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, we're gathering

fall?

now, I need to be with Ashlyn, with the baby. Can we book a time with my lawyer at

in slightly, my voice low and intense. "Ashlyn wouldn't do this on purpose. Not with the baby." "From what I've learned

she wanted this baby to

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

203 Atoning The Past

+25 BONUS

good. I'll see you

Ashlyn's room, everything hits me.

my

judgment. If she has done this to Ashlyn, to

"I don't know if you can hear

such certainty, and reach out, covering it with mine. It feels cold, lifeless, and it only makes

more sensitive to your feelings. I should've seen what was happening with my mother, with Judy. But I didn't want to admit it. I didn't want to see that she

could please her, that I could be the son she wanted me to be. But I was wrong. I was so wrong. I realize now, I never wanted to be that son. I'd

stop. "I loved you, Ashlyn. I

hand, hoping that somehow that will help her hear

a wave crashing over me, and I didn't know how to handle it. I started remembering things, moments, feelings, and it confused the

sign that she can hear me, that

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

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 deserve this, and neither does our

you for wanting our baby to live, despite everything. I know you could've made different choices,

barely contains my emotions. "I promise you, I'll do whatever it takes

my cheeks are wet and I realize it's

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

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