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153 The Crossroads
Last Updated:
2024-08-10 11:40:22
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Divorce 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 : 2024-08-12Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 159 Navigating the Daily
(Winona)The penthouse feels more like a sanctuary today than it has in months. Abby’s laughter echoes through the spacious living room as she chases a bouncing ball, her small feet thumping against the hardwood floors. The sound of her joy is a balm to my frayed nerves, still tender from yesterday’s therapy session with Barnaby.Jayden and I are at the kitchen island, laptops open, papers strewn about as we try to coordinate our schedules. With Judy gone and Abby starting preschool full-time, our days are suddenly our own, but also more complicated with finding a work-life balance. We’re drafting a family calendar—work meetings, Abby’s school events, therapy sessions. It’s mundane, yet feels like a significant step forward.“Okay, so I’ll drop her off at school on Mondays and Wednesdays, and you pick her up?” Jayden asks, pointing to the digital calendar.“Sounds good. And I can take Tuesdays and Thursdays,” I confirm, making the entries. “Fridays we can alternate or go together, d
Last Updated : 2024-08-12Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 160 Cutting the Ties
(Winona)I’m sitting at a wooden park table, my fingers tracing the rough surface, trying to focus on anything but the dread pooling in my stomach.The park is beautiful today—families laughing, kids playing by the stream, and ducks floating lazily in the clear water. It’s the kind of day that should bring peace, but instead, my frayed nerves barely hold me together.Gordon had assured me that Steve would find me and to just sit somewhere amongst other people. Gordon is here as well. I can’t see him but I know he is. Knowing that quells the gnawing anxiety.My phone is recording, hidden in my pocket, ready to capture every word of this twisted reunion. I brace myself for what I know will be an ugly encounter.The wind rustles through the trees, and I catch sight of him walking toward me. He’s thinner but well dressed and that same smug smirk twists his lips. His presence is a shadow, darkening the brightness of the day.“Well, well,” Steve says as he approaches, his voice laced with c
Last Updated : 2024-08-13Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 161 Mother and Child
(Winona)The words hit me. Is he just playing mind games? A sibling? My mind reels, trying to process what he’s saying. “My mother… She had another child? To you?”“Yeah, a year after you left,” he says, almost gleefully. “I was done raising kids by then and done with supplying her drug habit, no one wanted to pay for her services anymore.”I stare at him. What a monster.“Yeah, surprised your mother was a whore, are ya?” He grins. “She wasn’t even good at that. Crying every time. Men want some fire, some passion.”I didn’t ever think my heart could break any harder than it already had over the years. But it did. The sudden realization that I was just too young to realize. He was the reason my mother had a drug habit. He kept her that way so he could pimp her out.If I could ever kill anyone with no regrets, it’s this person in front of me now.“One kid was bad enough, and I wasn’t about to waste the rest of my life on another. So, I left. Don’t know what happened to them, and I don’t
Last Updated : 2024-08-13
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Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 565 Easy, Effortless Happiness
(Winona)The call is done. Vault is set for the launch. I should feel good. It’s all about to happen for me. The biggest night of my life so far. And Jayden won’t be there to share it with me. I know he must have a good reason, but it still makes me a little sad. A major milestone missed. But we’ll have others.I go to step back into the room and stop. Jayden and Astrid are still talking, their voices low, steady. Sofia isn’t there. Astrid is smiling and laughing. I’ve never seen that before. She’s into him, I know she is. But I also know she won’t overstep. Won’t do anything that would throw Nexus Global out of whack.Is that the only reason why, though? I watch them relaxed and enjoying a conversation. It feels ages since Jayden and I have been so relaxed in each other’s company. But we do have the stresses of the family dynamic.The kids are undoubtedly our main priority. Are we just trying too hard for the rest?He and Astrid are joking about something.It’s not romantic. No
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 564 Let It Go
(Jayden)Winona’s phone buzzes against the table. She glances at the screen, mutters something, and pushes up from her seat. “Vault,” she says looking at me, already heading out to the terrace. I nod at Winona and give her a smile.“Jayden, the media shoot will go a long way to help turn public perception. Sorry we had to blow up your family time…” Sofia says with a smile. “But can I just say, those kids are adorable, and you guys really seem to have your shit sorted as a family.”“At least we have that perception down solid.” I grin at her. “Trust me, it feels the exact opposite sometimes. I appreciate you saying that, Sofia. We’ve worked hard to keep it real for the kids.”“And sacrificed a lot,” Astrid states.“There’s been a lot of changes, for sure. All worth it.”“Maybe we should do a segment on the kids. I know you adopted Bobby and Sarah… and Winona adopted Henry?”“Are you trying to get me killed? There’s no way Winona will ever go for an exposé on our kids, and neither wou
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 563 Public Relations-Private Relations
(Winona)The kids are out cold, completely wrecked from a full day of running, climbing, eating junk food, and making a mess of the suite. River and Kit have been off-duty since we got back from our day until we fly out tomorrow night.My muscles are really feeling sore right now. I make mental note to get more strength training sessions in. Maybe I better get out of the gym and do more outdoor activities. I loved the rock-climbing wall.I place the green salad on the table next to the warmed flatbreads. Jayden and I are hosting Astrid and Sofia for a late dinner. A bit of a debrief on the media situation and a friendly catch up outside of work. I’m looking forward to it but also a little nervous about being in close proximity to Astrid.She is very straightforward, and she doesn’t flinch at stating things how they are. Something I always appreciated about her even though at first it was a little jarring. So far, so good though. Jayden places the char-grilled meats and vegetable pl
