Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

My CEO 172

172 Unfamiliar Comforts

(Winona)

I drive us across the city in a cheap hire car, away from the grime, decay and horrid memories that defined so much of my childhood.

The hotel we check into isn't luxurious by Jayden's standards, but it's clean and comfortable.

Far better than anything Mom and Cass have experienced ever. I chose it carefully-something that wouldn't overwhelm them but would still offer them a taste of security and comfort.

As we step into the small lobby, I can see Cass looking around, her expression staid. Mom is quiet, her eyes darting nervously from one side of the lobby to the other.

"It's very nice," Mom says softly, almost like she's afraid to jinx it by speaking too loudly. "Thank you,

Winona."

I nod, giving her a reassuring smile. "It's a place to rest. We'll be safe here."

Jayden handles the check-in process, his usual confidence on full display, but I can sense something different in him. He's quieter than usual.

Maybe this whole experience has him rattled. Maybe he doesn't think he can handle it.

My mind is so tired I don't even have the strength to worry about something like that right now.

Once Mom, Cass and I are settled in the room-two double beds and a pull-out couch-he pulls me aside.

"We need to talk," he says, his voice low.

I step into the hallway with him and close the room door. "About what?"

"I have something major to take into our next therapy session."

search his eyes, trying to read him. "Something you

"It's not that I don't want to. It's just... I need to work

He took me meeting Steve

home," he says after a moment. "There's business I need to take care of, and I think it'll be good for you to spend some

because you don't want to stay here, I mean, this

would sleep on a bed of nails for you. This isn't

I feel about him leaving. "You think we'll be

call away if you need me. This is

hold onto his reassurance. "I want to stay

+25 BONUS

172 Unfamiliar Conforts

convince Mom to let it go. I want to

to do," he says. "But you can't force anything. They have a

"I know."

"One more question."

"What?"

that gun come

on those

doesn't answer my

that

smiles. I'll head out

"I'll miss you.

"I'll miss you too."

were amazing out there. I'm proud of

sure you're okay with it? I'll understand if it's all too much." "Winona. No. I've never been more sure that I want

goodbyes to the others and then he's gone. The place and my heart feels very empty without

the first

have a shower. We

shower. I'd ask for one if possible. I turn the taps on, and the steam begins

think back to the bathroom in the house. I remember beating water for it on the stove, when we