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176 Up In Smoke
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2024-08-18 17:59:35Related chapters
Divorce 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 : 2024-08-19Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 179 Settling In
(Winona)Mom comes back through first and I get up to go make her some tea.“Do you take cream and sugar?” I never remember her drinking tea.She shakes her head. “No. Just plain thanks.”Maybe she couldn’t afford cream and sugar before. My mind is full of a lot of maybes as I make her drink and take it into the living room and hand it to her. “Mom, sit down. Relax.”She takes it with a smile and sits on the edge of the sofa. Resting her cup on the side table. “This is all so much, Winona. I don’t know how to thank you.”“You don’t have to thank me,” I say, taking a sip of my tea. “We’re family. This is what we do for each other. Plus, it probably is my fault that the house got torched. I did go in with both feet, and I could have handled things a little more calmly.”She nods, but I can see the doubt in her eyes. She’s never really had a family like this before—a family that’s there for her, that supports her. And I’m not sure she knows how to handle it.“I can’t say I’m sorry it’s g
Last Updated : 2024-08-19Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 180 Daily Grind
(Jayden)Driving up to Anne’s place to pick up Abby feels like the first normal thing I’ve done in days. My days feel empty without Winona here, but I can’t deny the relief of having a bit of breathing room.It’s given me time to try and process everything—the messages from Ashlyn, the chaos with Winona’s family, and now, introducing Abby to her new grandmother and aunt.Not to mention fixing up a line up of work problems. I don’t know why I keep Brennan Industries going some days. Is it really worth it? This stress and workload is not a legacy I want to hand to my kid.Or kids…I realize if Ashlyn is still pregnant this will change my life.The daily grind I lived for is less and less appealing lately.Anne opens the door with a warm smile, Abby is beside her. As soon as she sees me, her little face lights up, and she launches up at me. “Daddy!”“Hey, sweetheart,” I say, picking her up. “I swear you’ve grown another inch. Were you good for Nanny Anne?”“She was an angel, as always,” A
Last Updated : 2024-08-19Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 181 Ashlyn’s Delusion
(Winona)Jayden and I are sitting across from Barnaby in his office office, the familiar surroundings doing little to ease the twisting in my stomach.Barnaby looks between us. “It seems there’s a lot on your minds today. Where would you like to start?”Jayden’s the first to speak, his voice steady. “I want to talk about Ashlyn. She’s recently sent me text messages.”I tense up, the mention of her name bringing a rush of emotions—anger, suspicion, fear. “What exactly did she text? I mean how can she have a phone in there? I didn’t think they were allowed.”“I don’t know but I bet Mother has something to do with that.”“I don’t doubt that. Have you spoken to Ashlyn before this?”“No. She contacted me while we were away. That's the first I’ve heard from her.” Jayden says, his eyes locking onto mine.I take a deep breath. “Jayden, what could she possibly want with you? With us?”I’m not ready for his next words.“She told me she’s still pregnant.”I feel like the floor just dropped out f
Last Updated : 2024-08-20Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 182 Confronting Issues Together
(Winona)We move into the next part of our therapy session. Barnaby asks my fears at the moment.“I’m worried about seeing Ashlyn,” I admit, my voice shaky. “But it’s not just her that I’m worried about. What if, by some miracle, there is a baby?”Jayden looks at me, surprise flickering in his eyes. “I don’t believe it for a second.”“But,” I say, taking a deep breath. “If she is still pregnant... that’s your child, Jayden. And it can’t be raised in a high-security mental facility. You know how your mother feels about your offspring. She might come back.”“Damn. Do you think she would? I’d rather she stayed away. I can breathe now, at least.”“If there is a baby, I can’t see her staying away. If there is a baby, I can’t see her not knowing about that already and leaving in the first place.” That much is true. “Something here doesn’t add up.”“Most likely because Ashlyn is being delusional, and this is exactly what she wants. To drive a wedge between us with lies. To make us doubt each
Last Updated : 2024-08-20Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 183 Making Strides
(Winona)Jayden shifts in his chair. “It hurts hearing you say that. But I accept your feelings. Thank you for being honest.”I smile. Wow. He is really real about all of this. About us. A surge of love and respect for Jayden engulfs me. He’s been to hell and back too.Just because he’s done it with billions of dollars doesn’t make it hurt any less for him.Barnaby leans back in his seat and grins. “You two are really making strides. I’ll be eating at the soup kitchen soon because I’m out of a job.”I laugh. “Don’t think you’ll be lining up anytime soon, doc. But I do feel that was a major shift for us. To be honest like that and not have Jayden get angry is amazing.”“I can tell you’re both serious and you are putting each other first. Well done.”“I did feel angry, and I felt hurt because it wasn’t what I wanted you to say. But being told what I want to hear and being pandered to all my life is what got me here. So, I’m trying to change that.”“Thinking outside yourself. Brilliant.
Last Updated : 2024-08-20Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 184 Where’s Steve?
