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222 A Parent's Love
Last Updated:
2024-09-03 19:06:50
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Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 223 Uninvited Guests
(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
Last Updated : 2024-09-03Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 224 Not My Problem
(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
Last Updated : 2024-09-04Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 226 Sunday Is Here
(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,
Last Updated : 2024-09-04Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 228 Bad Influence
(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
Last Updated : 2024-09-05Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 229 A Hidden Storm
(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 : 2024-09-05Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 230 What’s His Agenda?
(Judy)Sitting behind my desk, I take a long, measured look at Gabriel. He’s calm, collected, dressed sharp in a tailored suit that makes him look every bit the professional he wants me to believe he is.But I’ve been around too long, seen too much, to take anyone at face value anymore. Especially not Greg’s long-lost son.“Let’s get straight to the point,” I say, folding my hands on the desk. “You’ve got shares now, but what exactly are you planning to do with them? Surely you have some kind of ambition.”Gabriel meets my gaze, his expression steady. “I want to help, but I can’t legally manage any businesses here without a green card. I can own shares, have a joint venture or even fund a start-up but not work in the U.S. until the green card is through.”“Have you got a green card application in?”“I do.”I narrow my eyes. “So, what’s your plan? Just sit on those shares while the rest of us do the heavy lifting?”Gabriel smiles. “Not at all. I’ve already been in touch with an immigra
Last Updated : 2024-09-05
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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
