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112 He Who Throws the First Punch
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2024-07-26 10:49:38Related chapters
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 113 Damn Bro Code
(Winona)The doorbell rings, jolting me from my thoughts. I glance at the nearest screen to check who it is. It’s Gordon Brown, thank God. “Gordon’s here. I hope it’s good news,” I say, heading towards the door with a mix of hope and anxiety swirling in my chest. “Anne, Gordon Brown is here,” I call out as I make my way to the front door, figuring she might want to know.I open the door and give Gordon a weak smile. “Gordon, come in.”He steps inside, his expression serious yet hopeful. “Winona, I have permission here for you to go see Abby in the hospital.”Relief floods through me like a tidal wave. “Thank God.” My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I glance at the screen. It’s Phillip. “Go right in, I have to take this call,” I say, shutting the front door behind Gordon and walking back to the sitting room as I connect the call. “Phillip, how is she?”“She’s awake. Jayden’s in with her now. One at a time. I thought I’d call you and let him go first,” Phillip says, his voice a mix of
Last Updated : 2024-07-26Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 114 Gut Feelings
(Winona)The next day, I’m feeling better. The visit with Abby was amazing. She even sipped a little milk. She’ll be back home before we know it. Maybe today will be a good day. Phillip is still in bed, resting his sore head, no doubt.Gordon and I are in the private office. He’s sipping a coffee, looking more animated than usual. His eyes gleam with a certain excitement that makes me both hopeful and anxious.“Alright, Gordon,” I say, settling into the chair opposite him. “Spill. How did last night go?”Gordon leans back, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips. “Last night was... enlightening, to say the least.”“Yeah, exciting stuff watching men guzzle beer and shots.” I’m still a little surprised still that Gordon and Jayden’s lawyer, Daniel, were involved in this.I mean, I know they’re human, but it strikes me as a little odd, all the same. They are supremely professional men at the top of their game.“The real purpose of me going out with them was to get a read on Jayden and his
Last Updated : 2024-07-27Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 115 Doubt is a Killer
(Winona)Later that day, Dr. Green called to say that Abby could come home tomorrow, and her surgery was still scheduled for one month’s time. Mixed feelings wash over me. I can’t believe five months have passed already. So much of that time was blissful in Santa Monica with Jayden and Abby, a bubble of happiness that now feels like a distant dream.But it wasn’t reality. I see that now. The fantasy we lived was just that—a fantasy. Lisa is coming to talk about the weather again. Maybe we can’t talk about anything much, but her being here makes my life slightly bearable. Having lost my freedom to come and go, I realize just how much of life I took for granted. Simple things like a walk in the park or grabbing coffee with a friend seem like luxuries now.On the other hand, I have felt quite safe within these walls. I’m not sure what’s going on in the world of the media, but I’m sure this case is still alive and well, not to mention the tumultuous life of the Brennan billionaires.
