Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband novel Chapter 44

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“Abby turns three today. She’s out of the hospital and I’m finally ready to meet her.” 

Mother smiles back at me. “It’s very exciting. You could’ve met her before this.” 

“I know, but she’s had such a lot to contend with. I want to be sure she’s ready. That I’m ready.” 

“I think she’ll be ready. She didn’t miss a beat when she opened her eyes and saw me.” 

“Wait, you actually met her? How was it?” I’m surprised Mother didn’t tell me this. 

“I did, and if you’re asking if there’s any doubt she’s yours. There isn’t. She could be the spit out of your “mouth at that age. So, you’re sure you’re ready?” 

I nod. “Therapy has really helped me get a handle on things and deal with my memories objectively. The couple sessions have also made Ashlyn and I stronger, I can tell we are gaining a new level of trust for each other.” 

“Great to hear.” 

“Plus, I’m well aware that once I go into Abby’s life as her biological father, I can’t then change my mind.” 

“Have you had second thoughts about that?” 

“Second, third, one hundredth thoughts about that. Maybe it would be easier all around if I just stayed away and let her be.” 

“But, one day, she’ll want to know.” 

“Yes, and when she finds out I’ve known for this long, she’ll want to know why I didn’t step up now.” 

“You know, it would be easier to just back out. But then you’ll miss a lot of her growing up and once you have this new baby, you’ll realize how much you regret that.” 

“You’re right. But I need you to promise me no more games. Ashlyn and I are married. Winona and I are friends and will be co–parenting. You need to stop meddling in my life, Mother.” 

“I just wanted what’s best for you. There never was any proof that Winona drugged you. But when I heard you had drugs in your system and you’d been so determined you didn’t love her, I just was convinced she’d done it.” 

“My head wasn’t right. I was very confused. But now I feel I’m making my own decisions again.” 

“I thought I’d lost you when you married Winona. I never want that to happen.” 

“After Father died, you had to do everything you could to keep this company running until I was ready to be CEO, even more so after my accident. I get why you’ve done what you’ve done. But, make no mistake, I will cut you from my children’s lives if I have too.” 

“You won’t have to. I’ll do better. You’ll see. Nothing is more important to me than you and your children.” 

I’m not sure I believe her. But right now, I need her to believe I do, I didn’t find anything in Father’s office except a rush of the fear and helplessness I’d felt whenever I was in there. It made me sick to my 

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44 Doing The Right Thing 

stomach, and I’d had to leave again. 

He’d never done anything physically to hurt me. But the constant pressure to be what he wanted and the emotional trauma from his obvious hatred of me had come back in waves. 

I wasn’t sad when he died. I was happy and relieved. That’s really messed with my head now and the kind of father I want to be. 

Therapy had helped bring that out safely. What I had never known was why he hated me so much. Not that I cared. Him being dead was the best thing that ever happened to me. I knew I could finally make my own decisions. At least I thought I could. 

I’d also remembered a lot of how my mother was with Winona. Hostile and hateful. I had no problems walking away from everything here to be with Winona back then. At least I’d have her. Now I’m giving her up, and the family we could have been because I’m doing the right thing? 

I’m doing my duty and marrying Ashlyn. Yes, I love her. But it isn’t an all–consuming passion that I’d shared with Winona. 

I lay in bed at night remembering how we were intimate together. How we discovered each other and knew all the triggers. We could never resist the urgency 

I toss and turn, trying to sleep. When I do sleep, I wake in the heat of passion; Winona above me, beneath me, her legs wrapped tightly around me as I take her hard against the wall. 

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