Xo Novel
430 Separation
430 Separation (Jayden)
Henry is nestled in my arms, I've missed him so much. He's grown more, and it hasn't even been that long since I've been in London.
We're sitting in the farmhouse kitchen. Viktor leans against the countertop, arms folded, his expression calm but serious. Winona sits beside me, her fingers wrapped around a steaming mug of herbal tea that Klara made for her. She takes a sip, and I can tell she's nervous.
Klara steps forward, her gaze flicking between us. "This pregnancy is high-risk, even more so than before," she says, her voice steady and calm.
"Winona needs minimal stress, regular monitoring, and a stable environment. Any disruptions could be dangerous," she adds.
I cradle Henry closer, my heart pounding with fear for Winona and our unborn child.
My mind races. It's fragile. Another miracle. "What do we need to do to keep you both safe?
Winona takes a breath, her voice trembling slightly. "Klara and the doctors say it's about keeping a normal routine, keeping my blood pressure down, and avoiding stress as much as possible. Impossible with our lives, really." Klara places a gentle hand on Winona's shoulder. "Honestly, there are no guarantees that anything you do or don't do will make a difference. But it can't hurt to try for less stress."
"I agree. I want to know that I didn't actively seek out stressful situations."
I look at Viktor, whose eyes are focused and determined. "Stress never seems far away. But my mother is the key factor here" I say, my voice steady. "She's never going to stop unless I stop her." Viktor nods. "We'll make it happen, and I'll make sure you're protected."
Winona looks up at me, her eyes full of worry. "Let's hope it all happens easily. If I go back to the States, I think I'll feel better until all of this is over and I'll have Anne to help. If the worst does happen, I'll be in good hands."
I tighten my grip on Henry, feeling the fear behind that last sentence. "I know I'll feel better with you away from Judy. I'll stay here and keep her attention on me.
"I'll talk to Lisa and we can check out long distance cruises back."
"Okay. We're decided then." I hold Henry closer.
There's one more thing I have to do before any plans can move forward. I take a deep breath and stand, still holding Henry. "I'm going to talk to the kids," I say. They deserve to know what's going on, even if it's only part of the truth." Winona's eyes widen with worry, but she nods. "Just... be gentle."
I nod, giving her a small, reassuring smile, then step outside. The sun hangs low in the sky, casting warm
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430 Separation
light over the fields. Bobby, Sarah, and Abby are sitting under the big tree near the farmhouse, talking quietly with Klara's kids.
"Hey, Bobby, Sarah and Abby," I call, making my way over. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"
They run over to where I'm standing. Sarah's eyes light up, and Abby reaches for my hand. I settle down at the wooden table with them, adjusting Henry so he's comfortable in my arm.
"What's happening, Dad?" Bobby asks.
I take a moment, looking at each of them. "Things are a bit complicated right now," I start, keeping my voice calm. "I might not be around as much for a while. I have to work in London a while longer, on something really important." Sarah's face falls. "You're not staying with us?"
"No, but time will go quick," I assure her. "I'll always be there for you, no matter what. Even if I can't be here in person all the time, I'll make sure you can reach me whenever you want. We can do vídeo calls."
Abby clings to my shirt, her voice small. "But why do you have to go back to London?"
I press a kiss to her forehead. "Sometimes grown-ups have to do things. But I'll always love you, and I'll
sure you're okay. Look, you may be heading back home, the States with Mom soon."
always make o
Bobby's brow furrows. "Can't we just... be together? Why does everything have to change again?"
I let out a breath. "I wish it could be simple, buddy. But we have to be strong, just for a little while. I'll make sure you all have phones, so we can call or text anytime. We'll still be connected." Abby's lip trembles. "Promise?"
I look into her big, innocent eyes, and my heart aches. "Promise," I say, my voice thick. "We're a family, no matter what."
Bobby's shoulders relax a little, but I can tell he's still worried. "And what about the cat?" he asks suddenly. "I don't want to leave her. And my work, I can't just leave and let them all down..."
I smile, ruffling his hair. "The cat comes with us, wherever we go. And as for your projects, we'll find you somewhere in the States where you can go learn some more stuff. You're too talented to stop now."
He looks surprised, and then a small smile breaks through. "Really?"
"Really," I say. "We'll figure it out, I promise."
Sarah snuggles closer to me, and Abby squeezes my hand.
I'm going to miss these four like crazy.
The sooner I get Judy behind bars, the better.
But the thought of making her think she's my loving mother again makes my gut churn.
But I think I'll only need a few weeks to gather everything I can and make a case against her. I'm worried about what I might uncover.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.
She has done some terrible things that I know of, I hate to think of what's still buried out there.
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430 Separation
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I need to have a conversation with Gus and try and get him to give me something solid. But like Winona says, if he was going to shut her down, he'd have done it by now.
But he knows as well as I do that she cannot keep going unchecked.
With or without his help, I will get this done.