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221 Naming Our Son
Last Updated:
2024-09-02 16:05:01
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Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 222 A Parent's Love
(Jayden)I stand in the Brennan wing of the hospital. I’m going into the smaller unit to meet with Ashlyn’s Mom. Ashlyn is in there as well and I know that her Mom, as her next of kin, has to sign the papers that will let the doctors turn off the life support.This has to be hard for Mrs. Carter. I let myself in the door and went to the living area. I don’t want to interrupt her personal time with Ashlyn in the bedroom. I hear voices, and I guess the medical staff are updating her.I named the baby after Ashlyn’s father, as a small gesture of respect, something that might offer some comfort to Mrs. Carter.But as soon as Mrs. Carter walks into the room, I feel the tension. She’s a tall woman, her posture rigid, with a coldness in her eyes that immediately puts me on edge. She looks perfect, too perfect.The kind of perfect that you know is bought and paid for.“Mrs. Carter,” I say, keeping my voice steady. “Thank you for coming. I wanted you to know that I named the baby after Ashly
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(Jayden)The music is pounding, the lights are flashing, and for the first time in what feels like forever, I’m out, trying to enjoy myself.The new club is packed, and Lance is already in his element, a drink in hand, a grin plastered on his face as he chats up every woman within a ten-foot radius.I try to relax, sipping my drink and letting the atmosphere wash over me, but there’s a nagging feeling that I shouldn’t be here. I should be with Henry.“Relax. He’ll be fine with the nurses. You know how good they are with the babies.”“Yeah, but I feel guilty. What if he has a setback?”“He’s been going great all week. The doctor said the best thing you can do is take some you-time. You’ve been there every possible moment.”“I know. I know you are right. But it doesn’t feel right.”“I’m hearing you. But, we’re here now. I’m all dressed up, Cass as well, a little less black and baggy.”“You are looking amazing too” She is. Her slender form in a hugging blue dress is amazing. But she coul
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(Jayden)“What the hell, Lance?” I mutter, trying to keep my voice low.Lance, as usual, is completely oblivious to feelings. “What? I thought it’d be a good idea to bring them out, you know, get to know everyone. They’re family now, right?I glare at him, my jaw clenching. “Family? Lance, I handed them shares to keep them and that business out of my life, not to bring them into it.”Lance shrugs, unbothered by my annoyance. “Yeah, but they’re here now. Might as well make the best of it. Those sisters are hot hot hot!”“Do not even go there. I swear Lance…”Before I can finish, Gabriel catches sight of me and waves hesitantly.I force a smile and wave back, feeling Winona’s eyes on me as she approaches. “I don’t know what Lance has done but I know that look between you two.”Lance waves the four of them to come closer. The older sister is looking like she hates it here and the youngest is bopping with the beat and looks excited. The other is somewhere in between, I think.I sigh, runn
Last Updated : 2024-09-03Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 225 Saturday Reflections
(Winona)Saturday morning greets me with a quiet kind of heaviness. I’m back in the penthouse trying to be awake enough to spend some time with Abby after another long night at the hospital.Jayden is still with tiny Henry, and he’ll be home for lunch and a nap later. Ashlyn’s time on life support is almost up, and it’s like a shadow that hangs over every minute of the day. In limbo, almost.But life goes on, as it always does.Lisa is here and she’s in the same dress as last night. She called and asked if I could pick her and Cass up from doing the walk of shame. I was about to leave the hospital anyway.She’s sitting in the living room with a cup of coffee, looking every bit like the best friend I need right now.“How’s Henry?”“Oh, Lisa, he’s so incredibly small. I can’t even believe babies can survive like that.”“I guess the will to survive is a basic instinct. I hope he makes it.”“So do I. I think it will kill us both if he doesn’t. But there are just so many things that can go
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(Winona)Sunday morning arrives with a heaviness that’s almost suffocating.Jayden and I went through all the motions of a normal morning with Abby over breakfast. Then we both kissed her goodbye until later. Anne is planning a picnic lunch for them with Aunt Cass. If only I could be there instead of here.I’m standing just outside Ashlyn’s room, and the reality of what’s about to happen is sinking in. Today, Ashlyn’s life support will be turned off, and her chapter in our lives will come to an end.Jayden is beside me, but there’s a distance between us that I haven’t felt in a long time. He’s quiet, his face set in a hard line, eyes fixed on the door in front of us. I reach out, touching his arm gently.“Jayden, are you okay?” I ask.He nods but doesn’t meet my eyes with his. “I’m fine, Winona. It’s just... I need to do this alone.”The words catch me off guard. Alone? Does he really want to face this without me? The doubts from yesterday start creeping back in, whispering in my ear
Last Updated : 2024-09-04Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 227 Goodbye Ashlyn
(Jayden)The room feels like the end of the world. Ashlyn lies there, a shell of the person I once knew. Machines beep, a dull reminder that life still clings to her, but barely. I stand over her, grappling with the storm inside me.Everything is crashing down, but this is where it all ends for her.The nurse stands by the door, her eyes filled with kindness. “Mr. Brennan, we’ll give you some time alone before we switch off,” she says, her voice soft.“Thanks,” I manage to reply, barely recognizing my own voice.The door clicks shut behind her, leaving me alone with Ashlyn. I reach out, taking her hand in mine. It’s cold, unmoving. I close my eyes, letting the memories rush in. The times we laughed, the times we fought, the way she smiled when she thought everything would work out. The way we were together. The times we shared when I was sure our love story would work out.But it didn’t, did it?“Ashlyn,” I start, my voice catching. “I don’t even know where to begin.”I swallow hard,
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(Winona)It’s Monday morning, and the penthouse feels unusually quiet. Jayden’s already left to drop Abby at school and then head to the hospital. Anne is heading back to Bobby and Sarah in her rental.I’ve scheduled our time so we can get things done without Anne here until she can move back next month. Bobby and Sarah are coming too and I’m thinking this penthouse may not be the best family home design. But it has to be for a while.With everything else happening, I’m not adding a house move to the mix. My townhouse has been sold. I’ll miss it but I’ll find another when I get time. There’s really nothing holding us here in this city apart from Henry and my work with Phillip.Soon, I can do that from anywhere and travel when needed.Henry will be in the neonatal ward for at least four months. Providing there are no complications, or worse. I push that thought away.Maybe I’ll take a leaf out of Jayden’s book and sell my half of the business to Phillip. But this is not getting anythi
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(Winona)I arrive at the office, but my thoughts are still clouded with everything that happened this morning. Cass’s words, her defiance, they all replay in my mind. Is she using again?And if she is, how do I help her without pushing her away?Probably not how I reacted this morning. I sigh. I practically booted her out. I flick her a quick text apologizing and say I hope she will be home when I get home today.Phillip greets me as I step into our shared workspace. He looks up from his desk, a knowing look in his eyes. “You okay? You look a little...tense.” Aside from Jayden and Anne, Phillip knows me the best.We spent a lot of time together, for work and in our personal lives. We’re close work associates again, and friends. I’m building my trust for him back up again. Which is nice.I sigh, sliding into the chair opposite him. “It’s Cass. She didn’t come home last night. Went out with Mia again and walked in looking like she’d been through hell. We had an argument. She said she’s
Last Updated : 2024-09-05
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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
