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2024-08-14 15:14:09
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Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 164 House of Horrors
(Winona)The following week, we flew into my old city early this morning. I’ve never been back on this side of it since the day I was taken to live with Anne. I didn’t ever want to come back.My hands are shaking. All of me is. The memories make me want to run away as fast as I can. The nightmare I lived here. Those moments replay in my mind. The fear. The hunger. The pain. The loneliness. All the horrors are reawakened.The house stands in front of me, the same house I grew up in, but somehow different. It’s still just as rundown I remember, but there’s a sense of care now—a small attempt at making it better.The windows are clean, the front steps swept, and there are even a few potted plants by the door. It’s like someone put a fresh coat of paint on a sinking ship.I hesitate, my hand hovering just above the doorknob. Part of me wants to walk right in, like I used to when I was a kid, but I can’t. Not now. Not after all these years. I have no clue who lives here.Jayden stands bes
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-08-14Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 165 Sisters Meet
(Winona)I glance around the living room. There’s a peninsula bench dividing the space. Over that, the small kitchen. I know up the hall there are two bedrooms, but I was never allowed in those. If I ever did peak in, I got a beating. Now I know why.It’s the same layout. The same place.But I can see the signs of care—clean dishes stacked in the sink corner, fresh flowers in a chipped vase. Furnishings that are older but not the trash we once had here. She’s been trying. It’s not much, but it’s something.Somehow, amongst the dilapidated structure, this place looks and feels like a home. Not my home but a home.I can’t help but wonder how she’s made ends meet all these years. It’s been over eighteen years.“I got help. Did some courses. Learned how my experience could help me help others. I do social work part time. It isn’t much but we live simple lives.” It’s like she’s read my mind.I nod. “That’s great.”“I can’t work any more hours because of the trauma I suffered. I can only do
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-08-14Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 166 Higher Power
(Ashlyn) I sit on the edge of my narrow bed, the cold, sterile walls of the facility pressing in on me. The room is small, with nothing more than a bed, a table, and a chair. It’s a far cry from the luxury I was used to, but it’s fitting. I don’t deserve anything better. Not after everything I’ve done.The silence here is deafening in its way, but it gives me time to think, to reflect on everything that’s led me to this point. I’ve spent countless hours replaying the past in my mind, dissecting every action, every decision, every hurtful word.I’ve talked to my psychiatrist and, more importantly, listened.And I’ve come to realize just how wrong I was. How wrong Judy is.About everything.But it’s not just the talks and the thinking, there’s a higher power at play here. Now I know there’s something out there bigger than all of us, it was easy to accept responsibility. Easy for me to want to be a better person.When I think about Winona and Jayden, there’s a knot of guilt that tigh
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-08-15Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 167 Two Worlds
(Winona)We check into the best hotel in the city.I don’t belong here wasting money while others are suffering. I don’t deserve it.Jayden is busy at the front desk, handling the details, but my mind is back at that house. The contrast between this opulence and the place I grew up in is too much. How do I reconcile these two worlds?How do I accept that I’m living in one and ignoring the other?When Jayden comes back with the electronic room key, I can’t help but voice what’s on my mind. “This place is over the top, Jayden. We don’t need all this. It’s… unnecessary.”He looks at me, his expression softening. “You’ve been triggered. We’ll stick a pin in this for now and talk about it in therapy.”Is he being understanding or patronizing? We take the elevator up to our suite in silence, the plush carpet underfoot almost mocking the rough, cold floors of my past.When we step into the room, it’s as luxurious as expected—huge windows with a view of the city. A bed that looks like it cou
