FreeGoodNovelMy CEO 139
139 Another Day In Paradise (Winona)
Jayden's recovery has been steady, and we are very thankful. While it hasn't been all smooth sailing trying to
navigate each other and our different outlook on life, there have also been wonderful times for us as a family.
It's the weekend again already, and we're sitting in my kitchen, discussing what comes next. Abby is drawing at
the table, completely engrossed in her latest masterpiece, her little tongue poking out in concentration.
Jayden takes a deep breath, his fingers tapping lightly on his coffee cup. "I've been thinking," he says, taking a
sip of his coffee. "Now that I'm recovered, | want us to start planning our future. Together."
"I think your recovery is still in progress. Don't push too hard," | say, eyeing him with concern. His face shows the
strain of the last few weeks, though he tries to hide it.
"I'm not walking around on eggshells being incapacitated. | need to get back to building Brennan Industries," he
replies, his tone resolute as he straightens up in his chair. "I understand. | feel the sabout my own career," |
respond, trying to keep the conversation balanced.
Jayden leans forward, his expression serious. "I'd like you and Abby to move in with me, Winona. It makes sense
for us to be together under one roof."
| bite my lip, feeling the anxiety rise. "Jayden, you know how | feel about that. | want to go back to work and
enjoy my independence here for a while." Jayden's brow furrows. "We don't need the money. | can take care of
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtus. You have all the tand resources in the world to be as independent as you want."
| stare at him, my frustration bubbling to the surface. "You think being kept by your billions and not doing
anything to build my own incis being independent?"
He shrugs, his nonchalance aggravatingfurther. "Well, yeah. Money is freedom."
"It's not just about the money, Jayden," | say, trying to keep my voice calm but feeling my irritation rising." I love
my work. I'm great at what | do. The best, you toldthat. | need to have something for myself, something
that's mine."
He sets his cup down with a clink, a hint of frustration in his eyes. "I'm hearing you. | just thought you'd want to
be hwith Abby, focusing on our family and recovery after her next surgery."
| take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. "I can do both. | can work and still be there for you and Abby."
"| get that. Just seems easier toto have more freedom. You could take up a charity cause, maybe a hobby,"
he suggests, his tone turning dismissive.
| shake my head, feeling the anger build. "I'm going to use my skills, make a difference through hard work, and
put my own money into causes I'm passionate about. Phillip and | are building a new company."
His eyes flash with anger. "Phillip? You're going to work with him again?"
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139 Another Day In Paradise
"Yes," | say firmly. "We had an amazing partnership before you cback offeringa consultancy position. I'm
going to do that again."
Jayden stands up abruptly, pacing the kitchen. "I don't like this, Winona. | don't like the idea of you working with
him. Especially after everything."
"What? Because | lived with him, and we had to pretend we were a couple when | was under house arrest?
Having him to talk to was the only thing that keptsane when Abby wasn't with me." Jayden spins around to
face me, his eyes blazing. "Just how close did this so-called pretending get?"
"You have no right to askthat," | retorted, my voice shaking with anger.
"I have every right! You're my fiancée!" he roars, his face red with fury.
I jump at his sudden outburst, my patience snapping. "You'd castout and toldthat you believed I killed
your child on purpose! Don't try to make out you're the victim in that."
Then | look at Abby, and she is crying. "Now, look what you've done," | say as | go to gather her up in my arms.
It's okay, sweetie. Daddy is a bit tired, that's all. Let's go get sfresh air." Jayden stops pacing, turning to face
us with a look of regret. "Sorry. | didn't mean to yell. | think | need sice cream. How about you, Abby, would
you like to cget ice cream?" "You tell Daddy we don't get treats when our behavior is bad, don't we?" | say
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmsoftly to Abby.
Abby shakes her head, wiping her tears. She wriggles out of my arms.
"You run along to your room and grab a sweater. It's a little cold out. We'll go to the park," I tell her.
Abby runs off, her little feet pattering down the hallway,
"What was that?" Jayden asks, clearly still angry.
"What?" | reply, my tone icy.
"The whole, we don't get treats when we're bad... crap.
"Well, it's true," | say, crossing my arms.
"Don't patronize me, Winona," he snaps, his eyes narrowing.
"If you're going to act like a child, I'm going to treat you like one," | met his gaze without flinching.
"I'm going home. You can enjoy your independence. I'll see you tomorrow," he says, grabbing his coat. "Fine."
"Fine."
And then he's gone with the bang of the front door.
| sigh. Just another day in paradise.
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