My CEO 137

137 Do People Change? (Winona)

It's been a few days since the engagement party fiasco, and while things have calmed down between Jayden and me, there's still a lingering tension. Today, I'm heading over to my townhouse to pick up some things.

I've been staying at the penthouse while Jayden needs extra care. He is meeting me here later to help load Anne's boxes into the trailer.

Abby is with Anne, and I'm hoping to have a quiet moment to myself. Anne is almost packed up and she's saying goodbye to Abby over lunch and explaining that she will be back.

It's going to be strange without Anne here, but I'll manage. Actually, being able to cope with school, Abby's needs and my career is something I'm looking forward to. To prove I can do it.

I'll miss Anne to bits but I'm glad she's taking in Bobby and Sarah. I hope to rebuild my relationship with those two kids as well.

My deadbeat father has a lot to answer for. I hope he stays out of my life now and out of any kids' lives.

As I walk through my front door, I hear the sound of boxes being moved in the living room. I turn the corner to find Jayden in the middle of packing up.

"What are you doing?" I ask, my voice sharp with surprise.

He looks up and smiles. "Oh, hey. I used my key and got away early. I'm just packing some of your stuff. Thought I'd help you move in with me."

My heart sinks. Is he stone-cold crazy? "Move in with you? Why would you think I'm moving out of here?"

is leaving. We're engaged, we should be living together. I

have a life here, Jayden. Abby has her routine. We can't just uproot

"I'm trying to make things work for us, Winona. Why can't you see

over. "You're assuming I'll just

voice tight with anger. "So, what? You don't want to live with me? You don't

to adjust. We need to talk about this, figure out what's best for Abby and for

"No."

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137 Do People Change?

lets out a frustrated sigh. "Surely we're

ready, Jayden. But I'm

seem to do

arm. "We'll get there, Jayden. But we need

settle over me. This isn't just about moving in together; it's about learning to communicate, to trust each

of our past-a picture of us in college, carefree and in love. Those were simpler times but still I was always battling

were," I agree, my voice tinged with nostalgia. "But we've changed. We need to adapt to who we are now, not

his eyes.

can have it," I say, taking his hand. "But we

stand there, united in our resolve to

tried to convince him we used to be in love? The way he'd been so cruel to me over the divorce. The way he'd been

what he thought he needed to get Ashlyn to confess. But that doesn't make it hurt any less. The way he

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