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?"

you, me, and

me laugh, and I shake my head at him. "You're

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

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

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

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 the new

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

+25 BONUS

190 Being a Daughter

start, trying to sound casual. "Maybe you could stay here. Permanently, I mean. You could help me with

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."

a small smile tugging at her lips. "I'll consider it. It's hard adjusting from being independent, and there's Cass to consider. It's just been her and I since

it, Mom. No

else, Cass bursts into the room, her energy filling

ask, genuinely

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

much into it. But in any case, it's okay. I

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

I can tell she's already

lot to think about.

Mom's attention, to maintain the closeness they've

it does remind me that our family, as much as we're trying to rebuild it, is still fractured. There are pieces missing, and I'm not sure how to put them all together just

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

Comments ()

0/255