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188 My Mom, My Friend
Last Updated:
2024-08-22 17:05:40Related chapters
Divorce 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 : 2024-08-24Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 194 Once And For All
(Winona)“What the hell are you doing here?” The words slip out before I can stop them. I’m too on edge to care about politeness right now.“Is that any way to greet your daughter’s grandmother?” Judy’s voice is all syrupy sweetness, but her eyes—those cold, calculating eyes—are scanning me, taking in every detail.Gus gives me an apologetic smile. “I told her you didn’t like surprises.”“Abby’s at school,” I say, crossing my arms. “And we have plans after, so…”“So?” Judy cuts in, her tone sharp. “So we’ll wait. I’d love to catch up with you, Winona. Maybe we can chat while we wait for Abby to come home?”I do not want her near my mother.Is this coincidence that Steve is in town and Judy shows up?I’m not mentioning a word about anything. Not Jayden, not Steve and definitely not Ashlyn.I stand my ground.“Maybe I can help,” Judy offers, her voice too eager. “I could pick Abby up from school, like I used to. Spend some time with her while you handle your plans.”“No,” I say, too qui
Last Updated : 2024-08-24Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 195 Back Against The Wall
(Judy)Something’s wrong. Winona is nervous. Jayden isn’t answering my calls, which isn’t unusual these days, but this time it feels different. He’s slipping away from me, and it’s driving me crazy.Then there’s Steve, the bastard who just won’t stay hidden. He contacted me yesterday, demanding money—no, demanding a fortune. He’s threatening to spill everything if he doesn’t get what he wants.The setup with Winona, the lies with Ashlyn, everything.He’s got all the dirt, and he’s not afraid to use it.I’ve been in this game long enough to know when someone needs to be dealt with permanently. I even told Steve as much, made it clear that if he kept pushing, he’d end up regretting it.But the slimy bastard didn’t even flinch. Instead, he laughed and told me to go ahead, that everything was already set up to go to the authorities if anything happened to him. And worse, he claimed Gus knows about the threat too.That threw me. If Gus knows, it means he’s keeping secrets from me. But Gus
Last Updated : 2024-08-24Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 196 Alibi Groundwork
(Winona)I drive through the city to Cass’s cafe, my hands grip the steering wheel a little too tightly. Abby’s in the backseat, chatting away about the dolls she wants to take to the park tomorrow.She has no idea what I’m about to do of course, and that’s the way it should be. Steve’s not going to control my life anymore, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure of that.I called Lisa to see if she could watch Abby for an hour. Mom’s asleep, and Jayden’s out of town dealing with business. That left Lisa—my one constant, the person I trust most in the world. She knows something’s up, but she didn’t hesitate.I hope she’s ready to be an alibi if I need one. I’ll leave my car there and call a ride, or something. I don’t know yet. But I’ll work it out. If Judy can get away with shit through lies and paying off people, so can I.I don’t have to be the bigger person this time or take the high road. This time I’m just going to do what I’ve always wanted to do. Once he’s gone, all our liv
Last Updated : 2024-08-25
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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