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 562 Family Ties
(Jayden)Henry is in his highchair, making a complete mess of himself with mustard and ketchup. Bobby and Sarah are locked in a dramatic debate over whether onions belong on hot dogs, while Abby is curled up between us singing the song on the movie. Winona leans over to me, her body warm against mine.I tighten my arm around her. “We’re okay? Yes?” She hesitates. “Yes, we’re just fine. Sorry I get in my head so much with feelings.” “Sorry I don’t get in mine enough with your feelings.”She smiles back at me and I’m glad we just get each other these days. “But what about sleep? Are you getting enough?” I’m really asking if Winona is still having the nightmares about the baby crying…“Mostly.”“So you still having them, huh?”“It’s been better with Vault to focus on. Staying busy.”“If you need to get to the point of exhaustion before you can sleep soundly, that isn’t good long term.”She leans over and kisses me. “I’m okay. I promise. It’s getting better. Let’s not ruin the fun ni
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 561 Good Times
(Jayden)Henry shrieks in delight as the bucket tips over, drenching him in a torrent of water that would terrify most kids his age. His little hands slap the wet surface, his laugh infectious as Sarah and Abby cheer him on. “I told you he’d love it,” Bobby calls from the climbing ropes, shaking his head as he swings across to the next section. “He’s used to the hose at home.”“I’m not sure you and your little brother are safe together.” I laugh and Bobby climbs higher. This is a fantastic kids park, it has everything and not just for kids. Winona and I have given them a run for their money today.Kit chuckles beside me. “Gotta admit, the kid’s fearless.” “No argument there,” I say, keeping a watchful eye on Henry as he wobbles through the shallow splash area, River close behind. It’s been a perfect day—the kind we don’t get nearly enough of. No meetings, no deadlines, no PR disasters. Just us. The family. All playing and having loads of fun. The film crew is here, but they’ve don
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 560 Alone At last
(Winona)Sofia’s voice cues the next topic. “You’ve both had demanding careers. How do you make sure the kids come first?” I shift, pushing my sunglasses up onto my head. “We make it work by making sure that when we are together, we are fully present. No distractions.” Jayden smirks. “Well, most of the time. There’s always the occasional emergency.” “Business emergencies are one thing. But the kids know they’re our priority. They always come first,” I say.Bobby speaks up. “We have a family video call every night, before bed. We never miss it. No matter where we are.” I nod. “That’s right. And this is our first family trip but not our last. The kids have chores. Bobby gets out in the garden and he’s great at landscape design. We just find ways to drown out the negative white noise with positive family energy.”The day finally comes to an end and cameras capture it all. The smiles, the laughter, the easy dynamic we’ve spent years building. I’m proud of us. Sofia was right. This was
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 559 Lights, Cameras, Action
(Winona)The sun blazes down, the sky a perfect, uninterrupted blue as we step onto the deck of the yacht. Dubai’s skyline looms behind us, glass towers gleaming in the heat, the water an impossible shade of turquoise. The cameras are already set up, discreet but ever-present. A carefully curated glimpse into the life of a family that—on paper—has it all. Jayden shakes hands with the producer, exchanging pleasantries, while I shift Henry on my hip, forcing a smile. I see Sofia Fernandez, Nexus Global’s Head of Public Relations. I’m a little relieved to see a familiar face and someone I bonded with in Brussels. Then behind her I see Astrid Koenig. I stiffen slightly at the blank expression but that’s just Astrid. Sofia comes straight in with a huge smile and hug for me.As I hug her back, I see Astrid approach Jayden. She’s not a hugger but she does touch his hand and eyeball him while giving a definite nod. He smiles back like he’s not trying to smile. I can tell she likes him.A w
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 558 Picture Perfect
(Winona)Dubai is breathtaking. The resort is pure indulgence—pristine beaches, towering glass buildings, the smell of salt and luxury in the air. The kids are all fed and crashed in bed and Jayden has arranged a late dinner for us.Dinner is set on the resort rooftop, candles flickering against the warm night breeze, the city stretching out beneath us in a blanket of gold lights.Jayden reaches for my hand across the table. “It’s nice, isn’t it? Us, here. Without work hanging over our heads. Our family all together. I’ve missed the kids so much.”I smile, but it’s not quite real. I’m trying to forget earlier. “The kids?”“And you as well, that goes without saying.”“Does it?”He studies me. “You okay?”“Not really. But I will be. It’s been hectic and I so looked forward to being here,” I say, “ without the media.”“I can guarantee you there’s no media or cameras clicking tonight. I made sure we had absolute privacy.” “We may as well get to the first of the herd of elephants in the r
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 557 Travel and Trouble
(Winona)The airport is a swirling mass of bodies, luggage, and barely controlled chaos. Some flights have been cancelled because of the weather, and I just hope ours is not one of them.I refused the private jet as I want the kids to see how the majority of people travel. We’re still business class but even that lounge is backed up right now.Sarah is not one for big crowds, so she’s on edge. I’m trying to stay calm to show her it’s okay and we can cope with this.“When will we get there?” she asks for the tenth time. Bobby groans loudly beside me. “Sarah, we’re not even on the plane yet. Stop asking dumb questions.” “Don’t be mean,” I chide, shifting Henry higher on my hip. He’s already getting restless, his little hands grabbing at my necklace. I just hope he doesn’t need another diaper change anytime soon.River chuckles, adjusting her backpack. “Gonna be a long flight, I think.” Kit smirks. “Oh yeah. Definitely. But it’s just energy in here. The kids pick up on it.” Sarah pou
