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."

Before we dive into the details of what happened, Winona, can you talk about why you felt you

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

the first time, I feel like he doesn't control me

Jayden presses,

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

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

shakes his head, his voice thick with emotion. "Winona, nothing you say could change how I feel about

162 The Past Unravels

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aching because I know that's not reality. It's just a record we

you no matter what, but then

to just talk about it this time. I'll prove it with my

chance to know who I really am, all of it, before we make any more

his voice calm but firm. "Winona, why do you think you never shared these details with

wouldn't love me anymore. That he'd look at me and see the filthy, neglected child I was, not the person I've 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

it against me. 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

and she knew exactly what buttons to push. But we are here to learn how to leave that past behind

"This is where we need to focus. Winona, you've carried this burden alone for so long, and

I nod.