(Winona)I start to drift off to sleep. I see Judy’s face, cold and cruel.I’ll take that baby from you.I bolt upright, gasping for air, the terror still lingering in my pounding chest.I’m not there anymore. I’m safe. We’re safe. I breath deep. Stop letting this mess with you, I tell myself. I know we’re okay. We’re going to Jayden. We are safe.But the fear lingers. Because Judy is still out there. And I know she’s not done. She never is. No matter what happens, I don’t think we’ll ever shake her.As long as she thinks there’s a chance with Jayden, it will always be the same.I lie back down, closing my eyes again. I just want to forget it all. I want to focus on Jayden, on our family, on the life we’re building.I turn in bed, staring at the ceiling in the jet again, trying to block out the swirling thoughts. The soft hum of the plane’s engines doesn’t help me sleep. Neither does the lingering dizziness or headache.But it’s not just the physical stuff keeping me awake. It’s the m
(Winona)The plane lands smoothly in Dubai.“Mommy, is Daddy here?” Abby asks, clutching her stuffed animal tightly.“Oh, honey,” I say, forcing a smile. “I’m sorry. We need to stop here and have one more plane ride and then we’ll see Daddy. Okay?”Her face drops. “Oh. I thought we saw Daddy now.”“Only one more plane ride.”The doors open. I gather the kids, the medical entourage making sure Henry is okay before they hand him over to me.I thank them and take him in his carrier. I’ll clip it onto the wheels as soon as they unload the base.“Stay close, kids.” I say. “Bobby, keep an eye on your sisters please.”The terminal is elegant, marble floors reflecting the dazzling lights above. The kids are still buzzing around me, and I’m trying to focus on keeping them in line when—“Hey, troublemakers! Welcome to Dubai.”My head snaps up.Jayden is there, right behind Bobby, grinning, with his arms wide open. My heart stutters, and before I can even register what’s happening, the kids have
(Winona)When I wake up, the sun is low in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow through the enormous windows. The bed beneath me is impossibly soft, and for the first time in days, I feel… good.The dizziness has faded, and my headache is gone.I stretch out, feeling the luxurious sheets under my fingertips. This place is a dream. But more than the comfort, I’m starving. I sit up and glance at the time. It’s early evening, and Jayden and the kids are still out.The suite is quiet and I get up and pull on a robe.I hear the door click open. It’s Jayden. “We’re back.”“I’ll come out.”“You look better.”“I slept like a log.”I give him a quick kiss as we head out to the living area.“Mommy!” Abby rushes over. “We saw so many cool things! Daddy took us to see the tallest building ever!”Bobby, always the calm one, strolls over more casually. “It was pretty cool.”Sarah tugs on Jayden’s hand. “Daddy, can we show Mommy the pictures we took?”“Sure thing,” he says, settling onto the sofa be
(Jayden)Hugo steps forward, giving me a tight-lipped smile. “Welcome home, Mr. Brennan. The staff are ready to accommodate your needs.”I nod. “The kids need to let off some steam.”“I certainly hope you don’t mean in here.” Hugo frowns.“This is their home now, Hugo. Relax. Kids, go explore outside but not too far from the house,” I tell them.“Please be aware there are rare flora species in the grounds.”They just look at Hugo like he’s an alien.“Stick to the paths.” I explain.They are gone with an entourage of staffers trying to keep up.Winona is back from changing Henry and she glances around the reception room, her expression tight. “This place is incredible, but I’m worried about the kids here. They’re just normal kids, and all this...” she gestures at the antiques and delicate furniture, “isn’t exactly kid-proof.”Hugo’s smile fades a little. “The children will need to understand the importance of boundaries, Mrs. Brennan. This is not a playground.Winona doesn’t miss a be
(Winona)This place is stunning. Truly. But it’s not made for kids. Not in the slightest.Everywhere I look, staff are bustling around, preparing everything as if royalty are about to arrive. I glance at Jayden, watching as someone pours him a drink.He’s trying to hide it, but I can see a bit of embarrassment on his face. Not enough to stop it, though. He’s sitting in an armchair, with a staff member standing by waiting for the next instruction.“This is... a lot,” I murmur as I lean in closer.He shrugs. “It’s their job, Winona. I can’t just sack them.”“I get that,” I say, running a hand through my hair. “But they’re doing everything. How are the kids supposed to learn anything here if someone’s doing every little thing for them?”“They can still learn. Just... we’ll work it out,” Jayden tries to reassure me. “Look, I know it’s overwhelming right now, but let’s just give it a few days, okay? We’ll figure out a routine that works for everyone.”I’m not convinced. I can already tell
(Winona)I mean who has a Picasso in their living room?I’m pacing, trying to keep my voice calm, but frustration is making it hard.“I just don’t get why you thought kids would be okay here,” I say, gesturing at the fragile antiques and museum-level furniture. “You should have made other arrangements.”Jayden crosses his arms, looking as frustrated as I feel. “I wanted to share this with you first. I didn’t even know that cottage existed. And now you want us to refurbish a place that’s been abandoned for thirty years?”“Yes, because it’s the only option that makes sense!” I snap back. “We can’t raise the kids here, tiptoeing around a bunch of things that are priceless. They’re already on edge, Jayden.”“I get that, but my schedule is packed. I’ve got work piling up.”Just as he finishes, his phone buzzes. He glances at the screen, and I see the tension in his shoulders tighten. “It’s Sofia,” he swipes to answer the video call.Sofia’s voice comes through, clipped but with that annoyi
