Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

69 Inviting Trouble to Stay (Winona)

I flick on the television. I know I shouldn't, but curiosity gets the better of me. I wonder if speculation over Jayden and I has stopped. I go through a few channels and I haven't seen us yet, so maybe.

Abby has had three days at preschool, and she'll have a break for the last two weekdays. I must say my nervousness is somewhat eased, and she's chatting easily about the other kids in her class, so she is making friends.

Dinner at Jayden's house was a lot of fun the other night. He's happy with how negotiations are going. with the shareholders. He'll have enough ready to sell to him by the end of this month.

"I've been back to that café and never seen that man again. It really was my imagination. I switch off the television. Let them say what they want to say. Not like we can stop them. I'd rather know what's going through Judy and Ashlyn's minds right now. Abby's been bright and cheery and not complaining of any pain. Even her face has some color. Today Jayden is picking us up and we're going to the park. Abby is meeting a few of her new friends there.

The other mothers asked me if we'd like to. I wanted to say no, but I made myself say yes.

I'm hoping I've made the right choice.

I pack us a picnic lunch and take the basket and cooler box out to the front doorstep. My nerves are a little on edge, but I've been practicing some relaxation techniques. I see Jayden pull into the driveway and give him a wave. Jayden steps out of the car, his smile as bright as ever. "Hey, Winonal Ready for a fun day at the park?"

I nod, feeling a little more at ease. "Yeah, I think so. Abby's been looking forward to it."

As I walk toward the car, something catches my eye. There's a car following Jayden through the gate. I freeze on the spot as I stare at the driver. My heart skips a beat. No, it can't be....

He's dressed well and clean shaven. Seeing him brings all those horrible memories crashing back. He gets out of his beaten-up car and starts to approach. My blood runs cold. It really is my father.

"Winona," he says, his voice low and threatening. "Lo no see."

Jayden turns at the voice "Who the hell are you? Get off our property now!"

Before I can respond, two huge men appear out of nowhere, grabbing my father by the arms. He struggles, but they hold him firmly. What the actual frick is going on here? My heart is beating hard and my palms are clammy. Did Jayden organize the bodyguards? I can't say I'm sorry now.

"Get your hands off me!" he snarls, his eyes never leaving mine. "I just want to talk to my daughter!"

Jayden looks at me, shock written all over his face. "Winona, who is this?"

I swallow hard, my voice barely above a whisper. "My father."

Jayden's eyes widened. "I thought... you said both your parents were dead."

inviting Trouble to Stay

"Wishful thinking." I say, my voice trembling.

As the men drag my father toward the gate, something catches my eye. In his beat-up car parked at the curb, I see two messy, crying kids in the back seat. My heart aches at the sight. They look scared and hungry, just like I did when I was their age.

"Wait," I call out, my voice shaking. "Let him go."

The security detail looks at Jayden, who nods reluctantly. They release my father, and he glares at them before turning back to me and walking closer again.

"I need money, Winona," he says, his tone more insidious now. "Looks like you've done well for yourself. I see you all over the television. I'm sure you can spare some."

But still, how did he know where we were here in Santa Monica? No one knew the city let alone the address.

I can feel the anger boiling inside me. "Demanding money? What a surprise."

He flashes a charming smile that doesn't reach his eyes. "I've changed. I'm a different man now."

"Bullshit." I know he'll never change.

I glance at the car again, seeing the kids crying and dirty. My heart breaks for them.

Jayden steps forward. "You need to leave, Now."

My father's smile falters, and he turns to me, his eyes hard, "Winona, you don't want to make an enemy out of me." The threat hangs in the air, heavy and dangerous. "You are dead to me. Nothing you say or do can affect me anymore."

"I'm sorry for everything. I could've done better."

I know better than to trust him. He's a con man, a charmer, and a dangerous one.

I take a deep breath, trying to keep my voice steady. "Take better care of those kids."

He raises his hands in mock surrender. "Of course. I'll do better. But I need some money to get by till my new job starts."

Jayden looks at me, and I nod. He pulls out his wallet, he always carries some cash.

"This is the only time."

"Of course."

I walk over to the car. The kids look up at me with wide, frightened eyes. The boy is a young teenager and the girl I'd say is around twelve. "Hey there," I say softly. "It's gonna be okay." They nod, but the fear doesn't leave their eyes. I turn back to my father. "You need to leave now."

He takes the wad of cash from Jayden.

As he begins to drive away, I feel a mix of relief and sadness. My mind is screaming at me to not let those kids go with him. It brings back so many awful memories. witing Trouble to

Jayden puts his arm around me. "You're doing the right thing, Winona,"

"No. I'm not. I'm sorry, Jayden." I ran out the gate. "Wait!"

His car comes to a halt again.

go open the back door. "Get out."

They look at me like deer in the headlights.

I soften my voice. "You can stay with me."

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