My CEO 167

167 Two Worlds

(Winona)

We check into the best hotel in the city.

I don't belong here wasting money while others are suffering, I don't deserve it.

Jayden is busy at the front desk, handling the details, but my mind is back at that house. The contrast between this opulence and the place I grew up in is too much. How do I reconcile these two worlds? How do I accept that I'm living in one and Ignoring the other?

When Jayden comes back with the electronic room key, I can't help but voice what's on my mind. "This place is over the top, Jayden. We don't need all this. It's... unnecessary."

He looks at me, his expression softening. "You've been triggered. We'll stick a pin in this for now and talk about it in therapy."

Is he being understanding or patronizing?

We take the elevator up to our suite in silence, the plush carpet underfoot almost mocking the rough, cold floors of my past.

When we step into the room, it's as luxurious as expected-huge windows with a view of the city. A bed that looks like it could swallow you whole.

A bathroom that's bigger than most apartments on the other side of the city. My side of the city.

"This really feels wrong," I say, more to myself than to Jayden.

He sits beside me, taking my hand in his. "Don't let the past make you feel like you're not worth it. You worked damn hard to get here."

doesn't mean we should waste money on things. I'd like to live more frugally and set up some real assistance

the hair. "Ah, Winona. You can't

me on the hair! For fuck's sake.

everyone. I just want to help someone. Just because you

think about what's happening. I'm definitely being triggered by that house and seeing my

to a system, and I can't throw that away because things got tough. I sit back

sit in silence for a few moments, the tension easing. I lean back against the headboard, staring up at the ceiling. "I want to stay in town for the

and nods. "I can

myself on Cass. I don't think it's

+25 BONUS

167 Two Worlds

probably better off

nods. "I agree. She's dealing with a lot and

continue. "See if there's anything she needs. I gave her my number before we came here and told her to call if she needed anything. Jayden squeezes my

wise."

What if I never hear from her again? What if it's just easier not having me in her life,

can't allow myself to think like this. Therapy is the place to hash this out. My phone rings. I glance at the screen. An unknown number. My stomach flips. This

Mom's panicked voice comes through the line." Winona, it's Cass.

drops. "What do you

rif

argue, we always show up for dinner. No judgment. No anger. Just have

happened, did you

her voice shaky. "I thought she should know the truth about what it used to be

can't go out there to get her. I'm not strong enough to face people like that... But I need to find her. I need to know she's okay. If anything has happened to her.." "Mom, slow down," I say, trying to keep my voice

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