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-08-15Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 168 Into the Fray
(Jayden)As we head towards the hotel parking lot, Winona suddenly stops in her tracks. “We can’t take that car where we’re going,” she says, her voice low but firm.I glance at the sleek, black luxury sedan we rented. She’s probably right. It stuck out like a dog's balls at Winona’s old house.“Okay,” I say, pulling out my phone. “Let me make another call.”I dial my head of security, Gunner, who’s used to handling all kinds of situations. The man’s ex-military, special services. If there’s anyone I trust to get us what we need right now, it’s him.“Mr. Brennan,” Gunner answers on the first ring. Always professional, always on point.“Gunner, I need security. And a car that won’t get us killed or robbed. Something that blends in where we’re going. We need protection—people who aren’t afraid to use force if necessary. I’ll send you the location.”There’s a brief pause before Gunner responds. “Understood, sir. I’ll arrange everything. Give me thirty minutes.”“It’s urgent.”“Consider i
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-08-15Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 169 Surprise After Surprise
(Jayden)Before he can finish, Winona’s hand shoots out, grabbing his wrist and twisting it hard.The guy yelps in pain, dropping to one knee, and Winona doesn’t hesitate. She delivers a swift kick to his side, sending him sprawling onto the pavement.Then finishes it off with a smash to his balls.The three of us men in the SUV all wince.“Don’t fuck with me. She comin’ home now!” Winona pulls a pistol out of her jeans pocket. “Any you other fuckers want to mess with this mamma and get your brains spread over the footpath? Go right ahead.”I’m stunned. When the fuck did she get a gun?I’ve never seen this side of Winona before, and it’s a shock to realize just how capable she is of defending herself. She doesn’t even flinch, her focus entirely on Cass as she holds the gun steady towards the other men.Cass takes a step back, her eyes wide as she stares at Winona. “What the hell?”“Get in the car. Now!” Winona says, her tone leaving no room for argument. “Don’t make me beat your ass.”
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-08-16Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 170 Packing Up the Past
(Winona) Back in the old house, Jayden steps outside to make a call, leaving me alone with my mom and Cass.“Mom, you need to pack what you need for a few nights. We’re getting you and Cass out until the coast is clear.”Mom hesitates, her hand lingering on the worn armrest of the couch. “This is my home, Winona. The only thing I have that’s mine.”“It’s dangerous right now, Mom. You know what can happen if they come here...”Mom nods. “What were you doing, Cass? You’re usually not that reckless.”“I’m sorry. I didn’t think she was going to turn up and go all gangsta on me.” Cass says and puts her arm around Mom. “I shouldn’t have run out on you like that.”“It’s okay, Cass. It was a lot to take in. But it’s better you know the truth.”“I’m pissed that you had to be that person. It isn’t you, Mom. You know that don’t you?”Mom smiles and brushes her hand down Cass’s arm. “I left all that in the past the day I knew you survived cold turkey. I barely survived it. I knew then I’d give y
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-08-16Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 171 Family Bonds
(Winona)I go to her and hold her now and we sob together. I finally got it. Why she never could leave and why she never contacted me after I was taken away. She made the ultimate sacrifice so I would go on to have a bright future.I think of Abby and I know I’d do nothing less for her if I had to.Just then, Jayden steps back inside, and I can see his expression and I know he’s heard. “I swear that slug is going to get what he deserves one day.”His hatred for Steve evident.“I wish he was dead,” Mom says quietly, her voice shaking. “But I’m grateful he never came back here. I’m grateful he left you alone.”“Not exactly. He’s been in our lives recently, remember? He’s the one who told me he’d left you almost here and pregnant. I wasn’t sure what I’d find here, or if either of you survived, but I’m so glad. He’s actually done me a favor.”“My short-term memory is a little shot. So many years of drug abuse took its toll.”“It doesn’t matter. He’s gone now. I don’t think he’ll be back.”
