My CEO 203

203 Atoning The Past (Jayden)

I move closer to Ashlyn's bed. I'm not here to wallow in self-pity or be overwhelmed by emotions. This is about making sure my child survives. I look at Ashlyn's pale face, and I feel a surge of determination. I'll do whatever it takes. "You're not going anywhere," I murmur as I touch her abdomen. "You've got a life ahead of you, and I'm. going to make damn sure you get to live it. Your mom wants you to live, so that's what you're going to do. Live." The door opens again.

I straighten up and look. A suited man has his head in the doorway. "My Brennan. Can we talk? I'm Detective Harris. I'm investigating what has happened at the facility today."

"Yes, of course." I walk out to the corridor with him. "So, you're investigating Ashlyn Carter's,

He turns to me, sizing me up. "I am."

"Is this internal or external?"

"External. Why?"

"I don't want any cover ups."

"Do you think the facility needs to cover up anything?"

"I don't know, maybe. But that's your job to find out, isn't it."

"Yes. Do you mind answering some questions?"

"No problem but I'd prefer to have my lawyer present."

"I see. That seems a little paranoid."

I shrug. "I don't believe for a second that this was an accident."

"Right now,

fall?

to be with Ashlyn, with the baby. Can we book a time with my

my voice low and intense. "Ashlyn wouldn't do this on

but she wanted this

promises, his tone professional. I'll call you tomorrow with a time, but

203 Atoning The Past

+25 BONUS

good. I'll

step back into Ashlyn's room, everything hits me. I'm angry-no, I'm fucking furious- that I ever

my

If she has done this to Ashlyn, to

can hear me, but

at her hand, the one I once held with such certainty, and reach out, covering it with mine. It feels cold, lifeless, and it only makes the words harder to form, but I push

admit it. I didn't want to see that she was manipulating us, that she was using you to control me." I take a

I was wrong. I was so wrong. I realize now, I never wanted to be that son.

don't stop. I can't stop. "I loved you, Ashlyn. I

her hand, hoping that somehow that will help

me, and I didn't know how to handle it. I started remembering things, moments, feelings, and it confused the hell out

pause, hoping for any sign that she can hear me, that

loving you, to make it work, but I had to be honest with myself. I couldn't change what I

the years. I should've been better, for you, for us. But most of all, I'm sorry this is where we've ended up. You don't

hard, forcing down the lump in my throat. "Thank you for wanting our baby to live, despite everything. I know you could've made

barely contains my emotions. "I promise you, I'll do whatever it takes to make sure this baby lives.

cheeks are wet and I

baby lives, they will know their mother loved them so much they would sacrifice their right to be a mother to them so they

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255