My CEO 209

209 Trying To Find Normal (Winona)

I glance at Jayden, still sitting beside Ashlyn's hospital bed, his eyes heavy with exhaustion. I know he doesn't want to leave here but I can see the toll it's taking on him. The dark circles under his eyes, the tension in his shoulders-it's all too much. He needs a break, even if he doesn't want to admit it.

"Jayden," I say softly, reaching out to touch his arm. "You need to take a break."

He shakes his head, not even looking at me. "I can't leave. What if something happens?"

"I understand," I say, my voice gentle but firm. "But there's not a lot you can do here right now. The doctors are taking care of Ashlyn and the baby. You need to take care of yourself, too. Just come home to see Abby and have dinner." He finally looks at me, his eyes filled with a mix of exhaustion and stubbornness. "I don't want to leave."

"I know," I say, squeezing his arm. "But life is still going on outside of this hospital room. Come home, see Abby, take a shower... just breathe for a little while. If anything happens, they'll call you."

He hesitates, clearly torn. "I don't know, Winona. I feel like I'm abandoning them."

"You're not abandoning anyone," I assure him. "You're just taking a break. You need it, Jayden. And Abby needs to see you, too. I still need to tell her about Grandma Lucy."

He takes a deep breath. "You're right. I'm not good as a zombie to anyone."

"Exactly," I say, feeling a small wave of relief. "Take a little time for yourself. I'll gather up Cass and see if she needs to do anything before we go back."

He looks at me, a hint of a smile on his lips. "You're always looking out for everyone, aren't you?"

"We're looking out for each other," I say with a smile. "Besides, I need Cass as much as she needs me right now."

Jayden sighs, rubbing his hand over his face. "I'll meet you back at home, then. I don't want to be away from here, but you're right. I need to see Abby." "Good," I say. "We'll see you back at the penthouse. I'm a little worried it might be overwhelming for Cass at the penthouse. I mean it's a five million dollar place. Jayden stands, stretching his arms. "I'm sure she'll be fine." But just as he's about to leave, he turns back

to me.

it's you who

been comfortable with all the... wealth. It's so... In-your-face Jayden sighs, running a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry. I didn't

rich, Jayden. I'm just worried

+15 BONUS

To

too. I think I'm having trouble adjusting to

just want

meets me in

thinking... Maybe we should have Mom's ashes spread somewhere. That

idea."

a beautiful way to honor her," I say, feeling a pang of sadness. "Mom mentioned she used to do some

"Maybe. She always took me by bus to this place a

will contact her employer

on with Jayden but could we take a trip there together first? You might know if it's

smile, reaching out to touch her hand. "I'd love that, Cass. It sounds

does work out in that place, later it can be

I'll help you get settled. Tomorrow we

But how

But Anne is there and Jayden is coming back for dinner. So, I think we all do that part together. Then we see how

We get

if you thought my

the

over the top and fancy." I grin. "But, it's Jayden. He's a billionaire and he likes to show

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