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."

swallow, trying to push down the

say softly, keeping my voice steady for the

II

call."

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

you answer?" My voice is quieter now, careful not to let the kids pick up on

+25 BONUS

255 Taking a Break

"I needed space."

how to respond. Space

goes on, the usual routine. We keep things light for the kids, but the tension simmers just below the surface. Anne comes in to help with the kids, and there's chatter about school and what Bobby's learning in class. I'm

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

I start, crossing my arms. "About earlier... you ignored me

me as he speaks. "I'm sorry. I just

"By hiding from me?"

sighs, finally turning to face me. "I didn't mean to make you feel like I was hiding from you,

quiet but firm. "You shut

back against the table, crossing his arms over his chest. "Maybe I did. I had

a beat. There's something in his tone that chills me. Something final. "What do you

a deep breath, his gaze dropping to the floor

"A break?"

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

barely breathe. "You're suggesting we live apart until the

he says, like that makes it any better. "It'll give us both

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

need to know if this is what you really want, Winona. If you can trust me-really trust me. I don't want to walk into this

blink, stunned by his words. "I love

not just about love," he says quietly. "It's about trust. It's about knowing for sure

both want."

Me staying somewhere else at night? Disrupting our

think we both need the space," he says, his voice firm now. "And I want to give us that