FULL NOVELXO Chapter My CEO 330
330 Time To Take Action
(Winona)
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I'm pacing the living room, trying to keep my anxiety in check as I wait for Jayden to call back. A text finally came through, it's almost 8.30 am tomorrow over there and almost 11.30 pm here.
Finally, my phone buzzes. Jayden's name flashes on the screen, and relief floods me. I'm not sure if I'm more angry or relieved.
"Jayden, where have you been?" I snap, not able to hide my frustration. "I've been calling you all night!"
"Babe, I'm so sorry. Someone... someone took my phone while I was sleeping and put it in my den. I didn't get home till 3am and I crashed."
"What?" I blink, confused. "Why would someone take your phone?"
"I don't know. Apparently, they thought I needed rest. Like I can't manage my own damn sleep schedule," he mutters, and I can hear the anger in his tone. "But I've got it now. I'm sorry I missed your calls. What's going on?"
I sigh, sinking onto the couch. "It's about Henry."
I hear him inhale sharply on the other end, the tension creeping back into his voice. "Is something wrong?
"Not exactly," I reply, glancing at the baby monitor and smiling at Henry looking too cute while he's asleep. "But his doctor wants to keep him grounded for another four weeks. She's saying he's been too unsettled lately and they need to run more tests before they clear him to fly."
"Four weeks?" Jayden sounds as exasperated as I feel. 'Unsettled? You never told me that."
I shake my head, even though he can't see it. "I don't want to worry you."
"No, that isn't the deal. I can't support you if you aren't honest with me."
1 know. I'm really sorry. Henry hasn't been sleeping that well. The other kids, I'm struggling with their routine. It's been a lot. But you have a lot as well."
"I don't care. I want to hear all the gory details, okay?"
"I just want to be as good at this parenting thing as you are." I admit.
"What are you talking about? You are the best mother ever."
"Yeah but I can't run dinnertime like you did."
"I couldn't have either if I didn't have your support. You're being too hard on yourself."
"I'm working on that. But back to Henry and the doctor"
"What are you thinking?"
I'm thinking I'm going to get a second opinion from Dr. Green. Gus sort of hinted that maybe we shouldn't just accept everything at face value."
"Gus said that?" Jayden's voice hardens, and I can practically feel his frustration through the phone. "Dol
330 Time To Take Action
want to know how you spoke to him?"
"He called me collect. From the correctional facility. Jayden, he thinks he might die in prison."
""Jesus! Really?"
"I know you and he have your differences, and I get that. But Gus is someone I can trust. He's never let me down and he always has mine and the kids back."
7 guess he's making up for ditching me." Jayden's voice is hard.
7 don't know," I admit, rubbing my temples. "But do you think Judy is lurking in the background, trying to screw things up. Influencing Henry's doctor."
"Surely, she's learned that lesson. She better not be."
I nod, even though he can't see me. "Well, Dr. Green will give me an honest opinion. I trust
"Yes. Good," Jayden says, his voice softening. "I trust you, Winona. Whatever you think is best for Henry. You let me know. Things here are off the chain. I can't wait to have you all here."
For a moment, it's quiet between us, but then I hear some shuffling and muffled voices on his end." What's going on over there?"
He lets out a frustrated sigh. "They're dressing me, trying to get me to the office. It's a whole production. I barely got any sleep, and now I've got people fussing over me like I can't put on a damn tie."
I try to stifle a laugh but fail. "That's the price of being Nexus Global's new king, I guess."
"Yeah, well, I didn't sign up to be a damn doll they dress up every morning." he grumbles.
"You could always cut back on the staff," I suggest lightly.
"I can't," he snaps, and then quickly catches himself. "Sorry. But I really can't. These people need their jobs. Gus gave them livelihoods. I can't just cut them loose because I'm uncomfortable with it." I bite my lip, holding back my response. Jayden's loyalty to these people is admirable, but it's creating a wedge between us. I get it, I do.
But it's hard to adjust to this whole new life when it feels like everything we're doing is to accommodate someone else.
"So... we just have to get used to being fussed over?" I try to sound calm, but my irritation slips through.
"Yeah," Jayden says. "I know it's a lot, but they're part of the package. We'll figure it out, okay? Just... bear with me."
"I can assure you I will not be letting servants dress me or the kids. Something
will have to i
There's a long pause between us, and I feel the tension building again. I know he's trying, but this world he's in now-it's not mine. And I don't know if it ever will be.
"Look, I have to get to the office. Hugo was here breaking my balls at 8am because Gus would've been into work by now."
"Sounds like a lot of adjustment all around."
330 Time To Take Action
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"You got that right. But no one wants to adjust my way. Gus's way or no way at all."
"Give it time. I think we all need more time."
"I don't need anymore time away from you and the kids."
"I'll see Dr. Green today. He can check over Abby for travel as well. I'll let you know as soon as I know."
"You do that. I love you."
"Love you too."
One thing I am sure of now, Jayden needs us over there.
I'm going to do everything I can to leave as soon as possible.
No more dithering. It's time to take action.
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