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?"

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

suggestive wink makes me laugh, and I shake

to kiss me softly. "Come

reply, feeling a flutter of excitement in my belly. It's been so long since

me that boyish look that used to melt my heart. "Great. I'll pick you up at seven. Be ready to be wowed.

This is the Jayden I fell in love with the one who knows what he

way she holds herself, the way she talks about the future. But there's still a fragility to her, and I know physically she has

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190 Being a Daughter

I

"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

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

get it, Mom. No

the room, her energy

ask,

just 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

to take care of Mom. Maybe I'm reading too much into it. But in any

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

tell she's already making plans in

don't react, just smile and congratulate her on the new job. But the conversation leaves me with a lot to think about. Cass is trying to carve out her own place in the world, just

she's also fighting for Mom's attention, to maintain the closeness they've shared. And I can't

our family, as much as we're trying to rebuild it, is still fractured. There are