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."

a good thing?" I lean forward, my

back, you know?" Her words

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

do with that."

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

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

to. I still haven't forgiven myself

an idea. The thought

+25 BONUS

play? Abby's innocent

whole playroom for you." I give 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

office, now it's for

We can hear her saying wow and telling Puppy all about his new

smiles again. I like

in Santa Monica, my best chance at convincing those shareholders

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

and I

will that

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

me." The words slip out

No." Her reaction is

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

about to

"Schools are there too."

confused, torn. "Jayden, I get why you think this is a good idea but...you and

out 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

toxicity. I'm not letting my mother interfere anymore. I'm holding her responsible for me missing out on Abby's early

if she wants to have me and

the baby. You