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18 The Way We Were
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2024-06-18 17:03:49Related chapters
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 19 Secrets Revealed
(Winona)After a silent taxi ride to her tiny apartment, I get us both a glass of water before asking her about the sudden outburst. Maybe she’s just covering for me. I wasn’t about to hash it all out in the taxi.“Lisa, you are kidding, right? You really don’t have to cover for me. I don’t care about Jayden anymore.” Not exactly true, but I want it to be.“No!” She shakes her head, and the tears start again. “I’ve made such a mess of this. I can’t lie to you anymore! It was me.”“Why would you do something like that?”“I wanted Lance to love me, like Jayden loved you, so desperately. But Jayden picked up the wrong drink and drank it straight down.”“Oh Lisa. That isn’t the way to handle things.”“I know but Lance just friend-zoned me years ago and we were so damn good together. But the way we’d argued that night, before I spiked the drink, I just felt hopeless.” Lisa drops her head down.I rub her arm and she continues.“I wanted to prove to him how good we could be, just to relax hi
Last Updated : 2024-06-18Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 20 He’s Mine!
(Ashlyn)I was three years younger than Winona and Jayden, and when I was in high school, the school was full of legends of their love. I wanted a love like that and before long I realized I wanted even more. I wanted Jayden to love me like that, not to see me as just a little sister.I tried so hard to be just like her. She acted like an older sister to me. I’m an only child, so it was cool. We did all the same stuff together and she really was amazing. But she had the one thing I really wanted and I couldn’t change that.Their love was crazy. Like all the books and movies. He’d sacrifice anything for her, even his family fortune. After his father passed, then Jayden had the accident, his mother Judy took over the running of the business. But Jayden always remained CEO.Judy knew I loved Jayden and she did everything to encourage me to make him fall in love with me. Winona was out of the picture, in a coma. Who’d know if she’d ever recover and Jayden’s memory was pretty bad.The doct
Last Updated : 2024-06-18Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 21 Fighting Back!
(Winona)I grip the official adoption papers in my hand. Finally. Phillip is now legally her father and listed on her birth certificate. My heart is hammering, I’m so happy and relieved. Now, no one can make it any different without lawyers and a courtroom.I don’t have to hide my daughter anymore. When I feel Jayden is ready. I will tell him the truth. But for now, I want to at least keep Judy off balance. Hopefully the good news will continue and Abby will be accepted into the preschool.My cell phone rings and it’s a local number. I answer, “Hello, Winona Nolan speaking.”“Hi, Winona. This is Marion Gregory from Johnstone Academy calling.”“Oh, Hi Mrs. Gregory,” I say cheerfully.“I’m very sorry. But we’ve gone over Abby’s information and I’m afraid she’s not suited for our academy.”“Not suited? Is there any particular reason? I mean the fees are not a problem and we live in the area.” “I’m sorry ma’am. We don’t discuss the exact details. But you understand we have many applicati
Last Updated : 2024-06-20Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 22 Taking Back My Personal Power
(Winona)I know exactly what to say. I’ve gone over this conversation a million times in my head.“Are you sure? If Jayden knows about his daughter, then maybe he wants me and his first born heir back in his life. That’s if she is his daughter, which she isn’t.”Phillip pipes up again, “And I must say, I do love Winona and I’ll always be there for Abby as her father, but I wouldn’t stand in the way of Jayden being with his own flesh and blood. What kind of monster would do that? Jayden would be sure to hate anyone if he found out they did that to him.”“You are both playing a dangerous game!” She clearly knows she’s painted herself into a corner and I now have the upper hand. “So you’re saying if Jayden has another child, you won’t be claiming any of the billions for your daughter as the rightful heir, if she was?”Interesting. Jayden having more kids hasn’t come up before. What are they up to? I bet Judy has been trying to make Ashlyn get pregnant with Jayden as fast as she can.“No.
Last Updated : 2024-06-20Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 23 Two Wishes Left
(Winona)“Are you settling okay?” Jayden asks. He looks tired with dark shadows under his eyes.“Honestly, if this is all you wanted to say to me, I’m leaving.” I just can’t do small talk with him while things are the way they are.“No.” He looks gloomy behind his desk. “That’s not all.”He stands up and walks towards me. “Go out with me tonight.”“What?!”“You heard. Go out with me.”I regained my composure. “Why?”“Why not?”“Because Phillip and I are seeing each other right now.”“But are you? Are you really?”I sigh. “Jayden, I’m here to work as a consultant. I’m not here to have my personal life and my integrity questioned wherever I go. It’s not fair.”“You’re right. Look, I’ve been talking to Lance lately. I do need your expertise, and Phillip’s. Things have already started to turn around. We’ve also talked over the past a little. I’m happy to let bygones be bygones.”“Really? You mean a clean slate. No more hassles over the past. Just us getting on with our separate lives and
Last Updated : 2024-06-20Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 24 Am I Crazy?
(Winona)I’m speechless. I stare at Jayden and sit down in the chair opposite him. What does this really all mean? Apart from the wish thing, which is stupid anyway, I do need to be able to get along with him from a business perspective.There will be times we need to be out together. Maybe it is better to rip the sticking plaster off quickly and get it over with.As if he reads my mind. “A business date. That’s all. Honestly, we can’t always be in the office. It’s just one date.”I can’t help remembering the first time he asked me out.***It’s junior year of high school. I watch the two fools passing notes in a math exam and one drops, floating over to land closer to my desk than to theirs. It’s not that they were not brainy enough, they were just too lazy to bother focusing. Of course they had money to fall back on.And the math teacher, commonly known amongst the students as Old Man Bulldog, is someone who doesn’t tolerate this kind of behavior, no matter how much money your famil
Last Updated : 2024-06-20Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 25 Dinner and Disaster Strikes!
(Winona)I really didn’t want to get picked up by Jayden outside the building we work in. But he insisted. No need to change because it’s a business dinner, right? The attention will become good publicity, right?Sure, more like he wasn’t giving one more second than he had to in case I changed my mind. Probably was right too. If I’d gone home I may not have kept my promise.Yet another night where I don’t tuck Abby into bed myself. I need to discuss my workload and make my daughter my priority. But I may as well get this over and one with. Maybe this will finally help him see we aren’t meant to be and he can go be with Ashlyn.His black sports car rolls in to park out the front. People at work definitely saw me get in the car of the CEO. Judy’s phone is probably blowing up by now. I straighten down my pencil skirt when I’m seated in the body-hugging seat.“Must we really throw fuel on the fire by making this so public? It’s my work reputation too. We all know nothing can touch you. No
Last Updated : 2024-06-21Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 26 Deadly Diagnosis
(Winona)“I’ll drive you.”“You don’t have to.”“It’ll be faster. Come on.”“Thanks Jayden.”He leaves a wad of cash to cover dinner and tips on the table and takes me by the arm as he ushers me out. That touch burns into my skin but I can’t think about that right now. My baby is in intensive care and I need to get there.The valet brings the car and Jayden opens my door. I get in and before long we roar off into the traffic, weaving and beeping. “Jayden, slow down. I don’t want to have an accident or be delayed if the traffic cops stop you.”“Sorry. Look, you relax, just let me drive. I understand how this must make you feel.”“No, no you don’t. Only a parent could understand what it’s like to have their only child, maybe the only child they can ever have, in a life-threatening situation.” I almost yell the words because stress has me wired so high.He glares across at me. “Only a parent huh?”“That’s right.” I snap back.“Well, isn’t that what I am? She’s my kid, isn’t she? You go
Last Updated : 2024-06-21
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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
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
