SWNOVELS Chapter My CEO 84
(Winona)
"We're doing everything we can," he replies, his tone firm. "But right now, you need to focus on staying calm and cooperating. Don't talk to anyone unless I'm present. I need the truth from you, Winona, no matter what. You don't lie to me, okay?"
I nod, though my mind is far from calm. Every step feels heavy, each echoing footfall a reminder of the nightmare I'm trapped in. They lead me to a solitary cell, the door clanging shut behind me. The silence is oppressive, and I feel the weight of it pressing down on me. "I'll be back to talk to you soon. I need the full story, from the start. Are you prepared to talk to me?"
"Of course. I'm not sure I can afford you, though."
"Let's worry about that later. I'll see you soon." He strides off, and the sound of the door locking echoes in the quiet.
I pace the small space, my thoughts racing. How did everything go so wrong? Just a few days ago, I was hopeful about starting a new chapter with Jayden and Abby.
Hopeful that we could blend our families. But it's gone way too far for any of that. Now, I'm in a jail cell, accused of trying to kill Ashlyn and her baby. Jayden's baby.
I think of how he must be feeling right now. If he has lost his child, he'll be hurt and angry. He'll probably turn against me like he did before. Once Judy gets wind of this, she'll be all over him to dump me for good. That's if she doesn't already know. For all I know she might be the master behind all of this
The reality of my situation crashes over me. I collapse onto the narrow bed, tears streaming down my face. "Please, let this be a nightmare," I whisper to myself. "Let me wake up."
But there's no waking up from this. I think of Abby, my sweet, innocent Abby, and the fear she must be feeling. I have to stay strong for her, even if it feels impossible.
I can't help but wonder if there's any hope left. My life has been torn apart, and I don't know how to piece it back together. Ashlyn's twisted words echo in my mind, her threats and accusations.
The sheer malice in her eyes as she spoke of using her own child as a pawn makes me shiver. How could she be so heartless?
The minutes crawl by, each second stretching into eternity. The small cell feels like it's closing in on me, suffocating me with cold walls and the weight of my despair.
I think about the beach, the fresh air, the feeling of sand between my toes. The memories seem like a distant dream now, almost unreachable.
Every sound from outside the cell makes me jump. The clang of metal, the distant murmur of voices, the occasional shout-all reminders that I'm trapped in here while the real criminal roams free.
My thoughts spiral, alternating between fury at Ashlyn and sheer terror at what might happen to Abby.
I lie down, staring at the ceiling. I can't let her win. I have to fight, for Abby's sake. No matter how bleak
+25 BONUS
84 Glimmer of Hope
things seem, I have to believe that the truth will come out. But can Abby be kept safe in the meantime.
Hours pass-or maybe it's just minutes-when the cell door creaks open. I jolt awake, my heart racing. It's the lawyer again, his face a mask of determination.
"Winona, it's time. We need to talk now," he says, his voice a blend of urgency and reassurance. "I'm Gordon Brown of Brown and Associates."
I sit up, wiping the sleep from my eyes. "Okay," I whisper, my voice shaky but resolute.
He pulls up a chair, sitting across from me. "Start from the beginning. Tell me everything about Ashlyn, your father, the kids-every detail matters."
Taking a deep breath, I begin to recount everything. From the moment Ashlyn entered our lives, to the manipulation and lies, the threats from my father, and the horrific scene at the park
As I speak, I see him taking notes, his expression shifting from concern to a steely determination.
"I knew she was dangerous, but I never imagined she'd go this far," I say, my voice breaking. "She's been trying to drive me insane, and now she's using this miscarriage to destroy me."
The lawyer nods, absorbing every word, "We'll get to the bottom of this, Winona. But you need to stay strong. This is going to be a tough fight."
"I'm scared for Abby," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. "I can't let Ashlyn get to her."
"Jayden told me to tell you he'll make sure she's safe. Anne is coming to the cottage and we'll have constant surveillance on them," he assures me. "For now, focus on staying calm and cooperating with me. We'll prove your innocence." Relief spreads through me when I hear this. As he leaves, I feel a glimmer of hope. It's fragile, but it's there. I know this fight is far from over, but I have to hold on-for Abby, for Jayden, and for myself. I won't let Ashlyn win. Not this time.
Left alone once more, the silence of the cell presses down on me, I sit back on the narrow bed, pulling my knees to my chest. My thoughts drift to Jayden. How will he ever believe me after what he saw? The doubt in his eyes haunts me. I can only pray that he will see through Ashlyn's lies. But for now, I have to focus on surviving this
nightmare. I take a deep breath and close my eyes, tryin