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207 Finding a Way Forward
Last Updated:
2024-08-29 22:47:12
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Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 208 Priorities and Legacies
(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
Last Updated : 2024-08-29Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 209 Trying To Find Normal
(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
Last Updated : 2024-08-29Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 210 Home With Abby
(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
Last Updated : 2024-08-30Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 211 Anything is Possible
(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 : 2024-08-30Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 212 The Right Decisions
(Jayden)I take a deep breath before answering. “Brennan,” I say, my voice steady, even though my stomach is in knots.“Mr. Brennan, this is Dr. Mitchell. I wanted to give you an update on Ashlyn and the baby.”I hold my breath, waiting for the worst. “Go ahead.”“The baby’s condition remains stable. No changes today, which is good news. We’re continuing to monitor closely, but for now, everything is holding steady.”Relief washes over me. “Thank you, Doctor. I appreciate the update.”“You’re welcome. We’ll keep you informed of any changes. There’s no need for you to be here tonight if you choose to stay home.”“Thanks,” I say again before ending the call. I stare at the phone in my hand, letting the relief sink in. “The baby’s still okay.” I tell Winona who is looking on, concerned.“Oh, thank goodness. That’s great news, Jayden.”“I think I’ll stay here tonight. Doc says I’m not needed there.”“It’s up to you. I get it if you feel you need to be at the hospital.”“Maybe for a check
Last Updated : 2024-08-30Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 213 A Quieter Future
(Winona)I sit across from Jayden in the penthouse living room, the city lights flickering outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. The day has been long and exhausting, the week has, but somehow, sitting here with him, a sense of calm settles over me.We’ve finished cleaning up from dinner with Cass, and Anne is sleeping in Abby’s room. Abby had trouble settling off to sleep after the news we gave her over dinner.I was so relieved when she finally closed her red-rimmed eyes after countless memories we shared about Mom since she’d come to live with us. I’m grateful we’ve had that time to have memories of her.It’s heart-wrenching to see Abby’s little mind try and cope with the awful news. It’s late now and Jayden and I are chatting over a glass of port. The drink is warming, almost comforting with everything going on in our lives.Jayden leans back on the sofa, his eyes searching mine. “I’ve been thinking a lot about the future.”I nod, leaning in a little closer. “It’s hard to think to
Last Updated : 2024-08-31Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 214 My Wedding Planner
(Winona)“I appreciate that,” I reply, my heart swelling with affection for him. “We can let things progress naturally. We’ve covered a lot of ground with Barnaby and with each other. I don’t think we need to overthink this.”Jayden nods, his hand still holding mine. “I want you to feel safe and natural with me. Like it used to be.”“I want that too. I don’t ever want it to be like our engagement party night again. But I do feel we are seeing life in a different light now.”“For sure. Do we need to redo the engagement party then? Finish on a more positive note?”“No. No going back. I mean, other than us arguing it was a perfect night.”“True. Okay.”“I think we should be planning the wedding.”He smiles at me and nods. “Alright then. I’ll do that.”“You want to plan the wedding?”“Yeah, sure. How hard can it be?”I laugh. “I guess you’ll be finding out.”“I can plan it then?”“Sure, why not? Knock yourself out.”We sit in comfortable silence for a moment, just enjoying the presence of
Last Updated : 2024-08-31Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 215 The last board meeting
(Jayden)I’m in my office at Brennan Industries early, as usual, but today there’s a different energy in the air. It’s the final board meeting before I drop the bombshell I’ve been planning for weeks.My mood is still buzzing after a wonderful night snuggled up with Winona. Neither of us wanted to get out of bed this morning, and after today, I won’t have to. It was perfect and we both slept like logs.I’ve already been to the hospital to see Ashlyn and check on the baby. It’s sobering to see her lying there, kept alive by machines while our baby grows inside her. Her mother is due to fly in today, so I’ll make sure I’m available for her later in the day.They never had a close relationship but I’m sure this will hit hard.This meeting is the last step in cutting ties with everything that’s held me back for too long and I’m keen to get it done.Lance is already here, sitting across from me, feet up on the corner of my desk like he owns the place. He’s always been more comfortable in m
