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.

way forward with Jayden and

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

working under Jayden again? That

hangs over me like a dark cloud. What would happen to Abby then? Could Phillip and Anne keep raising her, or would she end up with Jayden and Judy? Ashlyn's name

of his betrayal-it all cornes rushing back. The promise of a

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102 My Worst Fa

bright, now feels like a distant dream. The reality of our situation is almost too much

entertained fantasies in Santa Monica of overcoming all odds and finding happiness with Jayden as a family. But those dreams

see a future where Judy and Ashlyn aren't constant thorns in my side,

of those fairy tale endings. The notion of 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

swarm my mind as I walk to check in on Abby. She has become my anchor, the person who keeps me grounded when the storm of anxiety threatens to pull

helps

Anne's voices float through the

familiar sound of Phillip's laughter mingling with Anne's softer chuckles drawing me in. They're huddled over the kitchen island, craft and artwork strewn about. The sight

I say, leaning against the doorframe

hope appears more genuine than it

as he sees me. "Winona! We're

creations.

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

says with a

her that

expression softens as he watches me, his gaze insightful. "How are you holding up, really? This court thing is hanging over us-it's got

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