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."

you telling me what

You aren't my mother."

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 options. Real ones." She looks at me like I'm speaking a foreign language, but I

+25 BONUS

ing Forward

175 Moving

serious?"

"Dead serious."

try getting Mom to move. She's stubborn. I'm not making

stirs in the bed and opens her eyes, blinking up at me. "What time is it?" she asks, her voice groggy. "Just

"Better. Rested, I think."

head since last night. "Mom, I've been thinking...

I haven't told you yet. But Jayden and I have a daughter. Abby. She's going to turn five next birthday. She's had her struggles with health and all the supportive family vibes I can

and doing okay right now. I don't want that to be a factor in your decisions but I'd love for you to at least meet and get to know each other. I don't

leave my home, Winona, but I'm willing to come and meet Abby. I'd love

could figure out what the

Cass. No pressure."

love to meet her... but, Winona, what if I'm not... I mean, what if I'm too messed up to be a good

clean, and you're doing your best. That's more than enough. And

hands twisting in her lap. "I don't

you won't be doing it alone. We'll take it

Mom nods. "Maybe."

Ashlyn is nothing short. of traumatic. There's nothing you can do that could