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

still say goodnight to

course, I didn't mean it

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

Jayden

Phillip," Lance jokes as he pulls a beer out of the tub and

be

Devd You Don 1

+25 BONUS

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

my surprise, she smiles. "That is very thoughtful, Winona. Thank

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

too

snuggles up to

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

on edge and you've done a great job today."

mite." I kiss her forehead

Nigh nigh,

all love you

you tomorrow, Abby,"

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 check

it's almost midnight

Ashlyn is driving, and she is yawning. She's been pretty quiet, and I notice Lance and Lisa have kind of avoided her. Jayden was sensitive

spoil-sport," Lisa says with

to

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

a car.