Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

My CEO 59

59 Come With Me

(Jayden)

I pat her on the head. "I'm okay, Abby. I'm glad you're here though." Her small smile lights up a part of me that's been dark for too long.

"I thought she might cheer you up. We were at the park, Winona says, her voice soft but tinged with

concern.

"Come in. I was just thinking about something" My voice comes out strained, barely masking the turmoil roiling within me.

"Are you okay? I mean, that was unbelievable really. I think we all need to lick our wounds for a while." Winona says.

"I'm angry." We walk into the lounge area, the weight of the day pressing down on us. I sit and pull Abby up onto my lap, her warmth a temporary balm to my frayed nerves. "With Gus?"

"With myself." I sigh, running a hand through my hair, feeling the frustration build.

"You can't blame yourself for what he's done. What everyone around you has done." Winona's voice is soothing, but it doesn't reach the core of my guilt

"I dropped the ball with Brennan Industries. Gus is right. I'm not in a position to be running that company. I know that now." The admission feels like a knife twisting in my gut, sharp and unrelenting.

"You're just going to walk away?" Winona's eyes widen, a flicker of disbelief crossing her face.

"No way." I smile, a determined edge creeping into my voice. "I'm going to get my company back."

Winona smiles, and it's like the first ray of sunshine breaking through a storm. "What?" I ask, caught off guard by her sudden shift in mood.

"That's the very first time since I've been back that you sounded like you used to be, before the accident."

I lean forward,

you know?" Her words are a lifeline, pulling me back

am sorry he hurt you. I'm sorry my mother

do with that."

health back on track for her future." Winona's strength amazes me,

"I haven't opened it. I'm not taking

still haven't forgiven myself for doing long hours

idea. The thought strikes me,

+25 BONUS

go play? Abby's innocent voice

savoring the simple joy of this moment. "Just go through that door." I point at the room I've

be an office, now it's for

excitement on her face. We can hear her saying wow and telling Puppy all about his new friends. The

like

go be in Santa Monica, my best chance at convincing those shareholders to sell to me

a hostile takeover of your own? Winona's eyes widen, a mix of surprise

and I

long will that

for the long haul. If my family life has taught me anything it's patience and endurance. Anyway, Santa Monica beach will be amazing." I try to inject some optimism, though it feels forced. Winona looks down,

out before

Her reaction is

amazing

about to

"Schools are there too."

"Jayden, I get why you think this

I've missed so much." The plea is raw, my need to connect with my daughter outweighing everything else. Winona looks a little sad, her eyes reflecting a pain I wish

out of all the toxicity. I'm not letting my mother interfere

have me and my children in her life, she damn well better get

You can't