Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband
My CEO 142

142 Being Patent

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142 Being Patient (Judy)

The news of Ashlyn's commitment to a high-security mental health facility had come as no surprise to me. After all, I was the one who had put the wheels in motion, ensuring that Ashlyn would be deemed unfit for trial. Knowing that her chaotic presence is now contained, though not entirely neutralized, is great because I still need her long-term.

My thoughts drift back to the day Ashlyn shot Jayden. It was supposed to be Winona in the crosshairs, not my son. I didn't know he would jump in front of her I didn't want to risk his life, just eliminate the thom in my side, Winona. I grip my teacup tightly, pushing the guilt away. Jayden survived, again, and that's what matters. Now, I need to play my part to perfection no matter how long it takes.

Winning Winona's trust is crucial if I'm going to get what I want-Jayden and Abby all to myself,

I've invited Winona and Abby over today. My staff answers the door and Winona greets me with a guarded expression when she enters my sitting room. "Please, help yourself to tea. And how are you, my darling?" I say to Abby. Abby's face lights up. "Grandma Judy! I drew you a picture!"

I kneel beside her, admiring her artwork. "Another one? I'll need a whole art gallery soon." I took it from her. "It's beautiful, sweetheart. You're so talented."

Winona watches us, a soft smile on her lips. I can tell she's starting to believe in this new, improved version of me. Perfect.

"Abby, your dollhouse is now in the room next to yours. I made you a new playroom."

"Yay! Can I go play, Mommy?"

"Sure."

I make small talk with Winona, offering advice, asking for hers. Whatever it takes to break down her inherent distrust of me. Of course this will take months, maybe even years. But it will be worth it. "You know, Winona, I admire your decision to not live with Jayden yet."

"Admire it?"

"Yes, in my day you just did what was expected. You endured whatever you had to endure. What women wanted never entered into it."

"I'm sorry life was like that for you. That you felt you had no choice but to stay in an abusive relationship."

I shrug. "At least with Greg it was physical, I knew what to expect. But if it had been Gus, I don't know. I wasn't risking my mind being torn apart."

"I'm not sure I could stick around for either."

"No one ever does. It happens gradually, you know."

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142 Being Patient

She shakes her head. "Not really."

"One day it's short temper. Another time it's yelling at you. The next it's telling you you're nothing. Then it's the threat of suicide. It starts with a push, or a grab that bruises. It builds up. Escalates."

"I see. Well, again, I'm sorry you had to go through that.

"The way they are so sorry though. You swear they will never hurt you again. It's heartbreaking really. I think they actually believe it."

Winona's mind is turning over, I can tell. Something I've said has hit the spot. That's what I was hoping for. I sip my tea. "Are you okay?" She eyes me carefully. "Yes. Why?"

"I know Jayden's temper. I mean his father and uncle both had control issues, clearly. Jayden has been under a lot of pressure lately. I should've been honest from the start. I actually should not have contemplated what I did, what I tried to do to you." Winona stiffens slightly. "He's not looking to forgive you that's for sure."

""What about you?"

"Forgiving you isn't something I'm concerned about right now. I'd like to move forward for Abby. Jayden and I are finding some things hard but not everything."

I nod sympathetically. "Of course. But his temper... it worries me. I just want to make sure you and Abby are safe."

She pauses, looking at me with suspicion. "We're fine, Judy. He wouldn't hurt us. I don't appreciate you suggesting he would."

I place a comforting hand on her arm. "I just want to help, dear. If there's anything I can do... You deserve to know about any medical concerns he grew up with. Especially with Abby's health."

"I see."

"When Jayden was younger, he used to have these... episodes."

She looks at me, worry etched on her face. "Episodes?

"Yes, I'm surprised he hasn't already told you. Oh, maybe he doesn't remember. I'm sure he'll be fine with your support," I say, giving her arm a reassuring squeeze. "You're so strong, Winona. Jayden's lucky to have you. Now let's go and see what Abby is up to, shall we?"

She nods, but I can see the wheels turning in her mind. Good. The more doubt I can instill, the easier it will be to make her seem unstable later.

I watch Winona with Abby, playing and laughing at the dollhouse. I think about how he looks at her with love and how he looks at me now with hate in his eyes. It's wrong.

She's the one he turns to, she's the one he wants to be with. A pang of jealousy hits me. That should be me. I should be the one Jayden relies on, not her. She took him away from me once, I'm not letting that happen again.