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."

small smile, but the unease lingers. "I know. But that doesn't mean we should waste money

hair. "Ah, Winona. You can't save everyone.

patted me on the hair! For fuck's sake.

from him and stand up. "I don't have to save everyone. I just want to help someone. Just because you can't save every single person on the planet doesn't mean you shouldn't help anyone

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

throw that away because things got tough. I sit back down on the bed next

the tension easing. I lean back against the headboard, staring up

at me and nods.

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

+25 BONUS

167 Two Worlds

probably better off

lot and throwing more at

number before we came here and told her to call if

wise."

but the unease doesn't fully disappear. What if I never hear from her again? What if it's just

hash this out. My phone rings. I glance

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

"What do you

rif

our thing. No matter if we argue, we always show up for dinner. No judgment.

What happened, did you

her voice shaky. "I thought she should know the truth about what it used to be like, about her father. About who...what... I used

I 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

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