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."

good thing?" I lean

you know?" Her words are a lifeline,

But I am sorry he hurt you. I'm sorry

do with that."

back on track for her future." Winona's strength amazes me, her resolve unwavering even in the face of such pain.

not taking it. There's no way

want to. I still haven't forgiven myself

an idea. The thought strikes me, sudden and

+25 BONUS

go play? Abby's innocent voice breaks the

the cheek, savoring the simple joy of this moment. "Just go

office,

runs off, her excitement on her face. We can hear her saying wow and telling Puppy all about his new

like that.

chance

your own?

and I

will that

endurance. Anyway, Santa Monica beach will be amazing." I try to inject some optimism, though it feels forced. Winona looks down, a shadow crossing her face. "Just

slip out before I can

is immediate, her

fresh air. The beach would be amazing for her. She doesn't need an operation for six months. We have that

about to

"Schools are there too."

think this is

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

for keeping her safe and raising her out of all the toxicity. I'm not letting my mother interfere anymore. I'm holding her

help, and if she wants to have me and

the baby. You can't just leave

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255