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."

good thing?" I lean

you know?" Her words are a lifeline, pulling

not. But I am sorry he hurt you. I'm

do with that."

find out now. I'm very hurt and betrayed but I can focus on Abby. She's 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 such pain. I nod, my mind

it. I'm not taking it. There's no way I can work

want to. I still haven't forgiven myself for doing long hours before Abby fell

The thought strikes me, sudden

+25 BONUS

play? Abby's innocent

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

be an office, now

wow and telling Puppy all about his new friends. The sound brings a smile to

smiles again. I like that. "So,

be in Santa Monica, my best chance

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

and I

long will that

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 what you

out before

Her reaction is

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

about to

"Schools are there too."

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

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 sorry,

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

needs help, and if she wants to have me and my children in her

You can't just leave