Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

67 We Got This (Winona)

"Bye, Sweety. Your teacher has my number, so if you need Mommy, she can call me anytime," I say, trying to keep my voice steady. My heart is pounding, and my hands are clammy.

"Here's your lunch bag. This is your locker," Jayden says as he passes the bag to Abby, giving her a tight hug.

She stows her bag into her locker. "Puppy!" She points at the photo of her favorite toy, so she knows her locker. "Bye, Mommy. Bye, Daddy."

She waves at us before racing off to join a group of kids who are crafting. Her enthusiasm is infectious, 'but my nerves are still on edge.

Her teacher smiles warmly. "She'll be just fine."

"You've read her file, right? You understand she has some physical limitations because of her health," I explain, my anxiety swelling with each word.

"We have, and I can assure you, every staff member here has advanced first aid training, and we have two qualified nurses on site. Abby will be in safe hands," the teacher reassures, her tone gentle but firm.

"No one can get in or out of the school without staff knowing?" I ask, my voice betraying my nervousness. "Our security is the best in Santa Monica. We have cameras and the latest technology. Plus, we have the highest qualified security staff on the ground," she replies, her confidence calming but not completely easing my fears.

"Thank you. This is just a little nerve-wracking, leaving her," Jayden explains, grabbing my hand. His touch is grounding, but the anxiety is still there, bubbling under the surface.

"I don't mean to sound crazy..."

"Honestly, I'd be more concerned if you weren't stressed, under the circumstances," the teacher says, her smile kind and understanding.

Circumstances? What is she talking about? "I'm not sure what you mean," I say, my voice tinged with confusion and defensiveness.

"Oh, no judgment here. We all have family drama, don't we? Just such a high-profile family is bound to have speculation. I promise you this school does not allow our staff to discuss such matters. To us, Abby is a child just like any other child," she explains, trying to ease my worries. "Of course she is," I reply, my voice coming out more heated than I intended. I know we've been all over the media, but I'd stopped looking this past week.Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

"Look, we'll be back to pick up Abby after lunch. Contact us anytime you need," Jayden says, gently tugging me along with him.

"No need to drag me out," I mutter under my breath, feeling a mix of embarrassment and frustration. "I'm not sure you'll leave otherwise," Jayden says, his voice calm but firm.

67 We Got The

"I don't see why she needed to mention the media and our supposed situation," I grumule, my anger flaring up again.

"She was just trying to show us she empathized and wouldn't hold it against Abby in any way," Jayden explains patiently.

"Neither should she!" I snap back, the tension getting to me.

"Winona!" His voice isn't loud, but it is firm. "Stay calm. Let's give her the first day at least." He stops and turns me towards the playground. "Look at how much fun she's having with the other kids."

I watch Abby smiling and playing, her laughter echoing across the playground. He's right, God! He's so right. I'm not putting her first; I'm putting my own emotions and fears first. Just what I swore not to do.

I breathe in deeply and exhale slowly, trying to calm the storm inside me. "I got this."

"We got this," Jayden says as he opens the childproof gate. We step out, and it locks behind us with a finality that makes my heart ache.

As we walk back to the car, I can't help but feel the weight of my worries pressing down on me. "Do you think she'll really be okay?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

"She'll be fine, Winona, You saw how happy she was. This is good for her," Jayden reassures, his hand still holding mine.

"I know, I just... I don't trust anyone with her," I admit, my voice breaking. "After everything we've been through, it's hard to let go."

Jayden stops and turns to face me, his eyes filled with understanding. "I get it. But we have to give her a chance to be a kid. To have some normalcy. That's why we came here."

I nod, tears sting my eyes. "I just want to keep her safe.

"And we will. Together," he says, pulling me into a hug. I bury my face in his chest, letting the tears flow. The fear, the anxiety, the overwhelming need to protect my daughter-it all comes pouring out. Why does he have to smell and feel so good?

After a moment, I pull back and wipe my eyes. "Okay. Let's get out of here."

We get in the car and drive away, the school getting smaller in the rearview mirror. The silence between us is heavy, but I feel a sense of determination. This is for Abby, and we'll face whatever comes our way together. As we pull into the driveway, my phone buzzes with a text from Lisa.

L: "Hey, how did it go this morning?"

W: "Dropped her off. It was tough. Call you later?"

L: "Absolutely. Hang in there."

J put my phone down and Jayden's looking at me. "Was that the school?"

"No."

We Got This

"Who was it?"

"No one. Spam." I say a little too quickly.

"I know you're lying. Spill."

"Wait, you know?"

"1

can tell by your eyes." Then he stops and looks at me. "I remember that now. You're right. You actually never could lie to me.

"I got a new cell and number for Lisa, and she has my new number," I confess. "But I'm glad you

remember that."

Jayden chuckles and I look at him. "What?"

"I did the same with Lance."

"Wait, you and him are okay?"

Jayden shrugs. "Yeah, I mean, he should have come to me as soon as he heard Ashlyn was pregnant. But

I can't hold it against him forever. Somehow, I know I can trust him, funnily enough. I need someone on the ground there to keep an eye on Gus."

T

"We got this," I say.

"We do," he agrees, giving me a reassuring smile. "One bite at a time."

ding me a

Jayden makes coffee and joins me at the table. "What's the plan for today?" he asks, handing steaming mug

"I have plenty to do here." I reply, taking a sip and feeling a bit more grounded. "I'll pick up some groceries before I get Abby and cook us dinner."

"Sounds good." Jayden's phone buzzes and he checks it. "Shit. Shareholders want to meet. You okay picking up Abby alone?"

"Of course." I grip the coffee mug tightly. I got this..