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-08-16
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Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband Dear Readers
Readers, I’ve been back through all your comments and it really touches me that so many of you cared about these characters. I want to send a very special shout out to mitzi.goodson and Theresa for your active love of the story all the way and for commenting regularly. I love you guys and I love all the readers #hearteyes# Also I have discovered a mistake in the upload of Chapter 553. Only half the chapter seems to have been uploaded and I have now fixed that. I know you’re asking about if you’ll see these characters again…right now, I’m letting them rest but I hope to update you on them in the future. Right now I’m focusing on my new stories which I know you’ll also love.In the next one, After waking from a 5 month coma, Ava Lancaster watches her beloved daughter die. Ex-husband Zach Lorne, allowed the mother of his first child, cunning Sienna Sinclair to use little Lila as a medical pawn. Consumed by grief, Ava sets their mansion ablaze—clutching Lila’s body while Zach pleads outs
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 600 Our Forever
(Winona)Lisa sits on the couch between me and Jayden, her fingers curled around the USB stick.“You don’t have to,” I remind her gently.“I know,” she replies. “But I want to. I can’t move forward if I don’t hear him out.” She hands the drive to Jayden.Jayden leans forward and plugs the drive in. The screen flickers.And then there he is.Lance. Black eye blooming from Jayden’s attack over hall pass week, bruised knuckles, the same crooked grin he always wore.“Lisa,” he says, “I’m so sorry. I wish this could have been different.”I glance at her. She flinches but doesn’t look away.He shakes his head. “No big poetic intro. No music. No tragic montage. Just me.”His smile cracks slightly.“First, I want to say this isn’t your fault. You didn’t fail me. You didn’t love me wrong. In fact, you’re probably the only person who ever loved me right.”Lisa’s breath hitches beside me.“I wasn’t built for longevity, Lisa. You knew that. Hell, I practically had an exit sign blinking over my he
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 599 Full Circle
(Winona)Viktor stands with his hands by his side while Jayden finishes up his announcement.I watch on, proud of them both. Not only staunch in business but as friends.“I’ll still be involved on a higher level, but day-to-day, Viktor’s your guy,” Jayden says, firm and confident. “Effective immediately, he’s the new CEO of Nexus Global.”There’s a brief pause before the quiet, respectful claps ripple through the room.Viktor just nods. “Thank you,” he says. No long speech. No dramatic reaction. Just two words. Classic Viktor.Jayden glances my way and walks over.“Proud of him,” I say quietly. “And of you.”“He’s ready,” Jayden replies. “Hell, he’s been ready for a while now. He taught me almost everything I know about Nexus Global.”Viktor lingers by the window, posture steady. Astrid steps up beside him, saying something low. He replies with a brief nod and the smallest of smirks.Jayden leans into me and murmurs, “did you see that?”I arch an eyebrow. “The nod or the smirk?”“Both
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 598 The Final Decision
(Winona)I see the moment his eyes catch mine in the window behind Astrid. He blinks like he’s seeing a ghost. Too late. I’m already across the restaurant floor, my heels pounding each step out in deliberate warning, the sound sharp against the quiet hum of late-night conversations. Heads turn. I don’t care.His face shifts from confusion to panic as I advance—his mouth parting slightly, eyes darting to Astrid like he’s trying to figure out if he’s imagining this. He’s not. I’m here. I saw everything.I saw the kiss. I saw the closeness after. The lingering smiles, the laughter, and the way Astrid’s hand stayed on his like they were sharing secrets. Like she belongs to him. You don’t need sound to understand body language.That kiss wasn’t an accident. It wasn’t a friendly peck on the cheek. It was enough for me to wonder if they’ve been playing me for a fool for weeks. Maybe months.Jayden stands just as I reach the table, knocking his chair back in a clumsy scrape. Astrid rema
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 597 Impulsive Kiss
