Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

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?"

he says, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "Just you, me, and some seriously

wink makes me laugh, and I

kiss me softly.

my belly. It's been so long

used to melt my heart. "Great. I'll pick you up at seven. Be ready to be

of awe. This is the Jayden I fell in love

the air. She's been doing better, I can see it in the way she holds herself, the way she talks about the future. But there's still a fragility to her, and I know

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190 Being a Daughter

Permanently, I mean. You could help me with Abby, and

mind. "Winona, I... I'd love to be close to you, but I'm not sure I'm ready 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

tugging at her lips. "I'll consider it. It's hard adjusting from being independent, and there's Cass

it, Mom. No

the room, her energy filling the space. "Guess what? I got

ask, genuinely

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

wants to be the one to take care of Mom. Maybe I'm reading too much into it. But in any case, it's okay.

see," she says gently.

tell

with a lot to think about. Cass is trying to carve out her own place in the world,

Mom's attention, to maintain the closeness they've shared. And I can't blame her

to rebuild it, is still