My CEO 67

67 We Got This (Winona)

"Bye, Sweety. Your teacher has my number, so if you need Mommy, she can call me anytime," I say, trying to keep my voice steady. My heart is pounding, and my hands are clammy.

"Here's your lunch bag. This is your locker," Jayden says as he passes the bag to Abby, giving her a tight hug.

She stows her bag into her locker. "Puppy!" She points at the photo of her favorite toy, so she knows her locker. "Bye, Mommy. Bye, Daddy."

She waves at us before racing off to join a group of kids who are crafting. Her enthusiasm is infectious, 'but my nerves are still on edge.

Her teacher smiles warmly. "She'll be just fine."

"You've read her file, right? You understand she has some physical limitations because of her health," I explain, my anxiety swelling with each word.

"We have, and I can assure you, every staff member here has advanced first aid training, and we have two qualified nurses on site. Abby will be in safe hands," the teacher reassures, her tone gentle but firm.

"No one can get in or out of the school without staff knowing?" I ask, my voice betraying my nervousness. "Our security is the best in Santa Monica. We have cameras and the latest technology. Plus, we have the highest qualified security staff on the ground," she replies, her confidence calming but not completely easing my fears.

"Thank you. This is just a little nerve-wracking, leaving her," Jayden explains, grabbing my hand. His touch is grounding, but the anxiety is still there, bubbling under the surface.

"I don't mean to sound crazy..."

"Honestly, I'd be more concerned if you weren't stressed, under the circumstances," the teacher says, her smile kind and understanding.

Circumstances? What is she talking about? "I'm not sure what you mean," I say, my voice tinged with confusion and defensiveness.

"Oh, no judgment here. We all have family drama, don't we? Just such a high-profile family is bound to have speculation. I promise you this school does not allow our staff to discuss such matters. To us, Abby is a child just like any other child," she explains, trying to ease my worries. "Of course she is," I reply, my voice coming out more heated than I intended. I know we've been all over the media, but I'd stopped looking this past week.

"Look, we'll be back to pick up Abby after lunch. Contact us anytime you need," Jayden says, gently tugging me along with him.

"No need to drag me out," I mutter under my breath, feeling a mix of embarrassment and frustration. "I'm not sure you'll leave otherwise," Jayden says, his voice calm but firm.

67 We Got The

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don't see why she needed to mention the media and our supposed situation," I grumule,

trying to show us she empathized and wouldn't hold it against Abby in any

back, the tension getting

first day at least." He stops and turns

He's right, God! He's so right. I'm not putting her first; I'm putting my own emotions and fears first. Just what I

in deeply and exhale slowly, trying to calm the storm inside

this," Jayden says as he opens the childproof gate. We step out, and it locks behind us with a finality that makes

I can't help but feel the weight of my worries pressing down on me. "Do you think she'll really be okay?" I ask, my

fine, Winona, You saw how happy she was. This is good for her," Jayden reassures, his hand still holding

her," I admit, my

with understanding. "I get it. But we have to give her a chance to be a

tears sting my eyes. "I just want to keep

Together," he says, pulling me into a hug. I bury my face in his chest, letting the tears flow. The fear, the anxiety, the overwhelming need to protect my daughter-it all comes pouring out. Why does

I pull back and wipe my eyes. "Okay. Let's

get in the car and drive away, the school getting smaller in the rearview mirror. The silence between us is heavy, but I feel a sense of determination. This is for Abby, and we'll

did it

off. It was tough.

Hang

down and Jayden's looking

"No."

We Got This

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"Who was it?"

Spam." I say a little

you're lying.

"Wait, you know?"

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