Last Updated : 2024-07-27Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 116 Gangster Mother
(Jayden)I don’t think I’ve avoided going back to my penthouse as much as today, ever. I just don’t want to have to face Ashlyn. But in another way, it’s all I want to do. Just face her and get her away from me. But if I trigger her too much, I risk putting Winona and Abby at more risk.Ashlyn won’t let anything keep her away from taking Winona down. So, it seems anyway. I use my key and go inside. There’s not much noise in here. I walk down to the kitchen, and I see Mother. I look around. No Ashlyn.“Hi.”Mother turns around with a start. “Jayden, you’re home. You gave me a start…”“Sorry. I probably should have messaged given the circumstances.”“The circumstances are still sleeping.”I eye her carefully. “Did you give her something?”“Nothing dangerous. I slipped some sleep medication into her breath freshener. I wasn’t to know she would practically drink that stuff.”“She is obsessed about fresh breath.”“She is in the guest room down the hall. Your old office you converted. It w
Last Updated : 2024-07-28Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 117 I’ll Do It
(Winona)Phillip and I are sitting talking in the bedroom. I’m not sure I should ask too much about his night out. He wasn’t that late home and of course, he’d stayed sober drinking zero percent beers. But he is still sore and sorry from his wrestling match yesterday.“I may as well have a hangover. I feel just as bad.”“No. I don’t ever want to see you drunk again.”“I’m really sorry I did that to you, Winona. It will never happen again.”As close as I’ve gotten to Phillip again, I know I can never trust him like I used to. He attacked me and I don’t know how far he would have gone if Jayden hadn’t come back that night.“I appreciate you being here for me now. But you must see that I can never just trust you again. But I want us to always be friends. But that’s it.”I’ve taken a lot of time over this. I’ve really searched deep inside myself to see if I could ever love Phillip like that. If I could ever truly forgive and forget. But I know that’s not going to happen and part of me r
Last Updated : 2024-07-28Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 118 I’ll Never Love You
(Winona)The next day, I sat in a small, dimly lit room at the police station, my nerves on edge. The walls feel like they’re closing in. I’m here to face my father, Steve Halley, the man who wrecked my childhood and now holds the key to my future. My hands tremble as I try to steady my breathing, determined to see this through. This is my chance to clear my name and get Ashlyn put away for a very long time. To get some sort of normalcy back again for us. Ashlyn is getting picked up and detained for questioning now so I need to get this done.The door creaks open, and my heart skips a beat. I’m not even wearing the wire yet, maybe it’s Gordon. But it’s not Gordon or my father who walks in. It’s Jayden. I stand up but stay behind the table. The sight of him stirs a whirlwind of emotions. Anger, hurt, love—they all mix together, making it hard to breathe.“Why are you here? To break my heart all over again?”He closes the door behind him, his expression serious. “Winona, I need to
Last Updated : 2024-07-29Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 119 Confession Time
(Jayden)I sit in the room next to where Winona is, anxiety clawing at my insides. Gordon and Daniel, our lawyers, stand beside me, their faces etched with concern. A couple of commanding officers are here too, their presence adding an air of gravity to the situation. We see Winona on the screen, her expression a mix of determination and fear.Steve insisted he talk to her alone and in private. Winona sits in the small, sterile room, her back straight, her face a mask of steely resolve. My heart aches for her. She’s been through so much, and now she has to face the man she hates more than anyone in the world. Steve Halley, her father.The door to the interview room opens, and Steve shuffles in, his wrists and ankles shackled. An officer escorts him, attaches his shackles to the bolted-down seat, and leaves again. Steve’s stare, cold and calculating, lands on Winona, and a slow, sinister smile spreads across his face. I grip the edge of the table in front of me, anger boiling insid
Last Updated : 2024-07-29Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 120 She’s Out There
(Winona)What’s going on? They’ve taken Steve off again and I don’t know if he’s said enough yet. But the officers said nothing, just that it was over.I’m being led out of the police interview room. My mind is racing, a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. Do they have enough on him? Did I do enough? Every second with him in there was torture.His smug face, the way he taunted me—it’s all burned into my mind. But did we get what we needed? My head is aching, the uncertainty gnawing at me. Whatever is happening now must be important. Maybe the Judge decided something else, and the trial is going ahead sooner than Abby’s operation in three weeks.Gordon is waiting in the hallway. His presence a comfort. “What’s happening?” I ask, my voice more panicked than I intended. The anxiety bubbling inside me is threatening to overflow.Gordon walks beside me, his expression grave. “Winona, I need to tell you something,” he says, his voice low and cautious, as if preparing me for another blow.“
