Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

My CEO 255

255 Taking a Break (Winona)

The kids' laughter echoes from inside as the penthouse elevator doors slide open, and there's a sense of normalcy that settles me-at least for a moment. Jayden's voice filters through from the living room, light and playful. Thank god, he's home.

When I walk in, I find them playing on the floor. Abby's got her dolls scattered all over, and Bobby's building Lego and laughing as Jayden pretends to be the Ken doll he's holding with a deep voice who's talking like someone from the gangster hood. A scene that should warm my heart, but my chest feels heavy because of the silence between Jayden and me all day.

"Hey, Mommy!" Abby shouts, rushing over to me with her arms wide open. I scoop her up and kiss her cheek, smiling as I carry her into the room.

"Hey, Sweetie. Having fun I see."

"Daddy is being silly."

"Sounds like the most fun, then."

Jayden glances up, his smile faltering slightly when our eyes meet. There's something distant in his gaze, like he's somewhere else entirely. Not cold, just... off.

"How was your day?" I ask, setting Abby down and sitting on the edge of the couch.

"Good," he says, returning to building a Lego tower with Bobby. "Just the usual."

T

"Henry opened his eyes today," I say casually, testing the waters. I keep my tone light even though I know he already knows this news.

Jayden doesn't react at first. Just a slight pause in his movements. "Yeah," he says, not looking up. "I know. He's been doing it all day."

I blink, taken aback by how casually he says it. "Why didn't you let me know?"

He finally meets my eyes, his expression a little apologetic. "I figured you'd want to see it for yourself."

"You weren't there when I got there."

"I wanted to give you some space."

to push down

texted you," I say softly, keeping my

II

call."

says, but there's no apology in his tone. Just a simple

careful not to let the kids pick up

+25 BONUS

255 Taking a Break

"I needed space."

lip, not knowing how to respond. Space is

but the tension simmers just below the surface. Anne comes in

retreats to her quarters, the house falls into a thick silence. I lean against the counter, watching Jayden clear

crossing my arms. "About earlier... you ignored me all

he speaks. "I'm sorry. I

"By hiding from me?"

mean to make you feel like I was hiding from you, Winona,

is quiet but firm. "You shut me

against the table, crossing his arms

beat. There's something in his tone that chills me.

dropping to the floor before he speaks again. "Maybe we

"A break?"

clearly frustrated. "From sharing a room. A bed.

and I can barely breathe. "You're

makes it any better.

I'm hearing. "Jayden, this doesn't make sense. We're a family. How does pulling away from

trust me-really trust me. I don't want

"I love you.

about love," he says quietly. "It's about trust. It's about knowing for sure that this

both want."

Me staying somewhere else

the space," he says, his voice firm now. "And