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?

book a time

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

this baby to live over

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

203 Atoning The Past

+25 BONUS

I'll see you

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

my

judgment. If she has

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

her hand, the one I once held with such certainty, and reach out, covering it with mine. It feels cold, lifeless, and it

But I didn't want to admit it. I didn't want to see that she

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

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

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

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

sign that

to keep loving you, to make 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

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

our baby to live, despite everything. I know you could've made

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

are wet and I

they would sacrifice their right to be a mother

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