Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

My CEO 162

162 The Past Unravels

(Winona)

"I know we have our list, Jayden, but I have something else I need to talk about in our safe space today."

Jayden looks surprised but he nods. "Of course."

Barnaby leans back in his chair, glancing between us. Winona, It sounds like there's something significant you need to share with Jayden. Let's start."

I take a deep breath, my heart pounding.

I look at Jayden, his eyes are filled with worry. "I met with Steve," I say, my voice steady, but I can feel the tension coiled in my stomach. "Steve Halley. My fath...my sperm donor. That creature is barely human let alone a father."

Jayden's eyes widen, and his face pales. "You what? Winona, are you serious? That man is dangerous."

"I know," I say quickly. "Which is why I had Gordon with me, hidden from Steve. I wasn't stupid about it. Jayden."

"Why didn't you tell me? Why didn't you let me go with you?" His voice is tight, barely controlled. I can see the hurt and the fear mixing in his expression, and it tears at me.

"I didn't want to put you in that position," I say, my voice softer now. "I knew this was something I needed to do without you. And honestly, I wasn't sure how you'd react, and I knew I had to go. I wanted to."

his throat, cutting through the tension. Before we dive into the details of what happened, Winona,

like if I didn't face him, I'd never be free. I'd always be that scared little girl, hiding from the monster in the closet." Jayden is still staring at me, but his face is relaxed, like he's taking in my words and not thinking how this affects

me anymore. I told him everything I've wanted to say for years, and he

Jayden

me as this strong, capable person, but that's not who I was

was... it was a nightmare, and I've never shared the details with you, with anyone, because I was terrified you'd see me differently. I guess I was terrified I'd

with emotion. "Winona, nothing you say could change how I feel about you. We've been through so much

162 The Past Unravels

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my heart aching because I know that's not reality. It's just a record we play with each other

say now, but I've seen it before, Jayden. People say they'll love you no

talk about it

it, before we make any more major commitments. If you want out,

"Winona, why do you think you never shared these

the person I've tried so hard to become. That I could never be good Xenough for his status. That Judy was

Barnaby. "His mother knew about my past, and she used it against me. She's the one who brought Steve back into my life. She wanted to

"It's not your fault, Jayden. She was manipulative, and she knew exactly what buttons to push. But we are here to learn

where we need to focus. Winona, you've carried

I nod.