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127 Dinner With Judy
Last Updated:
2024-08-01 11:15:52Related chapters
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 128 Waiting On Tomorrow
(Winona)Lisa and I sit in the living room, finishing off the champagne. It feels like the bubbles are the only thing keeping me from collapsing into a puddle of tired emotions. I certainly didn’t need the whole bottle. I feel a little tipsy just from a couple of glasses.I take a sip and let out a long sigh. “I can’t believe how close I came to dying today,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. “Ashlyn is... I don’t even have words for how crazy she is.”Lisa nods, her eyes wide. “I never liked or trusted her. She always had this... vibe, you know? But I never thought it would come to this. I mean, shooting you? It’s next level stalker crazy.”“Tell me about it,” I mutter, shaking my head. “I’m so grateful to be alive. If it weren’t for Jayden...” I trail off… what he did hitting me all over again.“Yeah, Jayden,” Lisa says, a look of amazement crossing her face. “He took a bullet for you, Winona. Without even thinking about it. That man is still all about you.”I look down at my
Last Updated : 2024-08-01Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 129 Will Judy Accept Us?
(Winona)Early the next morning, I kiss Abby on the forehead while she’s still sleeping and head to the hospital. It hasn’t been 24 hours yet, but I want to be there in case there’s any change.My broken sleep had me waking several times from dreams of Jayden’s breathing stopping while I visited. The relief when I realized it was only a dream each time had me on a rollercoaster.But my exhausted body did still get some sleep. I’ve almost forgotten how to move around my house normally. Not having everything monitored is great but I think it will take some getting used to.I feel the rush of the cold morning air hit my face and breathe it in.This is the first time I’ve been out alone for weeks. Freedom is not something I’ll ever take for granted again. I’ll come back and get Abby later when I know I can go in with Jayden.Today I’m headed into the day keeping positive. Jayden will get through this. He will. I’ll do whatever it takes to get him back to whatever level of health he can re
Last Updated : 2024-08-02Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 130 Under Control
(Judy)I sit in the hotel room, staring at my reflection in the bathroom mirror. My hair is disheveled, my eyes red and puffy from lack of sleep and the constant stream of tears. Jayden, my son, my only child, lies in a hospital bed fighting for his life.For once, I feel utterly powerless. I turn on the shower, letting the steam fill the room, and step under the hot water, hoping it will wash away some of the guilt and fear clinging to me.Winona. The name has been a thorn in my side for so long. I’ve never wanted her with Jayden, always believing she wasn’t good enough for him. But now, seeing the way he was willing to give up his life for her during the recent shooting, I’m forced to reevaluate everything.He loves her deeply, and it’s a love that’s unshakeable. As much as it pains me to admit it, perhaps I’ve been wrong. My heart softens a little when I think of Abby, my granddaughter. She’s a bright light in this darkness, and I can’t deny the bond I feel with her. Maybe, just
Last Updated : 2024-08-02Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 131 Trusting The Enemy
(Winona)I stand just outside the intensive care unit near Jayden’s door, my heart pounding. There’s a small window but I can’t see him from the position of his bed. I look up the corridor and see Dr. Green approaching, his face serious but his eyes show the kindness he always has.“Winona,” he says, stopping in front of me. “Jayden’s stabilized enough for you to go in, but it’s crucial that he remains in a quiet and stable environment. No drama or excitement, which is why we’re only allowing one visitor at a time.”I nod, my throat tight with emotion. “Thank you, Dr. Green. I understand.”My heart soars that I can be with him. I’m not letting him go again. No matter what.“He’ll stay under medication for an induced coma for a few more days,” he continues. “But if things continue to improve today, I may allow Abby to visit briefly with you later on today. I can’t see how having his daughter in there can set him back.”“Okay,” I say with a small smile. “Thank you.”He gives me a reassu
Last Updated : 2024-08-03Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 132 Jayden Surprises Me
