Chapter 73
73 Ami Okay?
73 Am I Okay? (Winona)
Jayden pulls up in the driveway with Bobby and Sarah in the backseat. They both look a little more at ease now, clutching small shopping bags filled with new clothes and a few beach toys.
I meet them at the door, Abby holding my hand and bouncing with excitement.
"Did y
you guys have fun shopping?" I ask, trying to keep my tone light.
Bobby nods, a shy smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, it was cool. I got a Lakers cap."
"I don't doubt that with Jayden."
Sarah peeks out from behind Bobby, her eyes wide with curiosity. 1 got a new dress," she says softly. showing me the bright yellow fabric peeking out of the bag. "And a pink swimsuit." "That's wonderful, Sarah," I say, giving her a warm smile. "We're going to have a great time at the beach house."
Jayden unloads the car and we all pile into his SUV. The drive to the beach house is filled with the sound of the kids chattering excitedly and the gentle hum of the radio. The tension from earlier starts to ease as we pull into the driveway of Jayden's beautiful beachfront property.
"Alright, everyone out!" Jayden calls, opening the car door and helping the kids out. Abby rushes ahead, eager to show Bobby and Sarah the splash pad and play equipment in the backyard.
I follow Jayden to the back of the house, where the ocean stretches out before us in a mesmerizing expanse of blue. The kids immediately gravitate to the splash pad, their laughter echoing around us as they splash and play. Jayden checks out the grill, setting up for dinner, while I slip into my swimsuit.
It's been so long since I've swam in the sea and there's not many people around today. I'm walking ankle deep when Jayden rushes past me screaming and throws himself straight into a wave and comes up smiling and laughing. "You're crazy."
"Come on." He runs up and grabs me and drags me in as well.
I gasp at the
at the cold water hitting my body. He always did this. The memory warms me.
"Are the kids okay?"
"They are. You can take your eyes off them for five minutes. Don't forget we have security we don't know
about."
"True." I feel a little more relaxed. He's right, I can take ten minutes.
We swim together, the water refreshing and soothing
"Feeling better?" Jayden asks
"Yeah," I admit, enjoying the momentary peace. "This was a good idea."
71 Ami Okay?
As we swim, I keep an eye on the kids, making sure they're safe and happy. Abby and Sarah are giggling together, their faces bright with joy. Bobby is more reserved, but he seems to be having fun too, splashing around and sticking close to the girls. But as I turn my head towards the beach and the people gathering in the distance, my heart stops. There, standing with his back to us along the shoreline, is my father.
My breath catches in my throat, panic surging through me.
I scramble out of the water, Anger surging through me. How dare he haunt me like this. I'm not playing his games. I'm not showing him that I'm scared of him.
"Stay with the kids!" I shout to Jayden, my voice shaking. He looks up, his eyes wide.
+ sprint across the sand, my pulse pounding in my ears. The closer I get, the more certain I'm determined to keep Abby safe from him. My father. The man who has haunted my nightmares for years. Anger and fear fuel my steps as I close the distance.
"You!" I scream, my voice raw with emotion. "What are you doing here? I told you to leave me alone."
I grab his shoulder and drag him around to face me.
The man spins around, and my heart plummets. He's younger than my father.
"What the fuck, lady? Get off me." He shrugs his body away from me.
God, I've just attacked a total stranger. What is wrong with me?
"I'm sorry. I thought you were someone else."
"You need to go get your head checked. Crazy." The stranger looks at me with confusion and concern.
My legs give out beneath me, and I collapse onto the sand, tears streaming down my face and my body is racked with sobs. The adrenaline drains away, leaving me shaking and breathless. Jayden is at my side in an instant, his arms wrapping around me protectively.
"Winona, what happened?" he asks, his voice filled with worry.Content © NôvelDrama.Org.
"I thought it was him," I whisper, my body trembling. "I thought it was my father."
"I'm sorry man."
"Maybe you should keep her on a leash."
Jayden stands up. "It was an accident. No harm done, buddy." He does not sound friendly.
The guy fronts up to him. "She's lucky I didn't hit her."
With that Jayden just punches this guy right in the face, Knocking him out cold. Right there on the sand. All the guy's friends step back
"Tell his lawyers to contact Jayden Brennan if he has a problem."
Jayden helps me to my feet, guiding me back towards the house. "He's not here, Winona. You're safe."
73 Ami Okay?
I nod, but the fear doesn't fully dissipate. I glance back at the kids, who are still playing, oblivious to my breakdown. I'm sorry, Jayden. I just... I can't shake the feeling that he's watching us." "It's okay. I get it." Jayden assures me, his grip tightening around my shoulders.
I'm still shaking. I'm not sure I'll be okay.