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181 Ashlyn’s Delusion
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2024-08-20 17:40:25Related chapters
Divorce 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 : 2024-08-21Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 185 Is This A Trap?
(Winona)My heart is in my throat as we’re led to the private room where Ashlyn is waiting.Jayden’s hand brushes mine, a silent gesture of reassurance, but it does little to calm the storm of emotions churning inside me. I’m here, but every fiber of my being is telling me this is a mistake.I can’t shake the feeling that this is some kind of trap. I’ve been lured in but somehow I’m the bait as well.We enter the room, and there she is. Ashlyn. She’s sitting at a small table, her hands cuffed behind her. There’s a guard posted by the door, his presence a stark reminder of where we are.Ashlyn looks different—impossibly thinner, paler—and her eyes don’t have that same look.She reminds me of that teen, three years younger than me, that I first spoke to because she was sitting alone. I must be careful. She is far from that person, no matter what act she’s perfected right now.“Winona, I didn’t know you were coming,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper.“Yeah, surprise,” I answer
Last Updated : 2024-08-21Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 186 Desperate Bargain
(Ashlyn)I watch Winona’s eyes, searching for any sign that she might believe me. But all I see is doubt, suspicion, and hate. She’s not going to make this easy, I know that. But I have to try.This is my last chance, my only chance, to do something right in this messed-up life I’ve created.To help this baby I’ve created. If I adopt the baby to just anyone, Judy will find it. I know she will. If I leave the baby solely to Jayden, Judy will make sure she takes over again. The only choice I have is to get Winona to agree to adopt my baby as her own and promise me, if things don’t work out with Jayden, she will fight to keep my baby with her.I guess I have no real guarantee that will happen, but I know Winona and if she makes a promise she always tries to keep it. Especially as a mother.“I need you to believe me,” I say, my voice cracking slightly. I hate how weak I sound, but it’s the truth. I am weak right now, weaker than I’ve ever been.Winona’s expression doesn’t change. She jus
Last Updated : 2024-08-21Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 187 The Edge
(Jayden)We’re back in my car, outside the high security facility, but my mind is still trapped in that room with Ashlyn. Her words stick in my head. This is a bad dream I can’t shake off.Judy will always have a hold on you. One day, she’ll control your life again.I grip the steering wheel tight, my knuckles turning white. The thought of my mother having any influence over me, over my life, twists in my gut. Ashlyn’s dragging me back into that nightmare.“How can she even say that?” I demand. “How can she think Mother will ever control my life again?”Winona stays quiet beside me, eyes fixed ahead. But she’s heard me. She’s thinking, processing, just like she always does. “And she doesn’t trust me to take care of the baby,” I continue, my voice heating up. “Like I’m some kind of puppet for my mother, incapable of making my own decisions.”Winona finally turns to look at me, her expression tells me she’s about to drop some hard truths. “Jayden, we don’t even know if there is a baby.
Last Updated : 2024-08-22Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 188 My Mom, My Friend
(Winona)Two weeks later, I sat across from Mom at the kitchen table in my townhouse. The place is quiet, too quiet. Abby’s at preschool, and Cass is… well, who knows where Cass is. Enjoying her newfound freedom and independence, no doubt.I’m trying not to worry about her, I mean she isn’t a kid, but the knot in my stomach isn’t loosening anytime soon. I feel like her look will attract people who like to make trouble.Jayden has been busy all this week and apart from Abby time, we’ve barely had the chance to talk or stress…or argue about anything. It’s a good feeling actually. Just us getting on with it without all the crap overshadowing our days.Mom’s hands tremble slightly as she sips her tea. We’ve never had a proper conversation. Not about the weather or dinner plans, but about real stuff. The kind of stuff that digs deep and leaves a mark.But I know if I want to help her and get her to join me with Barnaby, we need to get more than skin deep.I take a breath, deciding to di
Last Updated : 2024-08-22Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 189 Glimmers
(Winona)The therapy room is the same as always—soft lighting, comfortable chairs, Barnaby’s calming presence in the middle. But today, there’s a new tension in the air. Mom sits beside me, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, eyes flicking around the room like a trapped animal.Barnaby smiles warmly at her. “Lucy, thank you for joining us today. This is a safe space for Winona and now, for you. You’re welcome to share as much or as little as you’d like.”Mom nods but doesn’t say anything. She looks like she’d rather be anywhere else. I give her a reassuring smile, but I know this is hard for her. Hell, it’s hard for me, and I’ve been doing this for a while now.Barnaby starts gently, asking Mom about her life before Cass, before everything went to hell. At first, she’s hesitant, giving short, clipped answers. But Barnaby has a way of getting under your skin, making you open up even when you don’t want to.“I know it’s hard to talk about, to relive. But hearing it from you helps Wi
Last Updated : 2024-08-22
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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