Last Updated : 2024-07-30
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Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 492 Waking Up
(Winona)The first thing I feel is exhaustion—a bone-deep, crushing weight that makes it nearly impossible to move. My body aches everywhere, like I’ve been run over by a truck.My head pounds, and my throat feels dry, but I force my eyes open, blinking against the soft light.“Mommy?” A small voice breaks through the fog, hesitant but hopeful.I blink again, and there she is. Abby, her little face framed by messy pigtails, her big blue eyes filled with worry. “Abby,” I rasp, my voice barely audible.Her face lights up, and she leans in close, clutching the edge of the bed. “You’re awake!” she exclaims, her voice trembling with relief. “I missed you so much, Mommy!”I try to lift my hand, but it feels like lead. Instead, I manage a weak smile. “I missed you too, sweetie,” I whisper.“Alright, sweetheart, let’s give Mommy a little space,” Anne’s calm voice comes from somewhere nearby. “Glad you’re back with us, Winona.”Abby shakes her head fiercely. “No! I want to stay with Mommy!”“I
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 491 Walking Away
(Jayden)I drop Viktor off at the penthouse, handing him the spare key fob. “Cat’s in charge while you’re here. Don’t let him boss you around too much,” I say with a smirk.Viktor raises an eyebrow. “I’m sure I’ll manage. Can’t be more troublesome than your sister-in-law.”I let out a low laugh. “Truth.”“I’ll get back here as soon as I can. I have some forward trajectory I need to discuss with you on Nexus Global. Help yourself to anything.”“I’ll be here. If anything happens with Winona, please let me know.”“I will. Right… now it’s time to go and finally put Brennan Industries behind me.”***By the time I pull up outside Gabriel’s hotel, I’m ready to let go and walk away.I knock on the door and it opens. Gabriel is there looking as tall and suave as ever. I step into the suite, and he greets me with a firm handshake. “Jayden,” he says, his tone even. “Thanks for coming.”“No problem,” I reply, keeping things brisk. “Let’s get this done.”Gabriel gestures to the small conference t
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 490 Show of Strength
(Cass)When Viktor and I step into the Brennan Wing family suite, the first thing I notice is how together Jayden looks.He’s standing by Henry’s highchair, feeding him bits of banana while the little guy alternates between smearing food on his face and laughing like he’s cracked the greatest joke in the world.Jayden doesn’t even flinch when Henry chucks half a cracker at his chest.“Alright, Superdad,” I say, dropping my bag on the couch. “You’re really leaning into this whole family-man thing. Should I be worried you’re going to start wearing matching dad-and-son tracksuits next?”Jayden smirks without looking up. “You jealous, Aunt Cass? I can always order you one too. I’m thinking neon green?”I grin, then I run to hug him. “Pass. I prefer my black on black for now.”Henry spots me and lets out an excited squeal, waving his sticky hands in my direction. “Oh, no you don’t,” I warn, taking a step back. “Your dad can keep the food fights. I’ll hug you as soon as we use some wipes.”
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 489 Creating a Family Cocoon
(Jayden)“Gabriel.” I say as Henry tries to grab my cell out of my hand.I manage to dodge his lightning-fast hand, holding the phone just out of his reach. He laughs, thinking it’s a game.His little giggles make me grin.“Jayden. I wanted to let you know I’m flying in to finalize the shares. Everything looks good on my end. I land at six.”“Great. Let me know your hotel room; I’ll come see you there.”“Sorry to hear about Lance and Judy. I’ve read over everything you sent. Are you sure?”“Yes,” I reply coolly. “You’ll be in charge now unless you make other arrangements with your family. I'm out.”There’s a pause on the other end, but I don’t care to fill it. Gabriel’s voice is measured when he continues, “How’s Winona? I heard she had a fall.”“She’s in recovery. We’ll know more tomorrow.”“I heard Cass was in Europe. Is she coming back to see her?”“She is. And I don’t want any trouble for her, Gabriel. She’s been through enough. I’m still pissed that Mia provided her with drugs an
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 488 Family Dynamics
