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."

thing?" I lean forward,

You need to get your confidence back, you know?" Her words are a lifeline,

sorry he hurt you.

do with that."

what's important, getting her health back on track for her future." Winona's strength amazes me, her resolve unwavering even in the face of

a weary gesture. "I haven't opened it. I'm not taking it. There's no way I

haven't forgiven myself for

thought strikes me, sudden and

+25 BONUS

go play? Abby's innocent

her a kiss on the cheek, savoring the simple joy of this moment. "Just go through that door." I point at the room I've set up off

to be an office,

on her face. We can hear her saying wow and telling Puppy all about his new friends. The sound brings a smile to

again. I like that.

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

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

do, and

long will that

Anyway, Santa Monica beach will be amazing." I try to inject some optimism, though it feels

words slip out before

No." Her reaction is immediate,

and fresh air. The beach would be amazing for her. She

to start

"Schools are there too."

get why you think this is a good idea but...you and

I'd like to foster is with Abby. I've missed so much." The plea is raw, my need to connect with my daughter outweighing everything else. Winona looks a little

out of all the toxicity. I'm not letting my mother interfere anymore. I'm holding her responsible for me missing out on

and my children

and the baby. You can't just leave