My CEO 160

160 Cutting the Ties (Winona)

I'm sitting at a wooden park table, my fingers tracing the rough surface, trying to focus on anything but the dread pooling in my stomach,

The park is beautiful today-familles laughing, kids playing by the stream, and ducks floating lazily in the clear water. It's the kind of day that should bring peace, but instead, my frayed nerves barely hold me together. Gordon had assured me that Steve would find me and to just sit somewhere amongst other people. Gordon is here as well. I can't see him but I know he is. Knowing that quells the gnawing anxiety.

My phone is recording, hidden in my pocket, ready to capture every word of this twisted reunion. I brace myself for what I know will be an ugly encounter.

The wind rustles through the trees, and I catch sight of him walking toward me. He's thinner but well dressed and that same smug smirk twists his lips. His presente is a shadow, darkening the brightness of the day. ach

"Well, well," Steve says as he approaches, his voice laced with condescension. "If it isn't my bougie

daughter."

I steel myself, taking a deep breath, "What do you

want?"

He takes a seat across from me, leaning back like he owns the place. "Straight to the point, huh? Always so serious. I figured you'd want to catch up, see your old man before I disappear for good."

"I have nothing to catch up on with you," I reply, my voice steady. "You're a part of my life I'm ready to

leave behind."

"You say that, but here you are. Couldn't resist seeing what I

my childhood flood back-the stench of

while other kids had proper school

was when the school

a pathetic prop in his begging schemes. I was just a tool to make people feel sorry for him, to make them give

they looked at me like I was something

much as they pitied me, no one ever stepped in to help. No one wanted to get involved. Not until i

alone or in the school dorm

I needed extra protection and care, so I didn't go down the

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160 Cutting the Ti

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childhood was a nightmare," I say, my voice firm. "You dragged me through

sympathy from strangers while I went hungry and cold

smirk fades slightly, but he covers it quickly. "I did what I

stomach. "But what about me, Steve? I was a child. I deserved a childhood, not a life spent begging on the streets

"You think you're better than me now, don't you? Living your

came from."

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