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?"

brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "Just you, me,

me laugh, and I shake my head at

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

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

that boyish look that used to melt my heart. "Great.

he leaves the room, I watch him go, feeling a mixture of pride and a little bit of awe. This is the Jayden I fell in love with the

Mom in the kitchen, the smell of coffee brewing filling 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

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

and I can see the wheels turning in her 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'll consider it. It's hard adjusting from being independent, and there's Cass to consider. It's just

get it,

can say anything else, Cass bursts into the room, her energy filling the

I ask,

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

reading too much into

us. "We'll see," she says gently.

can tell she's already making plans in her

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

she's also fighting for Mom's attention, to maintain the

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