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

texted you," I say softly, keeping my voice steady for the kids'

II

call."

there's no apology in

now, careful

+25 BONUS

255 Taking a Break

"I needed space."

Space is one thing. Ignoring and avoiding

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

the house falls into a thick silence. I lean against the counter, watching Jayden

arms. "About earlier... you ignored

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

"By hiding from me?"

feel like I was hiding

is quiet but firm. "You

his arms over his chest. "Maybe

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

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

"A break?"

frustrated. "From sharing a room.

I can barely breathe. "You're suggesting

like that makes it any better. "It'll give us both space. Time

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

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 marriage

by his words. "I love you. What more do you

"It's about trust. It's about

both want."

solution is... what? Me staying somewhere else

voice firm now. "And I want to

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