Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

My CEO 135

135 Coming Back To Life (Jayden)

The next day, Winona brings Abby back to the hospital to see me. | can't describe the feeling of actually seeing

my little girl again, not just hearing her. The pure joy in her eyes as she runs over to me.

"Daddy!" Abby's voice is filled with excitement as she hops onto the bed, careful not to disturb any of the tubes

or monitors. "You're awake!"

"Hey there, princess," | say, my voice hoarse but full of love. "I missed seeing you so much."

Winona stands nearby, her eyes soft as she watches us. "She's been so excited to talk to you."

| manage a weak smile. too. It's so good."

Abby cuddles up next to me, her small hand gripping mine.

As Abby chatters away about her latest adventures, | find myself feeling grateful. This is what I'm fighting for-a

future with my family..

Abby talks about her drawings and the fun she's having with Nanny Anne and Grandma Judy. "Mommy and |

made cookies yesterday. | saved sfor you, Daddy. But then I ate them because | thought you wouldn't get

hsoon and they would be yuck." | laugh softly, my heart swelling with love. "That's okay, sweetheart. I'm

just glad you're having fun."

When Abby goes to do scoloring at the activity table the nurses set up for her, | take the tto discuss

things with Winona.

"We need to talk about what I told you about Mother."

Winona nods, her expression serious. "I've been thinking about it too. We need to handle this carefully, Jayden.

For Abby's sake, we can't let it tear us apart again. But it was a long tago."

"I know," | say, squeezing her hand. "But Mother... what she did, it's not right."

Winona takes a deep breath. "We'll figure it out. But we need to be united on this."

"Agreed," | say, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. "I don't want to lose what we have now."

Winona looks over at Abby, her eyes filled with a mix of love and determination. "We need to confront your

mother, Jayden. But maybe she really is ready to make family her first consideration."

I nod. "Yeah, it's a tough one. But | can't see myself forgiving and forgetting anytsoon. But do you want my

mother in Abby's life, | guess that is the real question."

Abby runs back over, holding up her latest masterpiece. "Look, Daddy! | drew our family!"

| take the drawing, my heart swelling with pride. "It's beautiful, Abby. Just like you."

She grins, climbing back onto the bed and snuggling against me. "I love you, Daddy."

I love you too, princess," | whisper, holding her close. This is what life is about. The simple moments, the love

that binds us together. But I'm not so stupid that | think everything is done and dusted now. +25 BONUS

135 Coming Back To Life

Winona and | have a lot to navigate. | need to talk to my mother, at least get sclosure. Not that | think there

can ever be closure on what she did. | can't forgive her just like that. | won't.

To think | ever trusted her. To think that | believed she had my best interests at heart. | guess ignoring her won't

help it. | need to let her know | remember.

ork

A little later, Mother walks in with a tentative smile. "Jayden, it's good to see you awake."

| asked to see her. | can't avoid this forever.

"Mother," | say, my voice clipped. "We need to talk."

"I'll take Abby to get picked up by Anne." Winona takes Abby's hand and quietly leads her out of the room, giving

us the privacy we need.

Mother's smile means nothing toas she takes a seat next to my bed.

"You tried to kill Winona," | say, my anger barely contained. "You put my life at risk. For what? Because you

thought she wasn't good enough for me?"

Mother's eyes fill with tears. "I was wrong. | see that now. | thought | was doing what was best for you, for our

family. But | was blinded by my own fears and ambitions for you. I'm sorry."

| want to believe her, but the wound is too deep. "I don't know if | can ever forgive you, Mother. But for Abby's

sake, we need to find a way to move forward."

Judy nods, tears streaming down her face. "I'll do whatever it takes to make amends. | want to be a part of

Abby's life, and | want to support you and Winona."

Winona returns with Abby, and I catch her eye. She givesa small nod of encouragement. | know this isn't

going to be easy, but it's a start.

"Alright, Mother," | say, my voice softening slightly. "We'll take it one step at a time. But know this-I won't

tolerate any more lies or manipulation. We're a family, and we need to act like one." Judy nods, her expression

earnest. "lI promise, Jayden. No more lies. I'll do whatever it takes to earn back your trust."

Do | believe her? Can | believe her? I'm not sure but | want to think | can. Winona is being very calm about this. |

guess we've both ca long way.

That's nice, but | can't just let it all go. Winona could be dead now because of that car accident.

"I don't want to talk to you until I'm out of this hospital, | tell Mother.

I'll be going back over everything.

My eyelids are heavy. | glance at Winona but then | drift off.

| need to be out of this hospital to organize my life the way | want it to be.

136 So Frustrating