(Winona)It takes a few days to set up the visit with Ashlyn. I haven’t told anyone we’re going, not even Lisa. Jayden and I agreed to keep this between us until we figure out what’s really going on.But just as I’m trying to focus on preparing for the visit, my phone rings. It’s Gus. I hesitate for a moment before answering. I mean the man has never really done anything to me. In fact, he’s been nothing but supportive.But I’d be a fool to trust him and think he’s a friend. Especially as he has Judy over there and I know she’s up to something. Gus probably knows that too. But Gus I know will protect Abby at all costs. The heir to Nexus Global.I’ll take that as a security blanket.“Gus,” I say, keeping my voice neutral. “What’s going on?”“Winona,” he says, his voice serious. “I need to ask you something. Have you seen Steve lately?”My heart thumps in dread. “Not for a few weeks. He met me in the park, and he told me my mother still lived in our old house and that there might be a
Last Updated : 2024-08-21
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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
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 484 Stay With Me, Winona
(Jayden)I burst through the front door, taking the stairs two at a time to the second floor. I pray I’m in time. I stop at the bottom of the attic stairs.Then I see her.Winona lies crumpled halfway down the attic stairs, her body twisted awkwardly. Her head jammed up against the wall, her hand rests on a spindle. Blood pools beneath her head on the stair, dark and horrifying, and for a second, I’m frozen.My mind blanks out, every thought swept away by raw panic.But then I snap back. She needs me. She needs me to be fully present, not panicking.I force myself forward, the first aid kit from the car clutched in my shaking hands. Every instinct screams at me to scoop her up, to hold her, but I stop myself. If she’s hurt her neck or spine… I could make it worse. My knees hit the stair below her, and I reach for her wrist with trembling fingers.A faint pulse. Relief crashes over me so hard I almost collapse, but it’s short-lived. She’s alive, but for how long?I tear open the first
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 483 Breaking Point
(Cass)“Winona!” I scream into the phone again, but there’s only silence. The screen is dark, it’s silent. She isn’t answering. “Goddammit, Winona!” I shout, “answer me! Be okay. Answer me…”I don’t want to end the call, she could be… But I have to. I need to call Jayden.My breath is ragged gasps as I stumble to the kitchen counter, gripping the edge for support. My shaking fingers scroll to Jayden’s number. “Pick up, pick up!” My voice cracks as I pace in a tight circle, clutching the phone to my ear. It rings, and then—voicemail. “Are you fucking kidding me?” I scream, slamming the phone onto the counter so hard it bounces off and hits the floor. Fuck! It’s totaled now.My chest tightens, panic squeezing my throat. How can I call him, how can I contact Jayden? I grab my jacket and bolt out the door, running as fast as my legs will carry me to the estate. Viktor. He has a another number, one that always gets answered.My lungs are bursting as I run full tilt for the estate, but
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 482 Checking in with Cass
(Winona)Cass’s face fills my phone screen, her hair messy and there are definite dark circles under her eyes.“God, you look wrecked,” I tease gently as I check out the kitchen of the home I’m about to close on. Anne has the kids for the afternoon, so I’m going to show-off this place to Cass. Cass groans. “Tell me about it. I just got done with prep for the estate’s first formal dinner since Jayden left. I’m in charge of a canape, Winona. A canape!” I raise an eyebrow. “That’s a really big deal. You should be proud of yourself.” “Oh I am. I’m so excited. These chefs are relentless but I’m learning so much. I love it here, even if Viktor’s constant hovering is killing my vibe a little.” “Hovering?” I ask, confused. “He’s not here physically—he’s too busy running Nexus Global—but the calls, the emails, the random texts asking if I’ve checked the locks or need anything… it’s constant. Can you tell Jayden to call him off please?” I lean forward, frowning. “Cass, I don’t think Jayde
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 481 Judy’s Service
(Jayden)Mother’s polished mahogany coffin sits at the front, surrounded by white lilies and roses, a stark contrast to the tumultuous life she lived and the wreckages she caused. It’s just Gus and me. No friends, no extended family. Just the two of us and that was what she wanted. Of course she did, just us two solely focused on her. Gus sits beside me in shackles, the officers are keeping their distance for now and covering all exits. He’s leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, his face drawn and pale. He looks like a man carrying the world’s regrets on his shoulders. He should be.I stand up and go forward to place a single rose on top of the coffin. This is it, she’s really gone. My emotions are tangled—anger, relief, guilt, and some small, stubborn ache that won’t let go. I feel free, and that in itself feels wrong. I go sit next to Gus again.But she made my adult life Hell and Winona is right, a big part of me won’t miss any part of that. I will miss most what I didn
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 480 Finding Ground
(Winona)The house is more charming than I expected—stonework covered in ivy, a wraparound porch, and large windows that bathe the interior in natural light.It feels warm and lived-in, unlike the two more modern places we’ve seen. The kids are darting through the unkempt yard, Bobby and Sarah racing each other toward a large and fairly new shed, while Abby lags behind, looking at a large pond.“Not too close to the edge, sweetie.” I call out and she smiles and nods back at me.Henry clings to my leg, his little legs unsteady on the uneven ground. I scoop him up and put him in his pusher Jayden has unfolded.Jayden wanders a few steps away, hands on his hips, surveying the property with a critical eye. “The house is more move-in ready than the others,” he admits. “But it needs a lot of work.”“I agree. But it just has a good feeling,” I say. “And the pond’s a bonus, but it’ll need fencing off somehow. Henry’s too curious for his own good.”Jayden nods, but I can tell his mind is elsew
