Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

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."

the unease lingers. "I know. But that doesn't mean we should waste money on

the hair. "Ah, Winona.

on the hair! For fuck's sake. I'm not a pet he has

him and stand up. "I don't have to save everyone. I just want to help someone. Just because you can't

I'm definitely being triggered by that house and seeing my mom and

agreed to a system, and I can't throw that away because things got tough. I sit back down on the bed next to

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 week,"

at me and nods. "I can

not going to push myself on Cass. I don't think it's my place to

+25 BONUS

167 Two Worlds

better

She's dealing with a lot and throwing more at

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 from

wise."

but the unease doesn't fully disappear. What if I never hear from

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

hello, Mom's panicked voice comes

heart drops. "What

rif

we always show up for dinner. No judgment. No anger. Just have dinner and talk things

happened,

about what it used to be like, about her father. About

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 calm, but the