My CEO 206

206 Jayden's Unyielding

206

Jayden's Unyielding Resolver

(Winona)

We sat in the ward waiting room. Jayden is beside me, his hand clasped around mine. We haven't said much since Mom passed away, both of us caught up in our own thoughts.

Cass came back after ten minutes, tears streaming down her face, to say her final goodbyes to Mom. I couldn't bring myself to intrude on that moment. She needs her space, and I need to respect that.

Jayden squeezes my hand, grounding me in the moment. I look at him, seeing the exhaustion in his eyes. But he's strong, certain, and that's what I need right now.

"I should head back to Ashlyn's room soon," Jayden says quietly, his voice steady. "Check on the baby before I take you and Cass home."

I nod, standing up with him. The thought of seeing Cass now, of trying to convince her to come home with me, feels like an insurmountable task, but I know it needs to be done. I'm not leaving her alone. I promised Mom. But as we start along the ward corridors, past the nurses station to head off this floor, the hairs on back of my neck prickle.

the

at the entrance to the ward, her face drawn and

Judy calls out, her voice cracking as she takes a step towards

face hardens, a wall of

turns to the security guard stationed nearby. "She's breaching a no- contact order. Call the police. In fact, call Detective Harris, who's leading

radio. Before long two other

if she could somehow pull him back to her. "Please,

Gus come in the ward doors behind her. "Judy, this is a

Gus," She snaps. "I just need Jayden to talk to my

You've crossed every line. There's no coming back from this. Now my baby is fighting for life." "Please, Jayden," Judy begs, her voice breaking as tears spill down her cheeks. "I never wanted this with

believe you, and even if I did, it

security guard moves in, taking Judy by the

206 Jayden's Unyielding Resolv

#25 BONUS

understand. I love Abby. I would never hurt her. Please, make him understand that.

damage she caused, that love is real. And I can't ignore that Abby loves her as well. I have to tell her Grandma Lucy is gone. Tears well in my eyes. Do

maybe... maybe

hurt, betrayal-but he takes a deep breath, his jaw clenched. "We'll talk about it later," he says, his voice clipped, but not unkind. "But

she can say anything else, the security guard begins leading her away. She goes, but not without a final, pleading look at both

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

Comments ()

0/255