. “Thank you for coming. I wanted you to know that I named the baby after Ashly
(Jayden)The music is pounding, the lights are flashing, and for the first time in what feels like forever, I’m out, trying to enjoy myself.The new club is packed, and Lance is already in his element, a drink in hand, a grin plastered on his face as he chats up every woman within a ten-foot radius.I try to relax, sipping my drink and letting the atmosphere wash over me, but there’s a nagging feeling that I shouldn’t be here. I should be with Henry.“Relax. He’ll be fine with the nurses. You know how good they are with the babies.”“Yeah, but I feel guilty. What if he has a setback?”“He’s been going great all week. The doctor said the best thing you can do is take some you-time. You’ve been there every possible moment.”“I know. I know you are right. But it doesn’t feel right.”“I’m hearing you. But, we’re here now. I’m all dressed up, Cass as well, a little less black and baggy.”“You are looking amazing too” She is. Her slender form in a hugging blue dress is amazing. But she coul
(Jayden)“What the hell, Lance?” I mutter, trying to keep my voice low.Lance, as usual, is completely oblivious to feelings. “What? I thought it’d be a good idea to bring them out, you know, get to know everyone. They’re family now, right?I glare at him, my jaw clenching. “Family? Lance, I handed them shares to keep them and that business out of my life, not to bring them into it.”Lance shrugs, unbothered by my annoyance. “Yeah, but they’re here now. Might as well make the best of it. Those sisters are hot hot hot!”“Do not even go there. I swear Lance…”Before I can finish, Gabriel catches sight of me and waves hesitantly.I force a smile and wave back, feeling Winona’s eyes on me as she approaches. “I don’t know what Lance has done but I know that look between you two.”Lance waves the four of them to come closer. The older sister is looking like she hates it here and the youngest is bopping with the beat and looks excited. The other is somewhere in between, I think.I sigh, runn
(Winona)Saturday morning greets me with a quiet kind of heaviness. I’m back in the penthouse trying to be awake enough to spend some time with Abby after another long night at the hospital.Jayden is still with tiny Henry, and he’ll be home for lunch and a nap later. Ashlyn’s time on life support is almost up, and it’s like a shadow that hangs over every minute of the day. In limbo, almost.But life goes on, as it always does.Lisa is here and she’s in the same dress as last night. She called and asked if I could pick her and Cass up from doing the walk of shame. I was about to leave the hospital anyway.She’s sitting in the living room with a cup of coffee, looking every bit like the best friend I need right now.“How’s Henry?”“Oh, Lisa, he’s so incredibly small. I can’t even believe babies can survive like that.”“I guess the will to survive is a basic instinct. I hope he makes it.”“So do I. I think it will kill us both if he doesn’t. But there are just so many things that can go
(Mia)The chandelier glitters overhead, casting rainbows across the marble floor as I pace the room, my heels clicking loudly in the oppressive silence.Judy might be gone, but the specter of her looms large over this place. Gold fixtures, crystal vases, and overpriced art that screams wealth and power.I stare out the window of Judy’s luxury apartment as I clutch my phone. The screen glows with a message from Gus’s people, promising me that everything will be fine.That they’ll protect me. That I’m safe.Safe.I’ve just met with the person they are supposedly keeping me safe from at Cass’s old apartment. I had a key cut, just in case I needed it.No one is safe from Don Alejandro, my grandfather. That’s what they don’t realize. There is no escape from him. They’ll never get anyone close enough to him to kill him.Gabriel’s voice echoes down the hall, he’s staying here with me.I sink into one of the velvet armchairs. Gabriel was supposed to sell me more shares. He promised he’d think
(Cass)The smell of mildew hits me the moment I open the door to my tiny apartment. My stomach churns as I step inside, taking in the chaos left behind. Furniture overturned, drawers yanked open, and everything I once owned strewn across the floor like a crime scene.I should clean this place up and sell it. But letting it go is harder than I imagined. It’s what I bought with money from Mom, to start my new life. To be the person she always believed I’d be.That worked well, didn’t it?I drag myself out of the downward funk, this time I’ll make good.I swallow hard, gripping the strap of my duffel bag. It’s been months since I fled this place, running from my own disasters. Part of me wonders why I came back at all.But I know it’s because it’s all I have left of Mom—her money barely stretched far enough to buy this shoebox, but it was something of my own. My tiny sanctuary.I drop my bag on the only chair still upright and let out a shaky breath. “Okay, Cass,” I mutter to myself. “Le
(Lisa)I wake up feeling like I’ve been hit by a truck. My stomach churns, my mouth tastes like regret, and I’m not entirely sure if it’s from the stress of everything with Winona or the bug the nurses warned me was going around. Either way, I feel gross.I sit up in bed slowly, trying to shake off the nausea. “Okay, Lisa,” I mutter to myself. “You’re just stressed. Stress does weird things to your body, right?”I think maybe I need to get back into my meditation and herbal teas.My stomach rolls again, and I press a hand to it, glaring at the offending body part like it’s personally betrayed me. “You will not ruin this day for me.”I’m working on my meeting agenda today to run by Winona tonight, ready for our meeting with the CEO in a week.This evening, I’m heading back in to help Winona shower after dinner. Once she has all of that under control, she can go home. Jayden does dayshifts with her and then heads home to the kids.The kids aren’t allowed in intensive care, so Winona is
