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150 Friends Like These
Last Updated:
2024-08-09 11:43:59Related chapters
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 151 Can’t Get Past It
(Winona)I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck. My head’s pounding, my stomach’s churning, and every sound stabs into my skull. I groan, pressing my hand to my forehead as I sit up in bed.The memories of last night come flooding back—the party, the drinks, the argument.God, the argument.Anne stayed over with Bobby and Sarah. I hope they never heard us arguing like that. The kids are playing downstairs, their laughter bubbling upwards. It’s the only bright spot in my day so far.I pull on a robe and drag myself down to the kitchen, where the smell of coffee isn’t helping my nausea.“Good afternoon.” Anne glances up from the table, her eyes sharp. “You look like hell,” she says, handing me a mug.“Feel like it, too,” I mutter, taking a sip and wincing. Even the usual coffee tastes too strong. I wince. “Afternoon?” I look at the clock on the wall. “Shit, it’s almost three in the afternoon!”“I heard Jayden slam the door when he left around three in the morning,” Anne says, her voice pr
Last Updated : 2024-08-10Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 152 Is That What He Wants?
(Winona)“What kind of sex?” I have no clue what she’s on about.Lisa leans back, “You don’t know? God, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.”“Tell me what you mean.” I demand.“It was, you know? Kinky, like Dom and sub kink from what I gathered. She basically did all the things he was into just to keep him on a sexual leash, so to speak.”I want to throw up.“You know,” Lisa says, “maybe you should consider that therapy idea Jayden brought up. It’s not the worst suggestion.” She’s gracefully changing the subject and I’m letting her.But my mind is still locked onto what she said about Jayden’s sex life with Ashlyn. I focus back on the words Lisa just said so she doesn’t see how rattled I am by the earlier revelation. “Go tell a complete stranger my deepest and most irrational fears? Not likely,” I add.“Yeah,” Lisa says with a shrug. “Jayden’s been through therapy for his own stuff, right? Maybe it’s time you both went together. Could help you work through this Ashlyn thing. A
Last Updated : 2024-08-10Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 153 The Crossroads
(Winona)Jayden arrives at my door early on Sunday morning, the sun just starting to filter through the trees outside. I wasn’t expecting him this soon; he texted earlier to ask if he could come over. I open the door, and there he is—tall, broad, impossibly handsome. His face is a mix of determination and regret. “Hey,” he says softly, “Thanks for seeing me.”“Hey,” I reply, stepping aside to let him in. “Thanks for wanting to come by. I want to get this cleared up.”We go to the kitchen and I pour us coffee.He takes the cup from me, his fingers brushing mine for just a second, and I can feel the familiar pull, the one that’s always been there, even when everything else felt like it was falling apart. We sat down at the table.“I’m sorry,” he starts, his voice low. “About everything. I know I messed up, Win. I... I never wanted to hurt you like that ever.”I nod, looking down into my coffee, watching the ripples on the surface. “I’m sorry too. For my part in it. Jayden, I think we’
Last Updated : 2024-08-10Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 154 Good Riddance Judy
(Winona)The private airstrip stretches out before us, a vast expanse of concrete bordered by high fences and dotted with sleek, black security vehicles. Nexus Global’s logo gleams on the side of the jet, recognisable in every country on this planet, a reminder of the juggernaut that Gus’s empire is.Gus is outside his jet, overseeing the luggage being loaded. He’s in control over every aspect of the flight. Just like his life. His calm, methodical demeanor is unsettling. You can never read Gus. Outside he’s calm and controlled. But I’m under no illusions of the steps he’d have taken to get to where he is now.That includes leaving his only son to be raised in an abusive household as punishment to Judy who refused to go to Europe with him and slept with his brother. This man can make miracles happen, but he can also rain down the fires of Hell without a second thought. This man is Jayden’s father.Do we truly choose to be the person we want to be or does the gene pool have the last
Last Updated : 2024-08-11Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 155 She’s Gone!
