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

need to get your confidence back, you know?" Her

sorry he hurt you. I'm sorry my mother had anything

do with that."

on Abby. She's what's important, getting her health back on track for her future." Winona's strength amazes me, her resolve unwavering

not taking it. There's no

I still haven't forgiven myself for doing long hours

idea. The thought strikes me, sudden

+25 BONUS

go play? Abby's

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

office,

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

smiles again. I like that. "So,

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

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

do, and

long will that

but I'm in this 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, a shadow

The words slip out before I can think

Her reaction is immediate, her tone

be amazing for her. She doesn't need an operation for six months. We have

about to

"Schools are there too."

you think this

about Ashlyn and Lance. But the relationship 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 sad, her eyes reflecting a pain I wish I could erase. "I'm

toxicity. I'm not letting my mother interfere anymore. I'm holding her responsible

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

baby. You can't just leave them