Drama Novel
Chapter 370
370 Doubt Around Every Corner (Winona)
It's a gorgeous day. If I let myself forget last night's revelation, it feels like I'm adjusting to life abroad, kids in lessons, baby asleep, husband at work.
I lean into the warmth of that thought for a moment. Despite the uprooting, the shift to Brussels has been more promising than I expected. The kids are settling in, and Jayden...he's been nothing short of amazing. shouldering so much. But then there's the shadow. The kind that feels invisible, but close. Judy.This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.
If there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's that she will never fully leave us alone. I've seen the way she pulls strings from afar, somehow finding her way into the cracks of our lives. Jayden might think that his distance has finally given us peace, but I know better. I can't let my guard
I
down, especially now.
I shake off the thought, trying to focus on the good. The cottage, for one, has been a real gift. It's perfect for us, more intimate and homier than the grand halls of Gus's estate.
It's clear Jayden feels the same way; I can see the relief in his face every time we're down there, away from the formality, just being ourselves. Soon we can move into it and get set up.
The staff bbq was amazing. There's a real buzz about here today. But I know that every one of them, from the gardeners to the maids, could be connected to Judy. It worries me.
I know she'll be digging her claws into whatever she can to maintain some level of control. It wouldn't be hard for her to insert someone among Gus's staff to watch, to listen, to report. Even Nexus Global employees.
And now, after last night... well, everything's shifted. I keep replaying the woman's words in my head, her touch on my stomach, her knowing look. But for all I know, they are in alliance with Judy. This might all be a ploy to unnerve me. It's working and I have to put a stop to that.
I know I'm not, but, if there's any chance I'm pregnant... if Judy catches wind of that, it'll be enough to tip Jayden over the edge, especially after hall pass week. The last thing we need is a wedge between us, not If I can prevent it. I can't keep this uncertainty hanging over me. If I am pregnant, I need to be honest with Jayden. If I'm not
Well, I already know how that disappointment feels.
I pull my phone out, hesitating, I can't just walk into a pharmacy here, not with the chance that someone might notice and report back. Judy would use that information before I even got home.
No, I need help. But from who?
Gus's words from his phone call echo in my mind. Trust Viktor. If there's anyone here who's shown -unwavering loyalty, it's him. He's been with Jayden every step of the way.
Gus wouldn't suggest I rely on him if he didn't trust him, especially given everything Gus has risked for us.
370 Doubt Around Every Conver
I want to trust him. I guess I have to. It's all I have right now. Gus has never let me down before. The heirs of Jayden are of the utmost importance to Gus. He would not risk the kids by not being able to trust Viktor.
I take a breath, decision made, just as I hear the front door open. Jayden's voice carries down the hall, warm and steady, talking to Viktor. They must've come home for lunch - perfect.
"Hey, gorgeous," Jayden says, slipping an arm around my waist and pulling me in for a kiss. "Miss me?"
"Always," I say, leaning into him for a moment, feeling the comfort of his warmth. "You come all this way for lunch?"
He glances back at Viktor. "Winona, you know how Hugo was about London?"
"You're going there?"
"I really need to. Sorry. I came to let you know and have lunch with the kids before I go. I'll be back in two days.
"It is what it is. Is Viktor going too?"
"Lam. But rest assured the security around you and the kids is always secure." Viktor says, his face
serious.
I keep my face steady, smiling. "I actually have some errands to run myself," I glance toward Viktor, keeping my tone casual. "Maybe Viktor could give me a lift, before you both go again?" Viktor's expression doesn't change, but I can tell he picks up on the subtlety. "Of course," he says smoothly, inclining his head.
Jayden squeezes my shoulder, his gaze softening. "Everything okay?"
"Sure is," I smile back, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. "You focus on your empire. I'm shopping for the cottage. I think we can move in when you get back." "That soon?"
I nod. "I decided I could let the staff help and became project manager, just to get us in there quicker."
"Perfect."
"I won't be too long. Kids lunch in forty-five minutes. Why don't you pop down the cottage for a look. I'll be back by lunch. I'll get some time with you before you go." I wink at him. "You better believe it." He kisses me playfully.
"Sooner I go, the sooner I'm back." I push him away and grin.
Jayden chuckles, glancing back at Viktor. "I'll leave her in your capable hands, then." He gives me one last look, something tender in his eyes that makes me feel both comforted and anxious. This is the part of Jayden I need to protect, the part Judy wants to break.
Once Jayden's gone, I turn to Viktor, my face serious. He doesn't need any more prompting, nodding toward the door. "Ready when you are, Mrs. Brennan."
370 Doubt Around Every Corner
"Call me Winona, please." Mrs. Brennan reminds me of Judy.
"Ready when you are, Winona."
I'm as ready as I'll ever be to go get a test.
Ready to get this crazy idea out of my head once and for all.