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, can you talk about why you felt you needed to go? What pushed you to take

moment, trying to gather my thoughts. "I needed to confront him. He's been this shadow over my life for so long, defining who I was. I felt like... I felt 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 him as a

he doesn't control me anymore. I

what?" Jayden presses,

my past-everything I've been through-might affect our future. You've always seen me as this strong, capable person, but that's not who I was before we met in school." I pause

with anyone, because I was terrified you'd see me differently. I guess I was terrified I'd see

say could change how I

162 The Past Unravels

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aching because I know that's not reality.

before, Jayden. People say they'll love you no matter what, but then they learn the truth, and everything changes. It's happened

about it this time. I'll prove

of it, before

voice calm but firm. "Winona, why do you think you never

tried so hard to become. That I could never be good Xenough for his status. That Judy was right." Jayden's jaw hardens at the mention of her name. "I don't care what she thinks

one who brought Steve back into my life. She wanted to break me down, and for a long time, I let her." Jayden takes my hand in his. "Winona,

manipulative, and she knew exactly what buttons to push. But we are

where we need to focus. Winona, you've carried this burden alone for

I nod.