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170 Packing Up the Past
Last Updated:
2024-08-16 22:17:16
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Divorce 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.”
Last Updated : 2024-08-16Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 172 Unfamiliar Comforts
(Winona)I drive us across the city in a cheap hire car, away from the grime, decay and horrid memories that defined so much of my childhood. The hotel we check into isn’t luxurious by Jayden’s standards, but it’s clean and comfortable.Far better than anything Mom and Cass have experienced ever. I chose it carefully—something that wouldn’t overwhelm them but would still offer them a taste of security and comfort.As we step into the small lobby, I can see Cass looking around, her expression staid. Mom is quiet, her eyes darting nervously from one side of the lobby to the other.“It’s very nice,” Mom says softly, almost like she’s afraid to jinx it by speaking too loudly. “Thank you, Winona.”I nod, giving her a reassuring smile. “It’s a place to rest. We’ll be safe here.”Jayden handles the check-in process, his usual confidence on full display, but I can sense something different in him. He’s quieter than usual.Maybe this whole experience has him rattled. Maybe he doesn’t think he
Last Updated : 2024-08-17Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 173 It Is What It Is
(Jayden)The flight back home is uneventful, but my mind is anything but. I can’t stop thinking about Winona and what she’s dealing with. But even more than that, I can’t stop thinking about Ashlyn’s message.There’s no denying it was from her—the safe word confirmed that. But why now? Why after everything? I can’t be certain she’s being honest about still being pregnant. That could be a ploy to con me back into being with her.I know one thing for sure. I’m not going to see her without Winona. If Ashlyn can’t accept that, then I won’t be seeing her at all.I head straight to my office as soon as I land, the familiar surroundings doing little to ease my tension. I need answers, and I need them fast. I need a shower. I need some food.But first, I need to know if there’s anything legal stopping me from seeing Ashlyn.I call Daniel, my lawyer, and he picks up on the second ring. “Jayden, what can I do for you?”“Is it okay for me to visit Ashlyn?” I say, cutting straight to the point. “
Last Updated : 2024-08-17Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 174 Desperate Measures
(Judy)I stand on the balcony of my castle in France, the sun doing little to warm the chill that’s settled deep in my bones. The view from the highest hilltop here is breathtaking, but all I can think about is Jayden.He’s slipping away from me. I can feel it in every clipped word, every unanswered call. He’s more distant, more unreachable, and it’s driving me mad.I need Ashlyn to step up, to start pushing Winona again, to destabilize her. But Ashlyn has been quiet, too quiet. She’s stalling, and I don’t have time for this. Whatever clever little plan Ashlyn thinks she has, won’t work.If she thinks she’s going all vigilante on me, that she’s safe because I’m in another country, she’s wrong.I text her number.Call me. I need to speak with you. UrgentIt’s difficult for her to be able to call, I know that. But she’ll find a way.The tension coils in my chest as I wait for her to text back. To my surprise, my phone rings and it’s her.“That was fast. I like it.”“Judy,” she says, her
Last Updated : 2024-08-17Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 175 Moving Forward
(Winona)I wake up to the sound of Cass’s quiet snoring from the pull-out couch. She’s still out like a light. The room is dim, but I can tell we’ve slept later than I usually do. A quick glance at my phone confirms it’s almost 10 AM.I feel surprisingly refreshed. Maybe it’s the change of scenery, or maybe it’s the fact that, for the first time in years, I’m not running away from my past—I’m facing it head-on.I stretch out, careful not to make a noise and disturb Mom, who’s still sound asleep in the bed next to mine. She looks peaceful, almost like the years have melted away, and she’s the mom I used to dream about having.A mom who wasn’t buried under layers of addiction and despair.But this is reality, not a dream. And in reality, there’s work to be done to move us all forward. I quietly slip out of bed and head into the bathroom to freshen up. As I splash water on my face, I start thinking about what needs to happen next.Cass will need some direction, and Mom... Well, I’ll find
Last Updated : 2024-08-18Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 176 Up In Smoke
(Winona)Cass flips through the tv channels again while mom gets ready to go out for breakfast. I can tell she’s restless, probably nervous about this new community and going out. They sure need to get some clothing.I wonder if I can convince them to let me take them shopping?Mom’s out of the bathroom now and sitting in the armchair by the window, staring out at the city beyond. I can’t tell if she’s thinking about the past or worrying about the future—probably both.Just as I’m about to suggest we go get food and look in the variety store for some basics, Cass stops on a news channel. The reporter is talking about a fire, and the area it’s in makes me pay attention.“The fire, which broke out late last night, completely destroyed a house in the area. Witnesses say they saw a car and Molotov cocktails being thrown just before the flames engulfed the old home.”Cass suddenly goes still, her eyes locked on the screen. I look at the TV, and my heart stops.It’s the old house. Or what’s
Last Updated : 2024-08-18Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 177 Better Than Gold
