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."

happened, Winona,

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,

meeting his eyes. "For the first time, I feel like he doesn't control me anymore. I told him everything I've wanted to

Jayden presses,

as this strong, capable person, but that's not who I was before we met in school." I pause and look at him and then Barnaby, "Go ahead,

never shared the details with you, with anyone, because I was terrified you'd

with emotion. "Winona, nothing you say could change how I feel about you.

162 The Past Unravels

+25 BONUS

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

say now, but I've seen it before, Jayden. People say they'll love you

not going to just talk about it this time. I'll prove

chance to know who I really am, all of it, before we make any more major commitments. If you want

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

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

into my life. She wanted to break me down, and for a long time, I let her."

she knew exactly what buttons to

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

I nod.