My CEO 138

138 Does perfection Exist? (Winona)

I'm actually not sure Jayden and I can live together long term. We are very different in fundamental things. Like, I cook and clean for myself, and he has a whole array of staff for everyday things. He never got why I wanted my career because he had more money than we could ever need.

As I move around my living room, I think back on my time working and being friends- well I guess more than friends- with Phillip. It was always so easy with him in understanding me and my needs. He communicated even when we weren't even in a proper, committed relationship. He got what being friends or a couple is about. That level of respect for someone else's opinion without it ever having to be said.

If I could have that with Jayden, things would be near perfect. But Perfection is not something to strive for. It's a thing we believe exists, but I'm not sure it does.

I look at Jayden unpacking a box he's packed and notice his expression shift. He looks like he's about to say something but hesitates.

"What is it?" I ask gently. "Remember we are being honest about everything."

"I've been thinking," he starts, his voice cautious. "About Abby's routine. I know it's important to keep things stable for her, but I also think it would be good for us to create new routines together. As a family."

I nod, understanding his point but also feeling a pang of anxiety. "I agree. But we need to be careful. She's been through so much already. We can't just change everything overnight. Plus, her next operation is very close. I want to keep the status quo until after that."

"Of course. That's why I wanted us to live together," he says quickly. He smiles, but it doesn't reach his eyes. "I just want everything to be perfect for our little girl. And for us."

"Perfect is overrated," I say with a small laugh. "Let's aim for a happy and healthy child. That's all she needs. It's all I need too. Perfect is an impossible thing to maintain." Jayden pulls me into a hug, and I feel a mixture of hope and uncertainty. I do love him. I know I do. But a lifelong relationship is about a lot more than love.

"I love you, Winona. I'll try not to be such a bonehead."

"Just be you, that's all I want. The real Jayden, not some image you portray. I want to know the real Jayden."

Jayden's phone buzzes, breaking the moment. He glances at it and frowns. "It's Mother. She wants to come over and see Abby."

stiffen at the mention of Judy. Trusting her is a whole other ballgame but I do want to maintain the peace at least.

"Maybe it's not the best time today." Last thing I need Judy to see is the unrest between Jayden and I.

He nods, understanding. "You're right. I'll tell her another time."

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138 Does perfection Exist?

Just as I'm beginning to feel a bit more relaxed, the doorbell rings. Jayden and I exchange a look of surprise. "Who could that be?" I ask, standing up to answer the door. When I open it, Judy is standing there, holding a tray of homemade cookies.

But I'm almost certain she hasn't made them.

in my car near your house when I texted and, well, no

the door, his face a mask of controlled anger. "Mother, I just told

thought it might be a good chance for us to spend some

situation. "Thank you, Judy. That's

but I ignore it, focusing on keeping the peace. Judy steps

down, Jayden's frustration

Judy asks as she looks around

"No. I'm staying here."

you may

temporarily while Jayden gets stronger. I

nods. "Lots of couples

the big deal about us not living together?" Jayden asks

us. "Okay. I think I'll leave you two alone. You're obviously...

say anything. I walk Judy to the door, giving her a reassuring smile. Thank

Jayden, who's pacing the living room, his anger barely contained. "Why did you let her in?" he snaps.

(Winona)

very different in fundamental things. Like, I cook and clean for myself, and he has a whole array of staff for everyday things. He never got why I wanted my career because he had more money

being friends- well I

He got what being friends or a couple is

be near perfect. But Perfection is not something to strive

he's packed and notice his expression

gently. "Remember we are being honest about

Abby's routine. I know it's important to keep things stable for

But we need to be careful. She's been through so much already. We can't just change everything overnight. Plus, her next operation is very close. I want to keep the status quo until after that." "Of course. That's why I wanted us to live together," he says

Perfect is an impossible thing to maintain." Jayden pulls me into a hug, and I feel a mixture of hope and uncertainty. I do love him. I know I do. But a

try not to

Jayden, not some image you portray.

and frowns.

of Judy. Trusting her is a whole other

best time today." Last thing I need Judy to see is the unrest between

understanding. "You're right.

+25 BONUS

138 Does perfection Exist?

bit more relaxed, the doorbell rings. Jayden and I exchange a look of surprise. "Who could that be?" I ask, standing up to answer

certain she hasn't made

my car near your house when I texted and, well, no point of

mask of

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