(Winona)I glance at Jayden, wondering how he’s feeling about his mother leaving, but his face is a mask of calm that I can’t read. He hasn’t said much about it, and I can’t tell if he’s relieved or not.For the first time in his life, his mother won’t be hovering over him, dictating his every move, and yet he seems... unmoved.It’s that unreadable expression that sets my nerves even more on edge. I’ve always struggled to understand Jayden’s feelings when it comes to his mother, and now, more than ever, I wish I could see inside his head.Is he happy she’s leaving? Is he secretly afraid, like I am? Or is he just so numb to her influence that he doesn’t care anymore? The uncertainty about his emotions adds another layer to my inner anxiety.“Jayden, dear,” Judy says, turning to him as she stands. She ushers Abby over to me as she approaches her son. “Take care of yourself, won’t you.”Jayden nods, his face remaining impassive. “I’ll be fine,” he says, his voice devoid of emotion.“Good
Last Updated : 2024-08-11Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 156 Facing Therapy
(Winona)Dr. Barnaby Greyson, M.D., Ph.D.Consultant Psychiatrist and PsychoanalystGuiding the Minds Behind the HeadlinesI hover outside his office door, reading the name over and over. This is it. My nerves are toast. My hands clammy and my heart rate like a racehorse who just finished a steeplechase.I look at Jayden beside me and he looks exactly like I feel.His eyes meet mine. “We got this.”I nod. “We got this.”We step inside together and a receptionist asks us to take a seat after she takes our names.We both sit in silence. I’m sure the clock on the wall is on high volume as the seconds tick over.Then out he steps. He’s younger than I imagined. Not even any gray kissing his hair. I’m not sure he’s much older than us. Maybe he has a good hair colorist and does Botox or something.He nods at us, peering over his glasses like he is actually one hundred years old. This is weird.We stood up and walked into his room. “Take a seat,” he says as he sits in his huge leather office
Last Updated : 2024-08-11Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 157 Going Deep
(Winona)Barnaby pauses, then leans forward slightly. “Jayden, you mentioned anger. Can you tell me more about that? What is it that makes you angry?”Jayden’s words come out, slow and measured. “I’m angry because I feel like I’ve been lied to, manipulated. I feel like I’ve lost control of my own life, and I don’t know how to get it back. I don’t know if I ever had it.”Dr. Greyson turns to me. “Winona, what about you? What are you feeling?”I hesitate, not wanting to say too much, not wanting to open the floodgates. But I know I have to, if this is going to work. “I’m scared,” I admit. I look at Jayden and then back at Barnaby. “I’m scared that no matter what we do, it’s not going to be enough. Maybe we were way too broken before we even started.”The room falls silent again. I can feel Jayden’s eyes on me, but I don’t look back at him.“It’s clear that you both have a lot of pain and fear that you’re carrying. But the fact that you’re here, that you’re willing to talk about it, is
Last Updated : 2024-08-12Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 158 Going Deeper
(Jayden)“Imagine being told by my best friend that you now loved Ashlyn and had no memory of me.” Winona’s voice is steady, but the hurt behind it is unmistakable. She continues, “I was heartbroken. All I wanted was to get through rehabilitation as fast as possible and come find you. I was sure once you saw me, you’d remember what we had.”I listen to her words. There’s no avoiding the pain she’s laying out in front of me.“Jayden, remember this isn’t about blame,” Barnaby’s voice cuts in, calm and firm. “This is Winona expressing her truth. Just hear her. No excuses. No defensiveness. Just listen.”I nod, silencing the instinct to defend myself.“You never cared about my side of things,” Winona continues. “Not once. You never gave me the benefit of the doubt. You just accepted what they told you, even when I tried to help you remember.”“Okay, let’s—” Barnaby starts but Winona keeps going.“You made love to me the night I conceived Abby.” Her voice tightens. “I thought I’d finally
Last Updated : 2024-08-12
Latest chapter
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
