Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

My CEO 127

127 Dinner With Judy

127 Dinner With Judy (Winona)

Back at my townhouse, the familiar surroundings are a tonic after the chaos and fear of today. Abby greets us at

the door, her bright smile a balm to my frazzled nerves.

"Mommy!" She givesthe biggest hug.

"Hi Sweety. Have you had a good day?"

"Yes. | did spainting and made a fort, csee." She tugs on my hand.

"I'll clook soon. Why don't you take Grandma Judy for a look?"

"Grandma Judy!" Abby has just realized she's behindand she throws herself at her for a hug. "Csee my

fort!" Abby exclaims, grabbing Judy's hand and pulling her towards her bedroom. Judy givesa questioning

look.

"I'll tell her later. Stay for dinner?" | say quietly.

Judy givesa nod. "Thank you. I'd love to," she says before allowing herself to be led away.

| turn to Anne, who is waiting in the living room, concern on her face.

"He's in critical condition," | say, the words tasting bitter in my mouth. "He lost a lot of blood, and they had to

put him in an induced coma. Dr. Green says the next 24 hours are crucial." Anne looks like she's about to cry. "I

saw the news. I'm so glad you're safe, though."

"Thanks, Anne. It's been a nightmare. | know this will sound crazy, but I've asked Judy to stay for dinner." Anne's

eyebrows shoot up in surprise. "Really? After everything?"

"I know, right? But I think it's tto extend an olive branch. Maybe we can start to build skind of

understanding, for Abby's sake if nothing else."

Anne nods slowly, a small smile forming on her lips. "That's very gracious of you, Winona. | hope it goes well."

Just then, Phillip emerges from the bedroom, a duffle bag slung over his shoulder. He looks tired but determined.

"I've packed my things, Winona. I'm heading out."

I'm a little surprised because we hadn't talked about what would happen if | ever got out of hdetention.

"This is sudden. Do you have anywhere to go? You're welchere in the guest room as long as you need."

"I'm good. I'm going to bunk with Lance and we're setting up a small financial business together."

"I see. I'm very proud of you, Phillip. Just be happy and don't be a stranger." | give him a hug. "Thanks for being

here forand Abby."

"Always. But about that, when you're ready to take my noff the birth certificate, I'll sign what's

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127 Dinner With Judy

needed. I'll cback and see Abby as much as is needed while we transition. Just be happy, Winona."

I nod. "You go be happy as well."

With that he's gone. How one person's life can change so much in the short space of a day. I'm not even sure

why I'm asking myself that question seeing as I'm the world's expert at it.

The doorbell rings. | open it to find Lisa standing there, a mischievous grin on her face and a bottle of bubbles.

"No rain forecast for tomorrow!"

"Don't you dare talk about the weather," | laugh, pulling her inside for a hug.

"I guess this bottle of no-alcohol wine will have to suffice," she says.

"It better have salcohol in it, or you can go back to the liquor store."

Lisa's smile fades a little as she looks atmore closely. "Winona, | saw the news. Jayden saved your life. Are

you really okay?"

"Yes, but he may not make it through the night. No visitors for 24 hours," | say, squeezing her hand. "But listen,

Judy is with Abby right now, so we need to be careful about what we say." Lisa raises an eyebrow. "Judy? As in,

Judy-judy?"

"Yeah, the one and only. Abby wanted to show her sartwork, so they're in her room. | invited her for dinner."

Lisa shakes her head in disbelief. "Well, that's something | never thought I'd see. You're really going for peace,

huh?"

"If you'd seen her withat the hospital... She was really broken about Jayden and she admitted she sees now

he does love me. Even apologized for treatingbadly." "Badly? Wow, understatement of the year."

"I'm trying," | admit. "Things are so messed up right now. Jayden's fighting for his life, and | want to make peace

with Judy. For Abby's sake, and maybe even for mine."

"You're either even stronger than | ever imagine or completely bat-shit crazy, Winona," Lisa says, givinga

supportive smile. "So, what's the plan for dinner?"

"Anne's cooking," | say. "I'm too exhausted to do anything myself."

"You say that like you actually ever cook." Lisa grins.

| whack her on the arm and grab the bottle. "Let's open this, | think we can all do with a glass."

As we move to the living room, my mind drifts back to Gus and Judy. What were they arguing about so intensely

outside the hospital? Gus was clearly angry with her, and Judy's tears and defiance puzzled me. shake my head,

trying to push the thoughts away. There's only so much | can handle right now. That's their problem not my

problem.

Abby and Judy return, Abby chattering excitedly about her artwork. Judy looks a bit more relaxed.

"Mom, look what Grandma Judy helpeddraw!" Abby holds up a colorful picture of a rainbow, beaming with

pride.

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127 Dinner With Judy

"It's beautiful, sweetheart," | say, ruffling her hair. "I'm glad you two are having fun.

Dinner is a quiet affair. We talk a little and sip the champagne. Abby's chatter is a welcdistraction, her

innocence a stark contrast to the heavy reality surrounding us.

As we finish dinner, Judy stands up, giving Abby a hug. "I'm going to head off now, but I'll be back to see you

tomorrow, okay?"

Abby nods, her eyes wide. "Okay, Grandma Judy. Can we go to the park?"

Judy smiles, a genuine, warm smile that I've rarely seen from her. "We'll see. 1 look forward to seeing you

tomorrow, sweetheart."

I walk Judy to the door, feeling a strange sense of camaraderie with her. "Thank you for your support, Judy. It

means a lot."

She nods, her eyes misting over. "You were right, Abby madefeel a lot better. I'll go back to the hospital. You

stay with Abby. I'll let you know first if there's any changes."

"| appreciate that. I'll be there first thing in the morning.

"I don't know what I'll do if | lose Jayden."

"You've never given up on him before, don't do it now. He'll fight, | know he will. When I visit, I'll insist on taking

Abby in."

She nods. "If anything is going to pull him through it's you and Abby."