(Jayden)I stand at the door the next morning as Anne steps in with the kids, managing the chaos with her usual calm authority. Abby clings to her arm, eyes darting nervously around the suite. “You remember this place, don’t you, sweetheart?” Anne asks gently. Abby nods but doesn’t let go. “It’s where the doctors made my heart better,” she whispers, glancing at me for reassurance. “It is,” I say, crouching to her level. “But this time, we’re here for Mom. She’s going to need all of us to help her get better. You up for the job?” Abby hesitates, then nods firmly. “Yes!” Then she opens her eyes wide. “Am I supposed to be really quiet?”“No darling. You can just be yourself. But we’ll try for no arguing and shouting with your brothers and sister, okay?”“Okay. Can I go see Mom now?”“Mom is having special medicine to keep her asleep for now, but I think she can still hear us. Go tell her about your day and we’ll join you soon. Keep her company for me. You know how she loves all your
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 487 Reckoning with Lance
(Jayden)The door opens, and Lisa steps in, carrying a fresh change of clothes and some toiletries I had her swing by the penthouse and grab.“Jayden,” she says quietly, setting the bag down near the chair. “You look like shit.”I don’t even glance at her. “Thanks for the compliment.”She pulls up a chair beside me. “I mean it. You’re running on fumes. Go shower, get something to eat, and grab a couple of hours of sleep. I’ll stay with Winona. You need to be human when the kids get here tomorrow morning.”“I’m fine,” I lie, tightening my grip on Winona’s hand. “I don’t want to leave her.” I mean I can actually smell myself at this point.“Jayden.” Lisa’s voice takes on that tone she uses when she’s not going to back down. “I’m serious. You’re no good to anyone in this state. Winona will kick your ass if she sees you like this—smelling like death warmed over and looking worse.”She’s so right. I really need to get my shit together and show Winona I can lead our family when needed. Not
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 486 She’s Okay
(Cass) I pace the estate office, Viktor’s phone pressed tightly to my ear. Viktor leans against the desk, his arms crossed, the picture of calm professionalism. Good. I want to ignore the way he held me earlier, like I actually mattered to him.He’s trained to say the right things to defuse situations. That’s all it was.Jayden picks up, his voice tense but steady. “Cass. She’s okay. I mean, she’s in an induced coma for a few days but she’s okay.” “Thank God!” I say, my voice cracking. I can’t stop the tremble in my hands. “Are you with her still?” “Yes,” he says, and I let out a shaky breath. “The head wound is under control, the coma is to wait for the swelling and her blood pressure to go down. But she is going to get through this.”“What about the baby?” “No,” he cuts me off sharply. “Just positive talk. She’s strong. They both are.” His voice softens, and I realize how much he’s struggling to hold it together. It’s so unlike him to sound vulnerable. “I’m coming home…”“Wai
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 485 The Fight for Her
(Jayden)Winona lies motionless in the Brennan Wing’s family suite medical bedroom, surrounded by machines that hum and beep softly in the background. This room was designed to keep families together during the most terrifying moments of their lives.This wing is my initiative, but I never thought I’d need it personally so much. I’m bending the guidelines a little having Winona here now but I know her best chance is having the ones she loves the most around her.Right now, I’d give anything for a sign—any sign—that she’ll wake up. I don’t have that yet but what I am going to do is create a positive environment around Winona. I called Barnaby and he reminded me of many coping mechanisms I’d learned from his sessions.I’m going to only speak of the future and what’s happening now. I’m not mentioning the past. Winona deserves to hear and believe the wonderful future ahead of us. No matter what has happened or what may happen.Dr. Harris and Dr. Reeves stand at the foot of the bed, revie
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 484 Stay With Me, Winona
(Jayden)I burst through the front door, taking the stairs two at a time to the second floor. I pray I’m in time. I stop at the bottom of the attic stairs.Then I see her.Winona lies crumpled halfway down the attic stairs, her body twisted awkwardly. Her head jammed up against the wall, her hand rests on a spindle. Blood pools beneath her head on the stair, dark and horrifying, and for a second, I’m frozen.My mind blanks out, every thought swept away by raw panic.But then I snap back. She needs me. She needs me to be fully present, not panicking.I force myself forward, the first aid kit from the car clutched in my shaking hands. Every instinct screams at me to scoop her up, to hold her, but I stop myself. If she’s hurt her neck or spine… I could make it worse. My knees hit the stair below her, and I reach for her wrist with trembling fingers.A faint pulse. Relief crashes over me so hard I almost collapse, but it’s short-lived. She’s alive, but for how long?I tear open the first
