My CEO 96

96 Loving Couple (Winona)

We spend the next hour arranging his things and making the bedroom look like a shared space. It's not monitored but that doesn't mean authorities can't come in and look.

Tension is definitely there, but there's also a sense of determination between us. We both know what's at stake, and we're willing to do whatever it takes. I'm actually glad I have Phillip back in my corner.

When I look back, he was quite brave in going up against Judy with me before in my work office. She could have revealed him then and there. But she didn't. She seemed happy to let us keep what we had going. I guess

1. me.

because I wasn't trying to be with Jayden. That's always been the thing with her, losing her son to

As we finish, Phillip sits on the edge of the bed, looking worn out emotionally and physically. I wonder how long since he's had a decent meal.

"Winona, I never stopped loving you. Even when I was at my worst, you and Abby were always in my heart."

His words cut through me, and for a moment, I see the vulnerable man I once fell in love with. But I can't afford to let my guard down. Not now. "Phillip. Let's just focus on the task at hand. How long since you've eaten anything?" "I haven't been able to eat much. I had no money for food really and last few nights at the accommodation I just felt nauseous about all of this. I couldn't eat much."

"Anne has the freezer stuffed. Lasagne?"

"You know it's my favorite." He smiles.

"I need some comfort food too. Sorry I can't offer you wine."

"It's okay. Alcohol is probably not the best for me right how anyway. I want to get my life back. I'm an alcoholic. The one thing I have kept up is the meetings. It's been hard but I'm determined to stay dry."

"You should be proud under the circumstances. There's nothing stopping us building a business again for you. You can work from here. I'll ask my parole officer and Gordon."

as I

be just as broke by the time I get out of this court case. Of course, I don't need

like that, Winona. You aren't going

really hope not because that almost broke me." I admit. It's nice to

we cuddle on the sofa. There are moments of inward awkwardness for me,

the dreams we had for our family, and it brings a sense of normalcy to

+25 BONUS

96 Loving Couple

filled with uncertainty." Winona, there's no expectation for anything." he whispers. "I

me, and I feel a flicker of the affection I once felt. I walk into the bedroom. "Thank you,

and maintain this facade at all times. I look over at Phillip, who's still asleep, and feel a pang of sadness. This isn't how I envisioned my life turning out. How could anyone imagine the life I've ended up with, all for loving one

heart wants. That's the foolery of youth.

anymore.

to the kitchen to make coffee. As I wait for the pot to brew, my mind. races with thoughts of Abby and Jayden. How did everything get so complicated? I just want my daughter safe and happy. Phillip joins me a few minutes later, looking a

reaction. I turn in his arms and give him a soft kiss on the lips. I feel a little twinge of something inside. "Last night was wonderful. I've missed being with you. Sorry I was stubborn for so long." "Hey, better late than never." He grins and

I

a mug as I pull away from

a sip. "I

spend the day adjusting to our new reality. We hold hands, exchange smiles, and talk about everything except the

next steps. He pulls us

says, looking between us. "But remember, this has to be consistent. Any slip-up

"We understand. We're committed

we have a

and pretty much everyone you know is on

too?" I'll be

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

Comments ()

0/255