(Jayden)Astrid raises her glass, the candlelight catching the rim. “To surviving another quarter without firing anyone major.”“To the rest of us surviving the grueling schedule of the Ice Queen herself.”“You did okay.”“Just okay?”“Better than okay. You have quite the work drive, Jayden. Gus was right to leave Nexus in your hands.”“Not one of you thought that at first. You all hated me. Especially Hugo. I think he still might, actually.”“Oh, you are not so bad, after all.”We clink glasses. The wine’s sharp, dry—like her. The restaurant is dim, ambient, tucked just off the canal. Astrid insisted it was the best late-night spot in Brussels. So far, I can’t argue.The food was incredible, the service seamless, and the company? Easy. A little too easy.This dinner has gone longer than I expected. I expected an answer from Winona to my text. But it hasn’t come. The conversation just flowed so effortlessly tonight.No drama. No awkward silences. No carefully chosen words. Astrid, wh
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 596 Instincts Don't Lie
(Winona)It’s nearly 1 a.m. when I step off the jet into the crisp Brussels air. I haven’t slept. I haven’t eaten properly. My thoughts have been chewing on each other for nine hours straight.I hear my phone notification, but I see Cass and I’m so damn happy. She’s about to launch the rest of her life and I’m excited for her.“It’s so good to see you.” I say as I run towards her and give her a hug.“You look like hell,” she says as she grins and hugs me back.“Oh, thanks for the compliment. You look like death yourself.”“Just finished a12 hour shift, what’s your excuse?”We walk out to the private parking area. Having a private jet is so convenient.“I can only blame stress and paranoia,” I tell her as we put my case in the back seat and get into her car.“Paranoia?”“Yes, about where Jayden and I stand in out marriage lately. I’m not sure I’m what makes him happy. All we do is fight, it seems.”“Okay… ah, so me telling him you’d have been better off never meeting him probably didn’
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 595 After Hours
(Jayden)It’s nearly ten. The office is quiet, except for the soft hum of fluorescent lights above the boardroom. Astrid and I have been going through projections for Q3. Numbers, strategies, deadlines. All things that used to matter more than they do right now. My family call is bothering me. It’s not that Winona had a sudden business trip, that’s expected, it’s just the way we interact lately. Going through the motions. Not speaking up on how we feel in case it triggers an argument. I’m as much to blame.“You missed an adjustment here,” she says, tapping the edge of my laptop.“I didn’t miss it,” I say, not looking up. “I just didn’t apply it yet.”She raises an eyebrow. She knows I’m distracted. I’ve worked with her long enough to recognize the look that says I’m full of shit.“You want my input or just someone to nod along while you pretend to work?” she asks.I lean back in my chair. “You always cut right through it, don’t you?”“Of course.”She’s right. She doesn’t have patie
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 594 Surface Tension
(Winona)The family call starts like any other.Except this time, I’ve told the kids I’ll be away and lied about where I’m going.Now I have to convince Jayden it’s an unexpected business trip.Bobby’s got a stack of papers next to him, pretending he’s not glancing at them while he listens to Jayden. He’s been working on some design options for the school vegetable garden.He’s become quietly obsessed with getting it right.Sarah is asking about when she can next visit the Nexus office again. Abby’s wearing one of Henry’s bibs and announcing herself as the ‘baby boss’ while trying to feed Henry a cracker he doesn’t want.Henry is slamming his hands on the table, shrieking with defiance, and Kit is doing her best to keep the screen steady while holding him.Chaos. Beautiful, familiar chaos. Welcome to the Brennan zoo.Jayden is calm, smiling, fully engaged. He’s asking Bobby about his team at school, praising his leadership skills. He tells Sarah he misses her drawings and promises to
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 593 Surprises
(Winona)Phillip is at his desk when I walk in, finishing up a call. He looks up and gives me a half smile, casual but watchful.I cross the room but remain standing. “I won’t keep you long. I just… I wanted to let you know I’m stepping down in an active capacity from Vault. Effective immediately.”Phillip’s face shifts from polite curiosity to astonishment. “Wait—stepping down how?”I nod. “I’ll remain the owner. But I’m not going to be overseeing day-to-day management or strategic decisions anymore. I’m handing all of that to you. If you want it. CEO, President, call it what you will—I’m out.”He studies me carefully. “That’s… a big move, Winona. You’ve always been a control fre… ahh, hands-on.”I give him a quick grin. “Nice save.”“I’m talented, what can I say? But you being hands-off, I’m not sure that’s even possible.”“I’ve realized I can’t keep devoting so much energy to business. My family needs me. My kids need me.”“Is this what Jayden asked you to do?” “No. He’s been exc
