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, I want us to start planning our future. Together.”
“I think your recovery is still in progress. Don’t push too hard,” I 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. I need to get back to building Brennan Industries,” he replies, his tone resolute as he straightens up in his chair.
“I understand. I feel the same about my own career,” I 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.”
I bite my lip, feeling the anxiety rise. “Jayden, you know how I feel about that. I want to go back to work and enjoy my independence here for a while.”
Jayden’s brow furrows. “We don’t need the money. I can take care of us. You have all the time and resources in the world to be as independent as you want.”
I stare at him, my frustration bubbling to the surface. “You think being kept by your billions and not doing anything to build my own income is being independent?”
He shrugs, his nonchalance aggravating me further. “Well, yeah. Money is freedom.”
“It’s not just about the money, Jayden,” I say, trying to keep my voice calm but feeling my irritation rising.” I love my work. I’m great at what I do. The best, you told me that. I 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. I just thought you’d want to be home with Abby, focusing on our family and recovery after her next surgery.”
I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. “I can do both. I can work and still be there for you and Abby.”
“I get that. Just seems easier to me to have more freedom. You could take up a charity cause, maybe a hobby,” he suggests, his tone turning dismissive.
I 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 I are building a new company.”
His eyes flash with anger. “Phillip? You’re going to work with him again?”
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+25 BONUS
139 Another Day In Paradise
“Yes,” I say firmly. “We had an amazing partnership before you came back offering me a consultancy position. I’m going to do that again.”
Jayden stands up abruptly, pacing the kitchen. “I don’t like this, Winona. I don’t like the idea of you working with him. Especially after everything.”
“What? Because I lived with him, and we had to pretend we were a couple when I was under house arrest? Having him to talk to was the only thing that kept me sane 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 ask me that,” I 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 cast me out and told me that you believed I killed your child on purpose! Don’t try to make out you’re the victim in that.”
Then I look at Abby, and she is crying. “Now, look what you’ve done,” I say as I go to gather her up in my arms. It’s okay, sweetie. Daddy is a bit tired, that’s all. Let’s go get some fresh air.”
Jayden stops pacing, turning to face us with a look of regret. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to yell. I think I need some ice cream. How about you, Abby, would you like to come get ice cream?”
“You tell Daddy we don’t get treats when our behavior is bad, don’t we?” I say softly 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,
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