My CEO 107

107 My Worst Fear (Winona)

The past week has been an unexpected respite, a slice of calm that feels almost too good to last. Abby's resilience shines through, her recovery is nothing short of miraculous given her recent health battles.

Her latest lab results are positive and our path forward is for her to stay here with me until her next operation. It's a small victory in the grand scheme, but it's ours to celebrate.

I haven't had any trouble from anyone I'm barred from contacting. This has been a surprisingly safe bubble for Abby and me Phillip has been by our side through it all, his support unwavering It's a comfort to have him so close, not just for Abby, but for me too.

Amidst this fragile peace, Phillip's developed a new business-a venture he's adamant about bootstrapping Despite my offers to help finance this endeavor, he's determined about his independence. He's plunged headfirst into creating a series of eBooks and audiobooks, tapping into his wealth of knowledge

Watching him find his stride, seeing his first signs of success with sales-it's infectious and heartening. I wish him all the best in building a financially stable future.

Phillip's changed. There's a new depth to him, a vulnerability that wasn't there before. It makes him more. human, more relatable. He's come out the other side of his struggles with alcohol stronger, more determined

That darkness, that period of utter desolation after Gus fired him, has forged a new determination in him. He's not the man he was, he's something better, something stronger.

I find it all very attractive and we've even graduated to cuddling each other in bed. I'm just going with what feels good at this point. Not overthinking it.

Phillip never adds pressure of any kind.

Courtroom memories still haunt me-the look of anger on Jayden's face, the shock of seeing Phillip with me. It's clear he's not about to forgive or forget, especially not where Phillip is involved

He's clearly jealous as he always was where I'm concerned but he has no right. He pushed me away Nailed the final nail in the coffin when he sided with Ashlyn.

forward with Jayden

as unstable as ever but there isn't much I can do about that. Turning down Gus's offer might have been a mistake, but if I

ever working under Jayden again? That seems unimaginable

to Abby then? Could Phillip and Anne keep raising her, or

his betrayal-it all cornes rushing back.

+25 BONUS

102 My Worst Fa

The reality of our situation

happiness with Jayden as a family. But those dreams

is, I don't see a future where Judy and Ashlyn aren't constant thorns in my side, where every decision isn't tainted by their

a love that conquers all, that stands defiant in the face of adversity-it's not meant for me. I need to accept that and move on, for

mind as I walk to check in on Abby. She has become my anchor, the person who keeps me grounded

above mine helps me get

float through the air. Their laughter, light and carefree, momentarily gets

softer chuckles drawing me in. They're huddled over the kitchen island, craft

seem in high spirits," I say, leaning against the doorframe

hope appears more

his eyes lighting up as he sees me. "Winona! We're just going through

creations.

drawing of her family. Me, Jayden, Phillip and Anne and another figure. "Who's the one in the red

Judy," Anne says with

that one day.

watches me, his gaze insightful. "How are you holding up, really? This court thing is hanging over us-it's got to be eating at

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