(Winona)“You can go in now,” I prompt Judy who’s still staring at the door.“Okay, yes,” she answers, her voice steady. She passes me, moving quickly but carefully, like she’s afraid any sudden movement might break him.I sit on the seat outside the room and take out my cell phone to make a call to Anne about bringing Abby here after school. Suddenly I hear alarms coming from Jayden’s room. What the actual hell? My heart leaps into my throat as I see the medical team rushing toward Jayden’s door. I jump up but they block me from going in.“Sorry, no one in the room right now.”Judy is ushered out a few seconds later, looking distraught.“What happened?” I ask Judy, my voice cracking with worry.“I…I don’t know. I just touched his face and told him I was there, and I loved him. Then everything went off at once.”“Oh God. I hope he’s going to be okay.” I squeeze my hands together.I wait helplessly as they work on him, my mind racing with awful possibilities. Dr. Green arrives, his fa
Last Updated : 2024-08-03Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 133 Third Wish
(Jayden)It’s been a few days now, I think, and I’m floating in this haze, caught between the world of the living and the depths of my mind. I can’t move, can’t speak, but I can hear Winona’s voice, a lifeline pulling me toward the surface.Her voice is my anchor, keeping me grounded.Every day, Winona sits beside me, her words like a soothing balm to my soul. I hear her telling me about Abby, how she brings her in for an hour each day.Her voice is filled with love and excitement, painting a picture of a future I desperately want to be a part of.“Jayden, Abby is doing so well. She’s been so brave. I can’t wait for you to see her again. We’re planning a little surprise for you when you wake up.”Her words are like a melody, each note striking a chord deep within me, echoing through the fog in my mind. I want to reach out, to hold her, to tell her I’m still here, fighting to come back to them.She tells me about Phillip, how he’s finally moved out and is ready to sign himself off Abby
Last Updated : 2024-08-03Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 134 Safe To Love Jayden
(Winona)I'm still sitting beside Jayden, my heart finally starting to believe he’s going to pull through. Dr. Green stands at the foot of the bed, his expression one of cautious optimism.“Jayden’s showing good signs of recovery, but he still needs to rest and not overdo it,” Dr. Green advises, his tone serious but hopeful.I nod, gripping Jayden’s hand gently, feeling the warmth of his skin against mine. It’s a small reassurance that he’s still here with me. “I understand, Doctor. We’ll make sure he takes it easy.”Dr. Green glances at his chart before looking back at us. “If you want visitors, we can arrange that, but let’s keep it to a minimum for now. You’ll be moved from intensive care in a couple of days if everything continues to go well.”Jayden frowns at the mention of visitors. “I don’t want any visitors right now except Winona and Abby.”I’m surprised by his response, and I can see that Dr. Green notices too. “Alright, Jayden. It’s your choice. We’ll make sure you have the
Last Updated : 2024-08-04Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 135 Coming Back To Life
(Jayden)The next day, Winona brings Abby back to the hospital to see me. I can't describe the feeling of actually seeing my little girl again, not just hearing her. The pure joy in her eyes as she runs over to me.“Daddy!” Abby’s voice is filled with excitement as she hops onto the bed, careful not to disturb any of the tubes or monitors. “You’re awake!”“Hey there, princess,” I say, my voice hoarse but full of love. “I missed seeing you so much.”Winona stands nearby, her eyes soft as she watches us. “She’s been so excited to talk to you.”I manage a weak smile. “Me too. It’s so good.”Abby cuddles up next to me, her small hand gripping mine.As Abby chatters away about her latest adventures, I find myself feeling grateful. This is what I’m fighting for—a future with my family.Abby talks about her drawings and the fun she’s having with Nanny Anne and Grandma Judy. “Mommy and I made cookies yesterday. I saved some for you, Daddy. But then I ate them because I thought you wouldn’t ge
Last Updated : 2024-08-04
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Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 493 Heartbeats
(Winona)The gel is cold, but I don’t care. I need this done. Dr. Harris adjusts the probe on my stomach, her face neutral as she stares at the monitor. Jayden sits beside me, his hand gripping mine. Lisa is standing at the end of the bed, arms crossed, her eyes flicking between me and the screen. Cass perches on the bedside out of the way. I’m grateful for their support.“Let’s see,” Dr. Harris says. Her tone is calm, but it doesn’t ease the storm raging inside me. My breath comes in shallow bursts, and I glance at Jayden. He hasn’t let go of my hand since they rolled the machine in. He looks focused, his eyes glued to the screen. Lisa breaks the silence first. “Should it take this long?” Her voice is sharp, her worry evident. Dr. Harris keeps her tone steady. “Sometimes the baby’s position makes it harder to pick up a signal. Let’s not assume anything yet.” “Easier said than done,” Cass says.I can’t help but agree. My mouth is dry. “Doctor, should I be worried?” Dr. Harris m
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
