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."

unease lingers. "I know. But that doesn't mean we should waste money on things. I'd like to live more

me on the hair. "Ah, Winona. You can't save

For fuck's sake. I'm not

save everyone. I just want to help someone. Just because you can't save every single person on the planet doesn't mean you

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

I can't throw that away because things got tough. I sit back

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

and nods. "I can stay

I don't think it's my place

+25 BONUS

167 Two Worlds

probably better

agree. She's dealing with a lot and throwing more at her might do more harm

Mom again," I 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 hand. That's a good plan. Letting your mom dictate where things go

wise."

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

head. I can't allow myself to think like this. Therapy is the place to hash this

and before I can even say hello, Mom's panicked voice comes through the line." Winona, it's Cass. She hasn't come home for

heart drops. "What

rif

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

happened, did you

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

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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