My CEO 190

190 Being a Daughter (Winona)

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Jayden walks into my living room with a kind of swagger I haven't seen in a while.

He's got that confident, easy-going smile that used to drive me crazy back in college-the one that says he knows exactly what he wants, and he's not afraid to go after it.

"I'm done with therapy," he says, like it's the most natural thing in the world.

I blink at him, caught off guard. "What do you mean, done?"

"Exactly that. I don't need to see Barnaby anymore. I've got my shit together, and I'm in control. No more sessions."

It's not a question, and he's not looking for my approval. He's telling me, plain and simple, that he's made up his mind. There's something undeniably attractive about the way he says it-like he's finally stepping into his own power. But there's also a part of me that's surprised by how resolute he is.

"You're sure about this?"

"Absolutely," he says, walking over to me and pulling me into his arms. "I know what I want, and I'm not going to let anything or anyone get in the way of that. And right now, what I want is to take you out on a date."

His tone shifts, dropping to that low, playful one he used to use when we were younger, and I can't help but smile.

"A date, huh?"

you, me,

laugh, and I shake my head at

says, leaning in to kiss me softly. "Come on, what do you

convinced me," I reply, feeling a flutter of excitement in my belly. It's been so long since

grins, giving me that boyish look that used to melt my heart. "Great. I'll pick you up at

is the Jayden I fell in love with the one who knows what he wants and isn't afraid to go after it. Maybe this is the new

better, I can see it in the way she

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190 Being a Daughter

I mean. You

responsibility. I mean physically I'm not strong. I'd be worried about being alone with her for too long." "Let's

down at our hands, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I'll consider it. It's hard adjusting from being independent, and there's

get it, Mom. No

else, Cass bursts into the room, her energy filling the space. "Guess

I ask,

working at a café downtown, but it's something. I'm saving up, and as soon as I can, I'm moving out. Then, Mom, you can come live with me. I'll take good care of you." There's a hint of pride in her voice, but also something else-something that makes me pause. It's subtle, but I can feel the undercurrent of ownership

too much into it. But in

see," she says

though I can tell she's

congratulate her on the new job. But the conversation leaves me with a lot to think about. Cass is trying to carve

also fighting for Mom's attention, to maintain the

we're trying to rebuild it, is still fractured. There are pieces missing, and

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