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 now, we're gathering

fall?

baby. Can we book a time with my lawyer

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

but she wanted this baby to

tomorrow with a

203 Atoning The Past

+25 BONUS

I'll see you

room, everything hits me. I'm

my

judgment. If she has done

low, almost hesitant. "I don't know if you can hear me, but I need

once held with such certainty, and reach out, covering it with mine. It feels cold, lifeless,

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 was manipulating us, that she was using you to control me." I take a

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

stop. "I loved you, Ashlyn. I did. But then....

her hand, hoping that somehow that will help her hear what I

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

any sign that she can hear me,

you, to make it work, but I had to be honest with myself. I couldn't change what I felt for Winona. It

sorry for the part I played in all the crap that's happened over 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.

"Thank you for wanting our baby to live, despite everything. I

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

are wet and I realize

them so much they would sacrifice their right to be a mother to them so they could have the best life possible. I owe you

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