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185 Is This A Trap?
Last Updated:
2024-08-21 11:30:04
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Divorce 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 : 2024-08-22Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 190 Being a Daughter
(Winona)Jayden walks into my living room with a kind of swagger I haven’t seen in a while. He’s got that confident, easy-going smile that used to drive me crazy back in college—the one that says he knows exactly what he wants, and he’s not afraid to go after it.“I’m done with therapy,” he says, like it’s the most natural thing in the world.I blink at him, caught off guard. “What do you mean, done?”“Exactly that. I don’t need to see Barnaby anymore. I’ve got my shit together, and I’m in control. No more sessions.”It’s not a question, and he’s not looking for my approval. He’s telling me, plain and simple, that he’s made up his mind. There’s something undeniably attractive about the way he says it—like he’s finally stepping into his own power.But there’s also a part of me that’s surprised by how resolute he is.“You’re sure about this?”“Absolutely,” he says, walking over to me and pulling me into his arms. “I know what I want, and I’m not going to let anything or anyone get in t
Last Updated : 2024-08-23Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 191 Date Night
(Winona)Jayden picks me up at seven sharp, looking more confident than I’ve seen him in a long time.There’s a calm determination in his eyes that sets my heart at ease. He’s dressed to impress—tailored suit, polished shoes, the whole nine yards—and I can’t help but feel a flutter of excitement as I step out to meet him.“Wow, you look stunning,” he says, his voice low and sincere, as he takes my hand. “I’m the luckiest guy in the world.”I twirl in my little black dress and heels. It feels amazing to be doing this.I smile, a warmth spreads through me. “You don’t look so bad yourself, Mr. Brennan.”“I can’t wait until you’re Mrs. Brennan.”“Let’s go, I’m starving.” I don’t really want to talk about the wedding.I wasn’t even sure if he considered us still engaged. Maybe that was me, after that awful fight on our engagement night.We head to one of our old favorite spots—a cozy, intimate restaurant where we used to go back in the day. It’s the kind of place that’s seen us through som
Last Updated : 2024-08-23Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 192 Not Asking Permission
(Jayden)The next morning, I’m sitting in a medical room in a high security facility.Ashlyn is sitting across from me, her face unreadable. Two doctors are present, one of them holding a folder with the results. I’ve never felt more on edge.The doctor finally speaks, his voice professional and detached. “Mr. Brennan, Ashlyn, after conducting a full examination and multiple tests, we can confirm that there is indeed a baby.”Ashlyn nods.Okay then.My voice steady. I know I need the details. “How? Ashlyn showed signs of miscarrying before according to her and the previous medical reports, and then she threw herself down the stairs trying to set Winona up. How is this possible?”The doctor flips through his notes. “It’s rare, but not impossible. Ashlyn was carrying twins. She lost one, but the other fetus survived. The remaining baby appears to be healthy against all odds.”I’m floored. Twins. I glance at Ashlyn, but she’s staring at the floor.“Well,” I start, my voice firm, “if tha
Last Updated : 2024-08-23Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 193 Devil On My Doorstep
(Winona)I pace around the living room, trying to make sense of everything that went down last night. A wonderfully romantic date night marred by my past.Jayden going all bad-ass on Steve was… something. Part of me was stoked to see it, but another part of me, the part that’s lived with Steve’s shadow and dark legacy, is scared.I’m scared Steve will retaliate big time. No, more than scared—I’m fucking terrified.Steve’s here, and that’s not just a problem you can punch away.I grab my phone, contemplating the idea of a no-contact order. Jayden’s setting one up against Judy, so I could get one against Steve too. But the thing is, Steve doesn’t play by the rules. Never has, never will.The law’s just a step by step guide to breaking the rules to him, a joke. He’s always found a way to slip through the cracks, to do what he wants, when he wants. And that’s what terrifies me the most.Jayden called earlier, and said he had to fly out for business last night. But he has his best security
Last Updated : 2024-08-24
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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