(Winona)The moment we step into the backyard, I feel a shift. It’s not a yard. It’s like a private wooded area with beautiful clearings. The air smells fresher here, I swear.I grab Henry from his pram and carry him the rest of the way. The other kids are already ahead of us, their laughter carrying through the overgrown garden. I follow behind, taking it all in. I just love it.“How much land is in the backyard?” It seems to go on forever.“Ten hectares I believe.”“It’s as much a backyard as this house is a cottage.”Viktor smiles at me. “That’s Gus.”Out in the open clearing, the first thing I notice is the tree. It’s massive, towering over the garden, with thick branches stretching wide. Hanging from one of those branches are not one, but two wooden swings, swaying gently in the breeze.Both are weathered.“Look, Mommy! Swings!” Sarah calls out, her face lighting up as she rushes toward them, Abby right behind her.“Wait for Viktor to check them first,” I call out, my mom mode k
(Winona)The sun’s setting as we make our way back to Gus’s mansion. Viktor walks beside me, his quiet presence seeming to keep the kids in check as they walk just in front.I push Henry in his pram. Maybe they are all worn out after-all.Bobby is walking behind us, carefully carrying the kitten he found. It’s curled up in his arms, purring contently. I can tell he’s already attached, and that’s probably going to be a problem.Jayden has never been a fan of pets. I’m not sure how this will go.The mansion looms ahead, grand and overwhelming. I hope Jayden will be back soon.I glance over at Viktor. “I’m still not comfortable with how far apart everything is in the house. The kids’ rooms are nowhere near us. What if they need something in the middle of the night?”He nods, understanding. “The staff will be very watchful, and there are monitors you can turn on in each room. You’ll be able to hear them, even if they’re far away.”“That helps,” I admit. But the truth is, I don’t like it.
(Cass)I sit on the couch at Jayden’s penthouse, picking at my nails, while Viktor stands near the window, arms crossed, eyes focused on the city below.His broad shoulders are tense, his entire posture screaming disapproval.I’ve just told him what I overheard in my apartment and he’s acting like I heard it on purpose.“Say it,” I snap, breaking the silence.He turns, his blue eyes icy. “You shouldn’t have gone there alone.”“Tell me why you went there,” he demands, his voice a coiled spring ready to snap. “I didn’t know they’d be there!” I snap, my frustration bubbling to the surface. “I was cleaning up, minding my own business, and then they just… showed up.” “Does anyone else know?” he growls, his accent thickening with his anger. “Did you see anyone on the way in, or out? If he finds out…” “No.” I fire back. “No one else was around. Stop being so dramatic.”“You need to take this seriously,” he says, his voice sharp enough to cut glass. “Don Alejandro is one of the most danger
(Winona)“Judy really taught me everything I know about being self-reliant and a strong woman, but she taught me in all the wrong ways. By threatening my life and the life of my children. I mean she almost took the life of her son more than once.”“Judy only knew extreme. But she also knew how to cover her tracks.”“She brought danger to my doorstep that I’d fought so long to keep away. I will not miss her in any way. I never loved her. But I do feel for Jayden, and for you.”He tilts his head, his sharp eyes locking onto mine. “Life must look very different for you now Judy’s gone. Knowing she won’t be there to interfere.” I take a moment to think about it. “Honestly? Yeah, I am. Judy had a way of… making you doubt yourself. Questioning every move you made. It’s exhausting, constantly looking over your shoulder, waiting for her to strike.” “She was good at that,” Gus says with a small, humorless chuckle. “Always did everything to the highest degree.”“Certainly cannot fault her wor
(Winona)The sound of soft-soled shoes against the hospital floor makes me glance up from my laptop. I know those footfalls anywhere.Gus’s towering frame fills the doorway, his hands tucked casually into the pockets of a sleek black coat.He looks sharp considering his months in confinement, but the time has carved deeper lines into his face. His presence still carries that unmistakable air of control, like he’s never stopped being the man who built Nexus Global from the ground up. Or the man who is capable of almost anything if he sets his mind to it“Gus,” I say, closing the laptop and setting it aside. “It’s so good to see you.” We’ve always shared a close friendship. I trust Gus where I couldn’t trust many others. I know he has my back.He steps inside, glancing around the sterile room. “You’re looking well, Winona. Jayden told me you’d be going home soon.” “I am,” I reply. “A few more days here, then I’m free. Physically, I’m fine. Just have to finish healing from the fall an
(Jayden)Gus steps out, his posture as straight as ever, his piercing eyes scanning the surroundings like he’s still in charge of the world. He looks older—more weathered—but there’s still that unmistakable aura about him.The one that tells you he’s better off as your friend than your enemy.I climb out of the car, my leather boots crunching against the gravel as I approach him. Viktor lingers by the driver’s side, watching, his face as stoic as ever. Not even a hint of a smile. “Jayden,” Gus greets me, his voice steady, calm, as if he’s walking out of a board meeting instead of a federal prison. “I didn’t expect you.”“Gus,” I reply, my tone neutral. I’m not playing doting son. There’s too much history, too much unresolved. “How was the hospitality?” A ghost of a smile tugs at his lips. “Let’s just say I’ve had better accommodations.” Viktor steps forward, his arms crossed over his broad chest. “Let’s not linger.”“Very well.” Gus moves towards the car.I follow and get into the
(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