Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

My CEO 159

159 Navigating the Dally (Winona)

The penthouse feels more like a sanctuary today than it has in months. Abby's laughter echoes through the spacious living room as she chases a bouncing ball, her small feet thumping against the hardwood floors.

The sound of her joy is a balm to my frayed nerves, still tender from yesterday's therapy session with Barnaby.

Jayden and I are at the kitchen island, laptops open, papers strewn about as we try to coordinate our schedules. With Judy gone and Abby starting preschool full-time, our days are suddenly our own, but also more complicated with finding a work-life balance. We're drafting a family calendar-work meetings, Abby's school events, therapy sessions. It's mundane, yet feels like a significant step forward.

"Okay, so I'll drop her off at school on Mondays and Wednesdays, and you pick her up?" Jayden asks, pointing to the digital calendar.

"Sounds good. And I can take Tuesdays and Thursdays," I confirm, making the entries. "Fridays we can alternate or go together, depending on our schedules.

"Winona, I know you and Phillip are building another business but if you wanted the job back with Brennan Industries, both of you, I can make that work. It might be easier to schedule then."

I take a deep breath. Okay, remember, hear what he's saying first. Don't get defensive. Be honest. "Having my own business is important for me. For us. I feel like I need that autonomy again."

He takes a breath too. "Okay, I just wanted to offer, just in case. No drama. I think we have Abby and school sorted anyway."

"Now we need to work out family time and us time."

He looks at me and smiles. "I'd like that."

"Me too. Maybe a date night or something?"

Jayden nods, a small smile playing on his lips. "It's weird, isn't it? Planning like a... normal family."

I laugh "Weird as."

slowly. The air between us is lighter, cautiously optimistic. It's fragile but growing stronger, like the

my phone vibrates with

Darling daughter. Meet me

a father. How did he get

sarcastic crap brings

over, his face

#25 BONUS

159 Navigating the Daily

I lie, pushing the

his own, signaling to me that he needs to

hands tremble as I retrieve my phone, my breath catching as

President's Park. Noon. ALONE

get a closure I've never gotten. I

say.

ponder telling Jayden, but the thought of how this might derail the fragile peace we're building stops me. He's working so hard on trusting and rebuilding our life together, I can't throw a

just to ensure nothing goes wrong. I'm long past being naïve enough to actually go alone or engage with

be changing my

hangs up his call and turns to me, his

tucking away my phone and the turmoil it brought with it. As we eat, I'm physically present but

not, I made

""From scratch?"

and I cleaned up