Last Updated : 2024-08-31
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Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 566 Don’t Mess With Us
(Winona)I don’t call ahead. I don’t give Mia a chance to prepare.I walk into Brennan Industries like I own the place, straight past the receptionist, ignoring the protests as I push open Mia’s office door and shut it behind me. Mia looks up sharply, her entire body stiffening. “Winona, what the hell?” Her English has nuances of her Cuban accent but less than the rest of her family.I step forward, keeping my voice steady. “We need to talk.” Her eyes narrow. “Then schedule a meeting like a normal person.” “I don’t have time for games, Mia.” I plant my hands on her desk. “Tell me the truth. Are you in contact with Don Alejandro?” Mia lets out a sharp breath, closing her laptop with more force than necessary. “Are you serious right now?” “Deadly.” She scoffs, shaking her head. “I have nothing to do with him. It’s also none of your business what I do.” “Right,” I say flatly. “But I don’t trust you. I don’t trust Gabriel and I’m not even sure I trust your mother. You better not be
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 565 Easy, Effortless Happiness
(Winona)The call is done. Vault is set for the launch. I should feel good. It’s all about to happen for me. The biggest night of my life so far. And Jayden won’t be there to share it with me. I know he must have a good reason, but it still makes me a little sad. A major milestone missed. But we’ll have others.I go to step back into the room and stop. Jayden and Astrid are still talking, their voices low, steady. Sofia isn’t there. Astrid is smiling and laughing. I’ve never seen that before. She’s into him, I know she is. But I also know she won’t overstep. Won’t do anything that would throw Nexus Global out of whack.Is that the only reason why, though? I watch them relaxed and enjoying a conversation. It feels ages since Jayden and I have been so relaxed in each other’s company. But we do have the stresses of the family dynamic.The kids are undoubtedly our main priority. Are we just trying too hard for the rest?He and Astrid are joking about something.It’s not romantic. No
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 564 Let It Go
(Jayden)Winona’s phone buzzes against the table. She glances at the screen, mutters something, and pushes up from her seat. “Vault,” she says looking at me, already heading out to the terrace. I nod at Winona and give her a smile.“Jayden, the media shoot will go a long way to help turn public perception. Sorry we had to blow up your family time…” Sofia says with a smile. “But can I just say, those kids are adorable, and you guys really seem to have your shit sorted as a family.”“At least we have that perception down solid.” I grin at her. “Trust me, it feels the exact opposite sometimes. I appreciate you saying that, Sofia. We’ve worked hard to keep it real for the kids.”“And sacrificed a lot,” Astrid states.“There’s been a lot of changes, for sure. All worth it.”“Maybe we should do a segment on the kids. I know you adopted Bobby and Sarah… and Winona adopted Henry?”“Are you trying to get me killed? There’s no way Winona will ever go for an exposé on our kids, and neither wou
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 563 Public Relations-Private Relations
(Winona)The kids are out cold, completely wrecked from a full day of running, climbing, eating junk food, and making a mess of the suite. River and Kit have been off-duty since we got back from our day until we fly out tomorrow night.My muscles are really feeling sore right now. I make mental note to get more strength training sessions in. Maybe I better get out of the gym and do more outdoor activities. I loved the rock-climbing wall.I place the green salad on the table next to the warmed flatbreads. Jayden and I are hosting Astrid and Sofia for a late dinner. A bit of a debrief on the media situation and a friendly catch up outside of work. I’m looking forward to it but also a little nervous about being in close proximity to Astrid.She is very straightforward, and she doesn’t flinch at stating things how they are. Something I always appreciated about her even though at first it was a little jarring. So far, so good though. Jayden places the char-grilled meats and vegetable pl
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 562 Family Ties
