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."

us is lighter, cautiously optimistic. It's fragile

phone vibrates with an incoming

Darling daughter. Meet me

for a father. How did he get my

crap brings

Jayden glances over, his face lined

#25 BONUS

159 Navigating the Daily

pushing the

a call of his own, signaling to me that

phone, my breath catching

President's Park. Noon. ALONE

get a closure I've never gotten. I can tell him exactly what I

say.

hard on trusting and rebuilding our life together, I can't throw a wrench in it now by bringing up the man who embodies my darkest days. This

he could accompany me, stay hidden, just to ensure nothing goes wrong. I'm long past being naïve enough to actually go alone or engage with him via

be changing my

call and turns to me, his expression softening. "Lunch break? There's some

respond, tucking away my phone and the turmoil it brought with it.

I made

""From scratch?"

I cleaned