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."

throat, cutting through the tension. Before we dive into the details of what happened, Winona, can you talk about why

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

feel like he doesn't control me anymore. I told him everything

Jayden presses, leaning

I admit. "I'm scared that 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 and look

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

say could change how I feel about you. We've been through so

162 The Past Unravels

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him, my heart aching because I know that's not reality. It's just a record we play

before, Jayden. People say they'll love you

about it this time. I'll prove it

it, before we

do you think you never shared these details with Jayden before? What held

not the person I've tried so hard to become. That I

She's the 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

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

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

I nod.