(Jayden)Henry is in his highchair, making a complete mess of himself with mustard and ketchup. Bobby and Sarah are locked in a dramatic debate over whether onions belong on hot dogs, while Abby is curled up between us singing the song on the movie. Winona leans over to me, her body warm against mine.I tighten my arm around her. “We’re okay? Yes?” She hesitates. “Yes, we’re just fine. Sorry I get in my head so much with feelings.” “Sorry I don’t get in mine enough with your feelings.”She smiles back at me and I’m glad we just get each other these days. “But what about sleep? Are you getting enough?” I’m really asking if Winona is still having the nightmares about the baby crying…“Mostly.”“So you still having them, huh?”“It’s been better with Vault to focus on. Staying busy.”“If you need to get to the point of exhaustion before you can sleep soundly, that isn’t good long term.”She leans over and kisses me. “I’m okay. I promise. It’s getting better. Let’s not ruin the fun ni
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 561 Good Times
(Jayden)Henry shrieks in delight as the bucket tips over, drenching him in a torrent of water that would terrify most kids his age. His little hands slap the wet surface, his laugh infectious as Sarah and Abby cheer him on. “I told you he’d love it,” Bobby calls from the climbing ropes, shaking his head as he swings across to the next section. “He’s used to the hose at home.”“I’m not sure you and your little brother are safe together.” I laugh and Bobby climbs higher. This is a fantastic kids park, it has everything and not just for kids. Winona and I have given them a run for their money today.Kit chuckles beside me. “Gotta admit, the kid’s fearless.” “No argument there,” I say, keeping a watchful eye on Henry as he wobbles through the shallow splash area, River close behind. It’s been a perfect day—the kind we don’t get nearly enough of. No meetings, no deadlines, no PR disasters. Just us. The family. All playing and having loads of fun. The film crew is here, but they’ve don
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 560 Alone At last
(Winona)Sofia’s voice cues the next topic. “You’ve both had demanding careers. How do you make sure the kids come first?” I shift, pushing my sunglasses up onto my head. “We make it work by making sure that when we are together, we are fully present. No distractions.” Jayden smirks. “Well, most of the time. There’s always the occasional emergency.” “Business emergencies are one thing. But the kids know they’re our priority. They always come first,” I say.Bobby speaks up. “We have a family video call every night, before bed. We never miss it. No matter where we are.” I nod. “That’s right. And this is our first family trip but not our last. The kids have chores. Bobby gets out in the garden and he’s great at landscape design. We just find ways to drown out the negative white noise with positive family energy.”The day finally comes to an end and cameras capture it all. The smiles, the laughter, the easy dynamic we’ve spent years building. I’m proud of us. Sofia was right. This was
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 559 Lights, Cameras, Action
(Winona)The sun blazes down, the sky a perfect, uninterrupted blue as we step onto the deck of the yacht. Dubai’s skyline looms behind us, glass towers gleaming in the heat, the water an impossible shade of turquoise. The cameras are already set up, discreet but ever-present. A carefully curated glimpse into the life of a family that—on paper—has it all. Jayden shakes hands with the producer, exchanging pleasantries, while I shift Henry on my hip, forcing a smile. I see Sofia Fernandez, Nexus Global’s Head of Public Relations. I’m a little relieved to see a familiar face and someone I bonded with in Brussels. Then behind her I see Astrid Koenig. I stiffen slightly at the blank expression but that’s just Astrid. Sofia comes straight in with a huge smile and hug for me.As I hug her back, I see Astrid approach Jayden. She’s not a hugger but she does touch his hand and eyeball him while giving a definite nod. He smiles back like he’s not trying to smile. I can tell she likes him.A w
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 558 Picture Perfect
(Winona)Dubai is breathtaking. The resort is pure indulgence—pristine beaches, towering glass buildings, the smell of salt and luxury in the air. The kids are all fed and crashed in bed and Jayden has arranged a late dinner for us.Dinner is set on the resort rooftop, candles flickering against the warm night breeze, the city stretching out beneath us in a blanket of gold lights.Jayden reaches for my hand across the table. “It’s nice, isn’t it? Us, here. Without work hanging over our heads. Our family all together. I’ve missed the kids so much.”I smile, but it’s not quite real. I’m trying to forget earlier. “The kids?”“And you as well, that goes without saying.”“Does it?”He studies me. “You okay?”“Not really. But I will be. It’s been hectic and I so looked forward to being here,” I say, “ without the media.”“I can guarantee you there’s no media or cameras clicking tonight. I made sure we had absolute privacy.” “We may as well get to the first of the herd of elephants in the r