(Winona)The next morning, we have newly packed luggage and we’re getting ready to go to the airport.“Mom, I know this isn’t easy,” I break the silence. “But I really think this is the best thing for you right now.”Mom doesn’t respond.“Don’t be nervous about the plane ride. It will go fine. The first one is the most nerve-wracking.”Mom smiles. “Don’t worry. I’m okay. Let’s go and get this day started. “Once we get to the townhouse, we can start looking for a place where you and Cass can settle down. It’s not going to be at my place forever, just until you decide where you want to be.”Cass snorts. “Yeah, right. Like we can choose anywhere we want. We don’t have infinite resources like others do.”“Cass, it’s better than the streets,” I say, trying to keep my voice calm. “And it’s definitely better than living in fear because of what just happened. You’ll have to get a job to make rent.”She glares at me, but she doesn’t argue. She knows I’m right, even if she doesn’t want to admi
Last Updated : 2024-08-18Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 178 Back at the Townhouse
(Winona)The familiar scent of my townhouse hits me as we step inside. It's just so good to be home. To have somewhere to call home. I feel for Mom and Cass who’ve just lost theirs, even though it was time that house went.My place is warm, inviting, and it’s so far removed from the world we just left behind that it almost feels like stepping into another life entirely. But I’ve tried to keep it ordinary and nothing flashy but after revisiting my past I can see how this place reeks of someone with money and not without.Mom and Cass follow me inside, looking around with wide eyes. I can tell they’re both trying to take it all in. Mom clutches her bag a little tighter, like she’s afraid she might break something just by being here.Cass, on the other hand, has that same defiant look on her face, like she’s daring the house to reject her or me. She needs to find her feet. That can be a rough road.“This is… this is really nice, Winona,” Mom says, her voice trembling a little. “I’ve nev
Last Updated : 2024-08-19
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Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 520 A Cry in the Dark
(Winona)The soft cry of a baby envelopes me. At first, it’s faint, like it’s coming from another room. Then it grows louder, more insistent. I’m fumbling, trying to pinpoint the direction, but I can’t find it. My hands press against empty air, the cries getting louder. I’m coming, baby. I’m coming. I wake with a gasp, my chest so tight I can’t draw a breath back in. My hands grip the sheets. It’s like I’ve been running. But I’m in bed. My bed.I look over and see Jayden isn’t beside me. But bright sun is coming through the window. I must have slept late.The room is still. I finally suck a breath into my lungs. No baby crying. No baby to find. No baby.The realization twists. I sit up, forcing myself to breathe slowly, deliberately. “It’s just a dream,” I whisper, running a hand through my hair. “Just a stupid dream.” ***After dressing in a loose shirt and jeans, I decide to head downstairs. The scent of coffee and toast wafts up, warm and inviting. I can hear the kids’ chat
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 519 Fanning Flames
(Cass)I stride through the penthouse, my stiletto heels clicking against the marble floor with purpose.I know I look good—stunning, actually. This dress hugs every curve just right, and the deep emerald green makes my eyes pop.Tonight is about reminding myself that I have a feminine side and I’m not afraid to use it. Gabriel may have been part of my past, but I’m going to show him just how irresistible the present me is. But as I head towards the elevator, Viktor steps out, his tall frame filling the space and his expression hard as stone. He crosses his arms and plants himself directly in front of the doors. “Ready for your date then??” he asks, his voice low, almost a growl. “You know I am,” I reply, refusing to let him intimidate me. “Unless you plan to stand there all night.” His eyes rake over me, lingering just a second too long on the neckline of my dress before snapping back to my face. “You’re really going out with Gabriel.” It’s not a question. “Yes, I am.” I tilt my
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 518 A Clean Slate
(Jayden)I find her on her laptop. “How are you really feeling?” I ask, standing by the edge of the bed. She looks up, her eyes softening. “Tired, but okay. It’s good to be home. That makes me feel one thousand percent better. You’ve got that look.”“What look?” I ask, kicking off my shoes and stripping down to my boxers.“The one that says you’ve got something weighing on you,” she replies, her tone softer now.I sigh, running a hand through my hair and sit on the edge of the bed. “It’s Cass. She’s in danger, Winona. Real danger.”Winona shifts, her eyes narrowing with concern. “What kind of danger? How?”“Don Alejandro, he hasn’t been arrested. He’s gone underground and he’s still calling the shots,” I say, my voice low.“But Cass has nothing to do with him, or Mia anymore. Gus cleared her of anything drug-related. How can she be in danger?”“Cass went to her old apartment. To clear it up. Trying to make a clean slate, I think. While she was there, they turned up.”“Who?”“Mia fir
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 517 No secrets
