My CEO 115

115 Doubt is a Killer (Winona)

Later that day, Dr. Green called to say that Abby could come home tomorrow, and her surgery was still scheduled for one month's time. Mixed feelings wash over me.

I can't believe five months have passed already.

So much of that time was blissful in Santa Monica with Jayden and Abby, a bubble of happiness that now feels like a distant dream.

But it wasn't reality. I see that now. The fantasy we lived was just that-a fantasy.

Lisa is coming to talk about the weather again. Maybe we can't talk about anything much, but her being here makes my life slightly bearable.

Having lost my freedom to come and go, I realize just how much of life I took for granted. Simple things like a walk in the park or grabbing coffee with a friend seem like luxuries now.

On the other hand, I have felt quite safe within these walls. I'm not sure what's going on in the world of the media, but I'm sure this case is still alive and well, not to mention the tumultuous life of the Brennan billionaires. I'd give anything to just walk away, to disappear, and for no one to know who I am anymore.

The doorbell rings, breaking my train of thought. I look at the nearest screen and see it's Lisa and Sheila. I open the door and give Lisa a hug. "Come in. How long are you here for?"

"I have an hour," she replies, her smile warm but tinged with concern.

"Great. But let's not talk about the weather or I'll die of boredom."

We go into the sitting room and Sheila takes her laptop and sits in the far corner, her presence a constant reminder of my restricted life.

"What will we talk about then?" Lisa asks, settling into the couch.

"Your love life?" I suggest, trying to keep the mood light.

"Non-existent," she says with a shrug.

"Really?"

and I go out a bit, but we're still just

I tease, raising an

include him crashing on my couch

knowing the answer from

nods, a small, resigned smile playing on her lips. "How's Abby?" "She's recovering well,"

to visit her later. I miss

Doubt is a

"She

that," I assure

+25 BONUS

ridiculous mess, I want us to go on a trip." Sheila clears her throat to remind us not to talk

be too broke for that. I'll need

expertise, you'll get something

brings us coffee and snacks. "I'll have gained twenty

can only

three meals a day. I want to keep

cramming a small cake into her mouth. "Mmmm mmm. You should be

yourself, Anne," I say with a smile. She's hovering

she says, sitting down

is it?" I ask, sensing her

is what?" Anne says,

something to say.

bit sheepish. "You know me far too well. (do

my problem. Go

kids who need me. But you and Abby need me too," she says, her voice tinged

ask any more of you. You've done so much for me and Abby. Above and beyond the call of duty." "It's

your own

situation... I'll stay to help Abby see both her

both?" I ask,

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

Comments ()

0/255