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."

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

on the hair.

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

to help someone. Just because you can't save every single person on the

that house and seeing my mom and meeting my sister. This isn't Jayden's

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

for a few moments, the tension easing. I lean back against the headboard, staring up at

nods.

myself on Cass. I don't think it's my place to reveal the

+25 BONUS

167 Two Worlds

probably better off not

lot and throwing more at her

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."

settled, but the unease doesn't fully disappear. What if I never hear from her again? What if it's just easier not having me

this. Therapy is the place to hash this out. My phone rings. I glance at the screen. An unknown number. My stomach

can even say hello, Mom's panicked voice

heart drops. "What do you

rif

it's our thing. No matter if we argue, we always show up for dinner. No judgment. No anger.

What happened, did you

thought she should know the truth about what it used to be like, about her

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 calm, but

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