My CEO 190

190 Being a Daughter (Winona)

+25 BONUS

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?"

ear. "Just you, me, and some seriously good food. And maybe a little something

me laugh, and I

with you," he says, leaning in to kiss me softly. "Come on,

my belly. It's been so long since we've just been... us. No drama, no chaos. Just Jayden

look that used to melt my heart. "Great. I'll pick you

fell in love with the

see it in the way she holds herself, the way she talks

+25 BONUS

190 Being a Daughter

casual. "Maybe you could stay here. Permanently, I mean. You could help me with Abby, and we could make up

for that kind of responsibility. I mean physically I'm not strong. I'd be worried about being alone with her for too long." "Let's take it a little at a time." I say, reaching out to take her hand. "Abby would love to have her grandma around. I wouldn't expect anything out of your

hands, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I'll consider it. It's hard adjusting from

it,

Cass bursts into the room, her energy filling the

I ask,

you can come live with me. I'll take good care of

much into it. But in any

see," she

I can tell she's already

the conversation leaves me with a lot to think about. Cass is

the closeness they've shared.

we're trying to rebuild it, is still fractured. There are pieces missing, and I'm not sure how

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255