Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

115 Doubt is a Killer (Winona)

Later that day, Dr. Green called to say that Abby could come home tomorrow, and her surgery was still scheduled for one month's time. Mixed feelings wash over me.

I can't believe five months have passed already.

So much of that time was blissful in Santa Monica with Jayden and Abby, a bubble of happiness that now feels like a distant dream.

But it wasn't reality. I see that now. The fantasy we lived was just that-a fantasy.

Lisa is coming to talk about the weather again. Maybe we can't talk about anything much, but her being here makes my life slightly bearable.

Having lost my freedom to come and go, I realize just how much of life I took for granted. Simple things like a walk in the park or grabbing coffee with a friend seem like luxuries now.

On the other hand, I have felt quite safe within these walls. I'm not sure what's going on in the world of the media, but I'm sure this case is still alive and well, not to mention the tumultuous life of the Brennan billionaires. I'd give anything to just walk away, to disappear, and for no one to know who I am anymore.

The doorbell rings, breaking my train of thought. I look at the nearest screen and see it's Lisa and Sheila. I open the door and give Lisa a hug. "Come in. How long are you here for?"

"I have an hour," she replies, her smile warm but tinged with concern.

"Great. But let's not talk about the weather or I'll die of boredom."

We go into the sitting room and Sheila takes her laptop and sits in the far corner, her presence a constant reminder of my restricted life.

"What will we talk about then?" Lisa asks, settling into the couch.

"Your love life?" I suggest, trying to keep the mood light.

"Non-existent," she says with a shrug.

"Really?"

Lisa nods. "Lance and I go out a bit, but we're still just friends really."

"Friends with benefits?" I tease, raising an eyebrow.

"Unless benefits include him crashing on my couch incredibly drunk, no."

"Last night?" I ask, already knowing the answer from her tired eyes.

She nods, a small, resigned smile playing on her lips. "How's Abby?" "She's recovering well," I say, feeling hopeful.

"I'm going to visit her later. I miss that cheeky grin."

115 Doubt is a huller

"She

Il love that," I assure her.

"When you're out of all this ridiculous mess, I want us to go on a trip." Sheila clears her throat to remind us not to talk about the case in any way.

"I think I'll be too broke for that. I'll need to start making some money first."

"With your expertise, you'll get something in no time," Lisa says confidently.

Anne brings us coffee and snacks. "I'll have gained twenty pounds at this rate," I joke.

"One can only hope," Anne smiles.

I'm okay, Anne," I reassured her. "I've been eating three meals a day. I want to keep myself healthy."

"I won't say no," Lisa says, cramming a small cake into her mouth. "Mmmm mmm. You should be in the catering business."

"Sit and have something yourself, Anne," I say with a smile. She's hovering and she never hovers unless she has something to say.

"Thank you," she says, sitting down cautiously.

"So, what is it?" I ask, sensing her hesitation.

"What is what?" Anne says, feigning innocence.

"You have something to say. I always know."

She smiles, a bit sheepish. "You know me far too well. (do have a problem, actually.

"Your problem is my problem. Go on," I encourage.

"There's some kids who need me. But you and Abby need me too," she says, her voice tinged with guilt.

I look at her, understanding dawning. "Anne, I could never ask any more of you. You've done so much for me and Abby. Above and beyond the call of duty." "It's not duty, it's family."

"Yes, but you need your own life. I get that."

"As long as you're in this... situation... I'll stay to help Abby see both her parents.

"You can't do both?" I ask, hoping against hope.

She shakes her head. "I can't. Not in this instance. These kids, well, need specialist decoding. Like your did."

I look at her directly. "Bobby and Sarah?"

Sheila clears her throat again.

Anne nods. "I don't want you to think I'm deserting you and Abby. I know it would be hard for you to trust those kids again."

"It's fine. It's not their fault and if anyone can nurture them back to the life every kid deserves to have, it's

115 Doutd is a

you. We'll manage," I assure her, trying to sound more confident than I feel.

"I'll help out as much as I can," Lisa promises.

"It's not for another month. I just wanted to give you the heads up," she says softly.

"You have my full support, always," I assure Anne.

In my head, I'm trying not to let the fear of what could happen take over. I could be in jail and Abby might be with Jayden, Ashlyn, and Judy. There's no way I can think about that right now.

Maybe, if what Gordon says about Jayden and Ashlyn is true, at least Abby won't have Ashlyn near her. I know Jayden will keep Abby safe.

I just wish Jayden had confided in me in the jail cell that day. There's no way I would have broken his confidence. I'd have followed his lead. After everything, he still had some hesitation to trust me inside his mind.

Some poison still lingering there from what his mother told him about me. Something he'll probably always have as long as he doesn't have his full memory.NôvelDrama.Org content rights.

The doubt means he can never fully love me, no matter what he says. Love is one thing, but inner doubt and not completely trusting someone, that's a killer. Why couldn't he have just trusted me?