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?"

"Anne is leaving. We're engaged, we should be living together. I can help with

anger rising. "But not to me. I have a life here,

trying to make things work

not including me in these decisions!" I shout, my emotions boiling over. "You're assuming I'll just go along with whatever you want. That's not

"So, what? You don't want to

what's best for Abby and for us. This is my first home. I'm not just walking away to live with you." "I never said you should

"No."

+25 BONUS

137 Do People Change?

out a

Jayden. But I'm not rushing into

seem to

out to touch his arm. "We'll get there, Jayden. But we

the items back where they belong, feeling the situation settle over me. This isn't just about moving in together; it's about learning to communicate, to trust each other

past-a picture of us in college, carefree and in love. Those were simpler times but still

"But we've changed. We

hint of sadness in his eyes. "I know. I

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

we stand there, united in our

rebuild the trust that was shattered in the two years I 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 again in the jail

that he was doing what he thought he needed to get Ashlyn to confess. But

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