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."

narrow slightly. "Right

fall?

with the baby. Can we book a time with my

intense. "Ashlyn wouldn't do this on purpose. Not with the baby." "From what I've learned already, she was a

but she wanted this

tomorrow with a time, but can you come to my office?"

203 Atoning The Past

+25 BONUS

good. I'll see

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

my

so-called mother cloud my judgment. If she has done this to

hesitant. "I don't know if you can hear

glance down 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

admit it. I didn't want to see that

that I could please her, that I could be the son she wanted me to be. But I was wrong. I was so wrong.

you, Ashlyn. I did.

her hand, hoping that somehow that will help her

it came back so strong, like a wave crashing over me, and I didn't know how to handle it. I started remembering things, moments,

hoping for any sign that she can

it work, but I had to be honest with myself. I couldn't change what I felt for Winona. It was always there, deep down, and it just got too much for me

over the years. I should've

the lump in my throat. "Thank you for wanting our baby to live, despite everything.

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

feel my cheeks are wet

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

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