(Lisa)I carry the tray carefully into the room, the smell of generic hospital soup wafting up.Winona’s sitting up in bed. She looks pale but more alert, her eyes flicking toward me as I set the tray down on the small table beside her bed. “Dinner is served,” I announce, gesturing to the soup like I’m unveiling a five-star meal. “Courtesy of the world-renowned Hospital Cafeteria. I am willing to risk my life and my palate eating this with you.” Winona lets out a faint laugh, the sound weak but genuine. “You’re a true hero, Lisa. Braving the wilds of hospital dining for me.” “You’d better appreciate it,” I say, as I sit beside her again. “I even got crackers. They didn’t come with the soup, so I had to charm the grumpy lady at the counter. She now thinks I’m a struggling single mom of five kids, so you owe me.” Winona raises an eyebrow, a small smirk tugging at her lips. “Five kids? Really?” “Hey, I panicked, okay? She looked like the kind of person who gives you the stink eye fo
(Winona) Dr. Harris’s words hang in the air long after she leaves. Recovery is a process… it’s okay to take things slow.Slow. It’s all anyone keeps saying. But slow isn’t in my nature. Slow doesn’t keep the thoughts at bay, the quiet moments where I can’t escape the emptiness. I stare at the ceiling, my fingers making light circles on my abdomen again. I pull them back. It’s a cruel reflex—reaching for something that isn’t there anymore. The door clicks open, and Lisa steps in, her expression softer than usual. “Hey, warrior queen. The nurse said you were ready for some company.” “Hey,” I say, trying to summon a smile. “I sure am. I need some non-medical talk for a while.”Lisa pulls up a chair beside my bed and crosses her legs.She studies me for a moment before speaking. “You look like shit, but like… badass shit. Like you survived a car crash and are about to storm into a boardroom meeting.” I huff out a small laugh. “Your bedside manner could use some work.” “Honesty is m
(Winona) “Dr Harris will be with you soon. How are your pain levels?”“It’s okay. A dull ache at most.” Physically anyway.She finishes fluffing the pillows behind me and checks the monitors one last time. “I’ll make a note for the doctor.”I nod.My hand covers my stomach. There’s no baby anymore. No heartbeat to wait for. Just a dull ache where hope used to be. I hear the door click open. I look over but it isn’t the doctor, it’s Jayden back again.“Can I get a moment with Winona? I won’t be long…” he asks the nurse.“Sure, if it’s okay with Winona.”“It’s fine.” I tell her.“Hey,” he says quietly, walking over to the chair by my bed. “Hey,” I reply. “I’m going to head to the penthouse for a shower and go see the kids, okay?”“More than okay. I feel better knowing you’re with them.”“I don’t want to leave you if you’re not ready.”I shrug. “I’m sore. Empty. Tired.” I pause, my throat tightening. “I don’t even know how I’m supposed to feel. But I do know we have to push forward
(Jayden)The next morning, I sat at the edge of her bed in the dim light of the intensive care room. The machines hum softly around us, their rhythmic beeping a constant reminder of how fragile this moment is.Winona’s face is pale, her lashes fluttering against her cheeks like she’s caught in a restless dream. But she’s here, she’s going to be okay. But U still have to tell her the news.She still has to hear me say the words about our baby, about her operation.Her fingers twitch against the sheets, and my heart leaps. She’s waking up. “Winona?” I lean forward, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Hey, sweetheart. I’m here. You’re okay.” Her eyelids flutter open, her gaze unfocused at first, then locking onto mine. Her lips part, dry and cracked, as she tries to speak. “Jayden…” Her voice is a hoarse whisper, barely audible over the hum of the machines. “I’m here,” I repeat, my voice steady even though my chest is about to cave in. She blinks, her hand moving instinctivel
(Cass)I spin to see Viktor striding toward us, his expression impassive, his massive shoulders squared. His black jacket and dark jeans make him look even more formidable than usual. Gabriel steps back, but there’s a subtle challenge in the way he straightens his posture.“What are you doing here?” I ask, surprised. “Business,” he says curtly, his razor-blue eyes flicking to Gabriel for a brief second before landing back on me. “I need to speak with Jayden. Is he still in the Brennan Wing?” Of course, business. This is a coincidence. “No. He’s in intensive care ward with Winona. It’s limited visitors but one of the nurses will let him know you’re there.” “I was just checking in on Cass, and Winona myself” Gabriel says smoothly, his tone polite but pointed. “How considerate,” Viktor replies, his voice cold. The tension between them is so thick I could cut it with a knife. I’m caught between a molten meteorite and one iceberg king, and I’m the shiny object they both want to prot
(Cass)Lisa and I head out of the hospital. The air feels a little fresher out here, but only just. The tension from inside the Brennan Wing clings to me like a second skin. Hospitals are never places I want to be.It always seems to be bad news for someone. Mom passed away here and that’s still raw. I miss her. It was always her and I. Not being able to hug her now is something I may never get used to.No matter what she was always in my corner. Winona is too, but she does it with a hefty dose of expectation of me to improve things. That’s not a bad thing but some days it’s hard to see how things can change.“She’ll be okay,” Lisa says quietly, her voice soft. It’s almost jarring to hear her without her usual sarcastic bite.“Yeah,” I reply, exhaling slowly. “I think you’re right, but this is going to be hard for them both. Losing a baby changes people, doesn’t it? But they’ve got each other, right?”Lisa shrugs, her expression unreadable. “I’m not really sure where they stand with