(Jayden)“Daddy’s home!” Abbey squeals, her feet thundering across the wooden floor towards me. I barely have time to drop my briefcase before she launches herself at me. I scoop her up, spinning her in a slow circle while she giggles wildly. “Hey, princess,” I say, kissing her cheek. “Did you miss me?” She nods, curls bouncing. “Missed you so much! Mommy’s upstairs. She said you were bringing Henry back, but you didn’t. Where is he?” “Henry’s asleep in the car,” I explain, setting her down. “I’ll grab him in a minute. I had to get my Abbey hug first.” Bobby appears in the doorway, leaning casually against the frame like he’s auditioning for a teen drama. “Dinner’s almost ready. Sarah and I are making sure everything’s perfect for Mom. We’re making up trays.” “That so?” I ruffle his hair, and he swats my hand away with a grin. “Good work, kid. You’re the man of the house when I’m not here, right?” “Obviously,” he says, puffing his chest out. “This place would fall apart without
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 516 Striking back
(Mia)“You know what, Gabriel?” I say, my voice sharp. “Maybe you’re not as noble as you want everyone to believe. You think I don’t see what you’re doing? You’re not trying to protect this family. You’re trying to control it.”He narrows his eyes. “What are you talking about?”“Don’t play dumb,” I snap. “You just want Brennan Industries for yourself. That’s what this is really about, isn’t it? Turning Ana and Eva against me so they’ll sell to you.”“That’s ridiculous,” Gabriel retorts, his tone cold. “I’m protecting the company from you. You’ve already proven you can’t be trusted. Someone has to safeguard what Papá built.”“What Papa started,” I say, crossing my arms. “That company was built by Judy Brennan. Our father was an awful businessman. But he loved us, all of us. Don’t forget, Gabriel, we all share the same blood. The same father. We all deserve to benefit from the legacy, not just you.”Ana shifts uncomfortably, her eyes darting between us. “Mía, it’s not about taking sides
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 515 Making My Mark
(Mia)The townhouse is spotless. Every vase, every gold fixture, every inch of marble gleams under the crystal chandelier’s glow. I’ve made sure of it, not for me, but for them. My family is coming, and I know the judgment in their eyes will be as sharp as their words. They will think I don’t belong here. Such luxury and display of wealth is unbecoming. I should be more humble. Show more gratitude and grace.I don’t care. I do belong here. All I want is for mother to love and respect me as a woman. Not to always see me as her baby girl who needs constant mothering.I straighten the throw pillows for the third time, my nerves simmering beneath my skin. When the doorbell rings, I force my shoulders back and my face into a practiced smile. “Come in,” I say as I open the door. Mama steps in first, her dark eyes scanning the room like she’s searching for something to scold me about. Behind her, Ana and Eva follow, their expressions less obvious but no less guarded. Gabriel brings up
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 514 Perfect Family Vibes
(Winona)“Winona,” he says, walking over to kiss my temple. “Welcome home. It feels so good here, right?”“You feel it too?” That makes me happy. Knowing Jayden feels the same vibe the kids and I do in this place.“You chose perfectly. I’m heading out for a meeting with Gus and Viktor. Figured I’d take Henry with me. He can nap in the car. If that’s okay with you? Is Henry being with Gus okay?” I nod. “Gus visited me, and we sorted some stuff. It’s fine with me if it’s fine with you.”He kisses my lips and whispers in my ear, “I can’t wait to snuggle with you tonight. I have missed you so, so much after dinner time.” He nuzzles my ear.I smile as Henry tries to grab my hair.“Hey, you two, get a room!” Lisa teases.“Oh, we will.” He steps away and Henry reaches for me and I hold his little hand in mine. I’ve missed him so much.“Anyway, I better bounce. Get this Global Nexus stuff done,” Jayden says.“Henry can stay here if it’s easier.”“No need. He’s my right-hand man these days. H
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 513 Life Without Barriers
(Winona)The moment I step into the farmhouse, the scent of lavender and woodland spice welcomes me like an old friend. I know it’s one of Klara’s aromatherapy concoctions that I love.Lisa has given me a ride home to save Jayden the trip into the city as he’s here with the kids.The kids are buzzing around like a small tornado, their excitement obvious. It’s a stark contrast to the opulence of Brussels high-end estate or Jayden’s Penthouse here. This place is different. It’s ours. Once I have the renovations done, it will still be luxurious, of course—heated floors, state-of-the-art kitchen, and furnishings you’d see in a design magazine—but not excessive.It’s cozy, warm, and every inch of it feels lived-in. It’s like the cottage in a way. A family home but this place has something the cottage didn’t have. A history in its walls of previous families. It feels like home in a way nowhere else I’ve ever lived has.Even my townhouse, which was perfect for me at the time, pales in com
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 512 The Danger I’m In
(Cass)I sit on the couch at Jayden’s penthouse, picking at my nails, while Viktor stands near the window, arms crossed, eyes focused on the city below.His broad shoulders are tense, his entire posture screaming disapproval.I’ve just told him what I overheard in my apartment and he’s acting like I heard it on purpose.“Say it,” I snap, breaking the silence.He turns, his blue eyes icy. “You shouldn’t have gone there alone.”“Tell me why you went there,” he demands, his voice a coiled spring ready to snap. “I didn’t know they’d be there!” I snap, my frustration bubbling to the surface. “I was cleaning up, minding my own business, and then they just… showed up.” “Does anyone else know?” he growls, his accent thickening with his anger. “Did you see anyone on the way in, or out? If he finds out…” “No.” I fire back. “No one else was around. Stop being so dramatic.”“You need to take this seriously,” he says, his voice sharp enough to cut glass. “Don Alejandro is one of the most danger
