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?"

behind my ear. "Just you, me, and some seriously good food.

laugh, and I

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

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

heart. "Great. I'll pick you up at seven. Be ready to

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 one who knows what he wants and isn't afraid to go after it. Maybe this is

I can see it in the way she holds herself, the way she

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190 Being a Daughter

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

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

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

get it,

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

I ask, genuinely

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

one to take care of Mom. Maybe I'm reading too much

between us. "We'll see," she says gently. "One step at a

can tell she's already making plans in

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

fighting for Mom's attention, to maintain the closeness they've shared. And I

it, is still fractured.

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