Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

My CEO 175

175 Moving Forward (Winona)

I wake up to the sound of Cass's quiet snoring from the pull-out couch. She's still out like a light. The room is dim, but I can tell we've slept later than I usually do. A quick glance at my phone confirms it's almost 10 AM.

I feel surprisingly refreshed. Maybe it's the change of scenery, or maybe it's the fact that, for the first time in years, I'm not running away from my past-I'm facing it head-on.

I stretch out, careful not to make a noise and disturb Mom, who's still sound asleep in the bed next to mine. She looks peaceful, almost like the years have melted away, and she's the mom I used to dream about having. A mom who wasn't buried under layers of addiction and despair.

But this is reality, not a dream. And in reality, there's work to be done to move us all forward. I quietly slip out of bed and head into the bathroom to freshen up. As I splash water on my face, I start thinking about what needs to happen next. Cass will need some direction, and Mom... Well, I'll find a way to help her too. I think Dr. Barnaby might be good for her. If I can convince her to try.

I'm not letting them go back and live in that house. In that neighborhood. I'd like for them to come and live where I do. Maybe an area where the rents aren't stupidly high, but not in the worst area either.

When I step back into the room, Cass is awake, flicking through channels on the TV with a look of

boredom.

"Morning," I say, trying to keep things light. "Dinner was amazing last night, wasn't it? I'll order some coffee. Do you drink coffee? Actually, maybe it's just easier to go out for breakfast...well brunch, I guess." "Yeah. Morning," she grumbles, not bothering to look away from the screen.

"Listen, I was thinking we could stay here for a bit. Give you both some time to adjust before deciding anything permanent."

Cass raises an eyebrow, finally turning to face me. "Adjust to what? Living in a hotel room?"

"No, adjusting to a different kind of life, maybe in a different house," I reply, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "I was thinking I could teach you to drive, help you open bank account, and you can look for jobs." Cass narrows her eyes. "What's the catch?"

"No actual catch but I'd like it if we can convince Mom to move from that house, it needs pulling down. A neighborhood that's a little better can't hurt."

want you telling me

You aren't my mother."

decisions but at least you'll be able to make informed decisions. Get a job, save for a car, go for it. Want to try college, great. If not, that's fine too. But I want you to have

+25 BONUS

ing Forward

175 Moving

serious?"

"Dead serious."

guess... I could try getting Mom to move. She's stubborn. I'm not making any promises." "That's all I'm asking. That

"What time is it?" she asks, her voice groggy. "Just after ten," I reply. "How are you

"Better. Rested, I think."

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation I've been rehearsing in my head since last night. "Mom, I've been thinking... maybe you should come stay with me for a while. In my city." She

daughter. Abby. She's going to turn five next birthday. She's had her struggles with health and

your decisions but I'd love for you to at least meet and get to know each other. I don't feel good about letting you go back

I'm

your granddaughter, and we could figure

Cass. No pressure."

I'm not... I mean, what if I'm

Mom. You've gotten clean, and you're doing your best. That's more than enough. And Abby deserves

her lap. "I don't know,

doing it

Mom nods. "Maybe."

what I've been through with Jayden's mother, Judy and ex-wife Ashlyn is nothing short. of traumatic. There's nothing you can