Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

My CEO 48

48 Devil You Don't Know

(Winona)

"Winona," Jayden's voice is filled with emotion. "Thank you for today. It means a lot to me."

I look across at him, tears welling in my eyes. "It means a lot to Abby too. She deserves to know her father."

He steps closer, brushing a tear from my cheek. "I wish it could be different."

I swallow hard, the memories and emotions threaten to overwhelm me. "We need to focus on Abby now. She's what's important and your new baby is coming."

I resist the urge to press myself to his chest. "Jayden, I know we shared something that's once in a lifetime. But it was a lifetime ago. I need a peaceful existence. I can have that if you're with Ashlyn and your mother is happy."

He nods, his hand lingers on my cheek for a moment before he pulls away. "You're right."

As he walks out of the kitchen, I watch him go, my heart aching with a mix of love and loss. I know I have. to move on, but part of me will always remember the way things were, the way they could have been.

The party has wound down and Jayden and Ashlyn went to tuck Abby in. Judy has gone and just Lisa and Lance are here with me and Phillip. You know, I feel I've really turned a corner. I think Jayden and I just said goodbye for real in the kitchen earlier.

Plus, it's adult drink time and being at home makes me feel very festive. I empty the bottle of vodka and the bottle of gin into the punch bowl.

"Woo hoo! You go, girlfriend!" Lisa calls out.

"I figure now I can celebrate being home."

"I'll drink to that." Lisa laughs and fills up a plastic cup with punch.

Jayden and Ashlyn come back out. "I think she wants a final goodnight from you two." Jayden says to Phillip and me.

Phillip, you've

can still say goodnight to my

mean it like that." I say

goes out to the garage and wheels in a huge plastic tub full of beer and ice. "Here's

and Jayden both

pulls

We'll be back soon."

You Don

+25 BONUS

have you covered. Zero alcohol champagne. We can't have you feeling left out." I say

smiles. "That is very thoughtful, Winona.

bottle to Lance. "Here, pop this before you are too drunk to do

says, "I am never too drunk to pop

snuggles up

a room, you two." I say as Phillip and I walk to Abby's room. "I didn't mean anything by saying

know, I'm just on edge and you've done a

little mite." I kiss her forehead as I get to her

nigh, Mommy. Nigh

all love you very much. Happy

tomorrow, Abby," Phillip says

as her little eyes close and I stare in wonder at how long and curled her lashes are for her age. I'm not sure if Phillip heard that last part. "Okay. Let's go have a drink and relax. We'll

this up, it's almost midnight and I

Lance and Lisa. All about three sheets to the wind. But I'm happy they are happy. Jayden has had only slightly less, so it's good Ashlyn is driving, and she is yawning. She's been pretty quiet, and I notice Lance and Lisa have kind of avoided her.

says

kid to get up to in the

Lisa over-exaggerates. "I'd rather stick hot pokers in my

a car. Neither of