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203 Atoning The Past
Last Updated:
2024-08-27 17:56:47
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Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 204 Point of No Return
(Judy)All I did was get some patient medications swapped around to try and get Ashlyn to talk to me again. How she ended up in the rooftop area, falling off, I have no idea. Maybe she wanted to end it all.My phone buzzes in my hand, and I open the message from my contact at the hospital.Ashlyn’s 24 weeks pregnant. Baby is in distress. She’s on life support.Pregnant? She’s still pregnant? How?She was convinced she had a miscarriage. That’s why she got so desperate and went to Santa Monica to try and frame Winona. She had no baby to hold onto Jayden, so she thought she may as well take Winona down with her.No wonder she ghosted me and they put a no-contact order on me for Ashlyn. I never thought she’d still be carrying a baby. I still don’t understand. I text back.Find out how she was still pregnantIs that why she tried to kill herself? It doesn’t make sense.I grab my phone, scrolling through the news, looking for something, anything, that’ll tell me what’s going on with Ashlyn
Last Updated : 2024-08-28Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 205 Last Goodbye
(Winona)The hospital feels like it’s closing in on me. I can only imagine how Jayden feels right now.He’s come to check in on Mom with me. Cass won’t talk to him either.Mom lies there, so still, so fragile, and it hits me how little time we’ve had together. Not enough time. Nowhere near enough.I reach out, my fingers trembling as they close around her hand. It’s warm, but she doesn’t react. The doctors said she’d wake up when she’s ready, but what if she never wakes up? What if this is it?Cass stands in the corner, hugging herself like she’s trying to hold in all the pain. She hasn’t looked at me since we got here.Suddenly, the steady beeping of the monitor changes, becoming slower, more deliberate. My heart skips a beat, and I lean forward, my breath catching in my throat. “Mom? Mom, can you hear me?”Cass jerks, her eyes wide and wild as she steps closer. “Mom? Please, Mom...”And then, as if by some miracle, Mom’s eyelids flutter open. For a moment, her eyes are clear, focuse
Last Updated : 2024-08-28Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 206 Jayden’s Unyielding Resolve
(Winona)We sat in the ward waiting room. Jayden is beside me, his hand clasped around mine. We haven’t said much since Mom passed away, both of us caught up in our own thoughts.Cass came back after ten minutes, tears streaming down her face, to say her final goodbyes to Mom. I couldn’t bring myself to intrude on that moment. She needs her space, and I need to respect that.Jayden squeezes my hand, grounding me in the moment. I look at him, seeing the exhaustion in his eyes. But he’s strong, certain, and that’s what I need right now.“I should head back to Ashlyn’s room soon,” Jayden says quietly, his voice steady. “Check on the baby before I take you and Cass home.”I nod, standing up with him. The thought of seeing Cass now, of trying to convince her to come home with me, feels like an insurmountable task, but I know it needs to be done. I’m not leaving her alone. I promised Mom.But as we start along the ward corridors, past the nurses station to head off this floor, the hairs on
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(Winona)The hospital cafeteria is a far cry from a trendy café, but the coffee is good and, actually, the breakfast offerings look okay too. I sit at a small table by a window waiting to see if Cass turns up.Cass needs to be the driving force behind how we go about saying goodbye to Mom.Hopefully she’s ready to see me. I don’t blame her for being so angry and lashing out yesterday.Cass should be here any minute if she’s decided to come. I’ll wait a little, of course. Jayden’s with Ashlyn, talking to the doctors about the next steps for them all in regard to the baby.I want to be with him, but Cass needs me too, and right now, I need to focus on her. Then I’ll go talk to Jayden.The door to the cafeteria swings open, and I see Cass walk in, her shoulders hunched, her face pale and drawn. I let out a sigh of relief, she’s here.I wave to her, and she spots me, hesitating for a moment before she makes her way to the table. She slides into the chair across from me, not meeting my eye
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(Winona) I sit with Jayden in the quiet of Ashlyn’s hospital room.The doctors have just left after delivering the news. Ashlyn’s condition hasn’t changed, and they don’t expect her to regain consciousness. Her brain is showing no activity.But the baby is showing no signs of distress right now. That’s the one piece of good news we needed to hear.Ashlyn and I were once friends. I helped her a lot through the her school years. Seeing her like this, even after all the things she’s done to me, makes me feel sad for her. I wish she’d have chosen a different path in life.Jayden is standing by Ashlyn’s bedside, his hand resting on the small swell of her abdomen. “They said the baby can stay in the womb as long as there’s no distress.”His voice is low, controlled. “The best option is to let the baby grow stronger, but if there’s any sign of trouble, we’ll have to act fast. But, I mean, I feel like it’s a cruel thing to keep a body going for my own devices like this. No one deserves to be
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(Winona)I glance at Jayden, still sitting beside Ashlyn’s hospital bed, his eyes heavy with exhaustion. I know he doesn’t want to leave here but I can see the toll it’s taking on him. The dark circles under his eyes, the tension in his shoulders—it’s all too much.He needs a break, even if he doesn’t want to admit it.“Jayden,” I say softly, reaching out to touch his arm. “You need to take a break.”He shakes his head, not even looking at me. “I can’t leave. What if something happens?”“I understand,” I say, my voice gentle but firm. “But there’s not a lot you can do here right now. The doctors are taking care of Ashlyn and the baby. You need to take care of yourself, too. Just come home to see Abby and have dinner.”He finally looks at me, his eyes filled with a mix of exhaustion and stubbornness. “I don’t want to leave.”“I know,” I say, squeezing his arm. “But life is still going on outside of this hospital room. Come home, see Abby, take a shower... just breathe for a little whil
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(Winona)The atmosphere around the dinner table is warm, despite the undercurrent of what’s to come. Anne, with her nurturing presence, insisted on cooking tonight, filling the penthouse with the comforting aromas of a home-cooked meal.She’s always known how to make any place feel like a home, and tonight is no different. We’re all here for Abby, to help her understand and cope with the loss that needs to be explained.I’m dreading it. I think the only thing worse than feeling pain is seeing other people’s pain and not being able to help. Seeing my daughter’s pain is not something I’m looking forward to.Jayden sits at the head of the table, his presence steady and reassuring. There’s a confidence about him despite what he’s personally going through. I can tell he’s put his difficulties aside to focus on our family unit tonight.I’ve never felt that way before with him.Abby is beside him, her little legs swinging under the chair as she eagerly eats the meal Anne prepared. She’s real
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(Winona)“I’m not going anywhere. It’s okay.”Jayden’s eyes are wide. He clearly wasn’t expecting this level of emotion from Abby.Cass wipes her tears away, trying to be strong for Abby. “It’s okay to be sad, Abby. We will all miss Grandma Lucy.”“We’re going to be okay, Abby.” I hold her close.Anne, ever the steady presence, speaks up softly. “Abby, Grandma Lucy loved you so much. She wouldn’t want you to be sad for too long. She’d want you to remember all the good times you had together.”Abby nods against Cass’s chest, her tears slowly subsiding. “I remember when we drew pictures of her favorite park. She said she’d take me there one day.”“That’s a wonderful memory,” Anne says, smiling gently. “And you can keep those pictures forever.”“I’ll take you to that place, Abby.” Cass says to her.“Okay.” Abby sniffles as her tears dry up a little.Jayden clears his throat, drawing our attention. “I’ve been thinking… I’m not going back to the hospital tonight. I need to be here, with al
Last Updated : 2024-08-30
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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
