Chapter My CEO 295
295 Two Worlds Colliding (Winona)
Jayden's been quiet since our discussion about Nexus Global. I can see the conflict in his eyes every time I bring it up. It's like he's stuck between two worlds.
The one we've built together, with our family, and the one Gus left him with Nexus Global.
Gus said it's only the legitimate business, nothing else he was involved in can touch that. But can I really be sure? Now he's probably going to jail for treason, how can that reflect well on Jayden?
I don't get why Jayden is so calm about what's blowing up the media right now. Gus is a criminal of the highest degree. Regardless of what Gus really did, all the people see is a traitor and that is garnering a lot of hate. Clearly Jayden knows more than I do and I'm not asking for details.
But, there's no way in hell some of that shit won't stick to Nexus Global and Jayden.
I watch him now, sitting at his desk, his laptop open, papers spread out in front of him. He's been on the phone all morning, talking with lawyers, accountants, whoever the hell handles zillion-dollar empires. And I hate it.
Every second he spends working on Nexus Global feels like he's drifting further away from us, from the life we're supposed to have.
But I know this is a part of Jayden. This is what he's done all his adult life. Been a juggernaut in the business unit's who he is. I can accept that. But this is so huge, no one can run it and balance a family life too.
"I thought we were going to take Abby to see Henry today," I say, trying to keep my voice steady.
Jayden doesn't look up from his laptop, his fingers tapping away at the keyboard. "Yeah, I know. I'll be ready in a minute."
I fold my arms, leaning against the doorway. "You said that an hour ago."
This time he glances up, his eyes tired. Tm trying to wrap this up, Winona. Just give me a few more minutes. Please."
I want to scream. To slam his laptop shut and tell him to forget about Nexus Global. To remind him that our son is waiting for us, that Abby's been excited all morning to go visit her baby brother.
But I don't. I bite my tongue, the frustration boiling inside me. I can see the insidious pull of this corporate world snaking its way back into his life. If he's running this he can't be with me at home with the kids. He can't be in two places at once. "Nexus Global isn't what we wanted, Jayden," I say quietly. This wasn't part of the plan."
He lets out a sigh, running a hand through his hair. 7 know, but I can't just ignore it. This isn't something! can walk away from right now."
"Will you ever, though?" I push. "That's what I'm scared of. You loved being a businessman. You thrived on it I think you're fooling yourself if you think you won't get sucked back in."
+25 BONUS
295 Two Worlds Colliding
295 Two Worlds Colliding
(Winona)
Jayden's been quiet since our discussion about Nexus Global. I can see the conflict in his eyes every time I bring it up. It's like he's stuck between two worlds.
The one we've built together, with our family, and the one Gus left him with Nexus Global.
Gus said it's only the legitimate business, nothing else he was involved in can touch that. But can I really be sure? Now he's probably going to jail for treason, how can that reflect well on Jayden?
I don't get why Jayden is so calm about what's blowing up the media right now. Gus is a criminal of the highest degree. Regardless of what Gus really did, all the people see is a traitor and that is garnering a lot of hate.
Clearly Jayden knows more than I do and I'm not asking for details.
But, there's no way in hell some of that shit won't stick to Nexus Global and Jayden.
I watch him now, sitting at his desk, his laptop open, papers spread out in front of him. He's been on the phone all morning, talking with lawyers, accountants, whoever the hell handles zillion-dollar empires. And I hate it. Every second he spends working on Nexus Global feels like he's drifting further away from us, from the life we're supposed to have.
But I know this is a part of Jayden. This is what he's done all his adult life. Been a juggernaut in the business world. It's who he is. I can accept that. But this is so huge, no one can run it and balance a family life too.
"I thought we were going to take Abby to see Henry today," I say, trying to keep my voice steady.
Jayden doesn't look up from his laptop, his fingers tapping away at the keyboard. "Yeah, I know. I'll be ready in a minute."
I fold my arms, leaning against the doorway. "You said that an hour ago."
This time he glances up, his eyes tired. "I'm trying to wrap this up, Winona. Just give me a few more minutes. Please."
I want to scream. To slam his laptop shut and tell him to forget about Nexus Global. To remind him that our son is waiting for us, that Abby's been excited all morning to go visit her baby brother.
But I don't. I bite my tongue, the frustration boiling Inside me. I can see the insidious pull of this corporate world snaking its way back into his life. If he's running this he can't be with me at home with the kids. He can't be in two places at once. "Nexus Global isn't what we wanted, Jayden," I say quietly. "This wasn't part of the plan."
He lets out a sigh, running a hand through his hair. "I know, but I can't just ignore it. This isn't something! can walk away from right now."
"Will you ever, though?" I push. "That's what I'm scared of. You loved being a businessman. You thrived on it. I think you're fooling yourself if you think you won't get sucked back in."
+25 BONUS
295 Two Worlds Colliding
"I love being a family man too." Jayden leans back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. "But I can't just walk away from everything Gus built. As soon as I can, I'll talk to them about selling."
"Okay. I'm sorry. I mean, we have a great dynamic going so far. I know you weren't going to be a stay-at-home dad forever, but Nexus Global isn't something you can run from here. It's global and based in Europe.
He pushes the laptop aside, standing up from the desk. "I know. I get it. But I really do want to settle this all in person. To check that no one will lose their jobs if we sell. Maybe a European family honeymoon is in order." "I'm not sure there is such a thing as a family honeymoon."
"Well, there is now." He grins that grin I could never resist. The one that makes all my troubles disappear.
Jayden steps toward me. "Come on, let's get Abby, Bobby and Sarah and go visit the little tacker. I'm sorry to keep you all waiting."
"It's fine. I could also be more patient."
"No, you are right to kick my ass. I know how distracted I can get."
"I just want a real life for our kids. Something simple."
"Simple?" Jayden scoffs. "I think that having a simple life is pretty impossible for us. It's not like living in some run-down cottage makes better kids."
"It's better than raising rich kids who appreciate nothing." I argue. "They need to be grounded. They need responsibility. Chores. Discipline. Not high-rise, luxury bullshit."
Jayden stares at me. "I was raised in luxury. I turned out fine."
I laugh again, but it's sharp and full of frustration. "Did you, though?"
T
Jayden's face hardens. "I don't want to fight with you," he says quietly. "Right now, it is what it is, Winona. I hope you can understand that."
My shoulders slump as I know he's right. "I don't want to fight either," I whisper. "But I'm scared, Jayden. I'm scared of what this is going to do to us. To our family."
Jayden steps closer, wrapping his arms around me, pulling me against his chest. I let out a shaky breath, resting my head against him, feeling his warmth, his strength. "We'll figure it out," he murmurs into my hair. "I promise. Remember, one bite at a time."
Lwant to believe him. I want to trust that we'll get through this, that we can still have the life I've always. dreamed of.
"We're still getting married," Jayden says after a moment, his voice firm. "In two weeks. And nothing is going to stop that."
I nod against his chest, but the unease in my heart doesn't fade. "Nothing is going to stop that." I agree.
I think once we're married it will be better and my fears will ease.
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