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238 Crashing and Burning
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2024-09-08 21:05:17Related chapters
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 239 Judy’s Gesture
(Winona)The night has been a success by all accounts. The Brennan Wing has a record-breaking amount of donations.“I just want to say goodnight to Henry,” he says. “This gala has been great… I’ve done what I came to do.”“I’m very proud of you. Let’s go. You’ve done more than enough tonight.”We continue toward the exit, weaving through the last few clusters of people lingering by the door. Just as we’re almost at the staircase, I catch sight of Judy, sitting at her table with Gabriel and Cass. I see her lean over, whisper something to Gabriel, and then, with a smile that feels sharp enough to cut, she does it.She touches Gabriel on the back of the head and rubs. As she does she glances over at Jayden.That damn gesture.It’s a small thing, but I see it instantly, the same subtle motion she used to make with Jayden, a quiet symbol of love she had for him. It was always her thing. A secret, silent way to say, “I’m here for you. I love you.” Only now, she’s doing it with Gabriel, an
Last Updated : 2024-09-08Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 240 Gala Pot Stirring
(Judy)I watch Jayden’s face tighten from across the room as I make the small, familiar gesture with Gabriel. A rush of satisfaction floods me. He saw it. I knew he would. It’s a tiny thing, something I used to do with him when I wanted him to know I was proud of him and I loved him.And now? Now it’s enough to remind him of what we had, of what he’s lost by cutting me out. Good. Let him stew in that for a while.Jayden was on his way over. He would’ve violated the no contact order. I wanted that. But damn Gus had to step in being a big fatherly hero and stop Jayden’s onslaught. Oh well, there’s always next time. And there will be a next time.Outwardly, I keep my expression calm and pleasant. I can’t let Gabriel or Cass, or anyone else at this table, know how much pleasure I’m getting from riling Jayden up. It’s a calculated move, and I’m already thinking three steps ahead.If Jayden still cares enough to react, then I have leverage. There’s still a chance for reconciliation, whe
Last Updated : 2024-09-09Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 241 Gus and Maria
(Judy)Gabriel watches quietly, his eyes flicking between us. He doesn’t intervene, but his presence is undeniable. His sisters start talking to each other in Spanish. I don’t speak Spanish and I have no clue what they are saying.Gabriel answers them. I assume he’s relaying what he thinks is wrong with Cass.My annoyance flares. “It’s polite to speak in a language everyone at the table can understand,” I say, trying to maintain control of the situation.Gabriel turns his gaze on me, his expression calm but authoritative. “I will speak with my sisters however I please, Judy,” he says, his voice smooth but firm. “We don’t need to explain ourselves to you or anyone else.”The power in his words hangs in the air, and for the first time, I feel a shift. Gabriel isn’t just playing a role, he’s asserting himself. I don’t like it, but I can’t afford to challenge him openly. Not yet.Cass, emboldened by Gabriel’s support, crosses her arms and looks me dead in the eye. “You’re not going to ge
Last Updated : 2024-09-09Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 242 Ghosts
(Winona)The day after the gala has been all about family, just the way it should be. Jayden and I spent the morning with Abby, Bobby, and Sarah, playing in the park and eating ice cream.The joy on their faces brought a kind of peace that we’ve both needed after everything that’s been happening. Now, as the sun dips lower in the sky, we’re in the neonatal ward, sitting beside baby Henry, watching as the nursing staff tries him on a bottle feed.It’s always nerve-wracking, watching these tiny milestones. Every time he does something new, I feel like I’m holding my breath. Today is no different.Jayden’s standing next to me, his hands clenched tightly around the edge of the crib as he watches Henry struggle to figure out how to suck and breathe at the same time.“Come on, little buddy. Take a drink.”Henry’s so small, his little body looking even more fragile with the bottle at his lips. The nurse guides it carefully, her eyes trained on him, ready to pull it away at the first sign of
Last Updated : 2024-09-09Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 243 Secrets and Danger
(Anonymous)The room is dimly lit, the faint glow from a single lamp casting long shadows on the walls. I sit in silence, waiting. It’s been a long game, but we’re finally approaching the end. Our inroads into the USA will soon be open and operating.Every move has been calculated, and now it’s just a matter of setting the final pieces in place.A knock at the door breaks the stillness, and a dark figure steps inside. They move with confidence, every step deliberate, as they approach and sit across from me. Familiar dark eyes gleam, sharp and calculating.We talk easily in Spanish.“We’ve got a problem,” they say, voice calm but full of purpose.I lean forward slightly. “What kind of problem?”“Gus Brennan. He’s about to reveal the Cuban and South American networks. He has all he needs. That fuck has been a double agent all along. Nexus Global is a front for a worldwide spy ring.”“So, we kill him. Simple.”“No. That won’t work. Gus is too smart. What we need is for him to take the
Last Updated : 2024-09-10Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 244 I Want This Wedding
(Winona)A week has passed since that night, since I heard Jayden say her name in his sleep. Ashlyn.Even worse, he was having sex with her in his sleep, or whatever it was they did to require the use of his safe word. I’m rattled. I’m back to thinking that this is a part of his needs I can’t fulfill.It’s been bothering me, like an itch I can’t scratch. He hasn’t mentioned her since, and in every other way, he’s been perfect. But that dream, the way he said her name, the small groan. The safe word. It’s all still here in my head, eating away at me.I’m sitting across from Barnaby during my weekly therapy session, spilling it all out. I want to stop these sessions after I’m married. The way I’m going, the session will never end.“I know it sounds crazy,” I say, my hands twisting in my lap, fingers interlocked in a nervous knot. “I know he’s dealing with a lot—Henry, the wedding, everything. But why is he calling out to her, you know? Ashlyn? It’s like… is he still in love with her?”B
Last Updated : 2024-09-10Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 245 Home Sweet Home
(Winona)At home, Abby zooms past me into the kitchen.“Oh, hi, Mommy.” Then she backs up and gives me a quick hug. “Gotta go, we’re making cookies for Aunt Cass.” Then she’s gone.“Hi Abby…” My words trail off in the wake of her energy. I grin.Their laughter echoes through the penthouse, and for a moment, I just stand here, taking it all in.This penthouse was never designed for such family chaos, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It feels like home.Jayden looks up as soon as I walk in, and a smile spreads across his face, the kind of smile that makes my heart flip.Suddenly, the heaviness I've been carrying since my session feels a little lighter. Of course, I can’t ruin this wedding with my insecurities.“Hey, you,” he says, standing up and crossing the room to take me into his arms. “How was your session?”“It was good,” I reply, leaning in to kiss him on the cheek. I glance around at the chaos. “This place looks like a bomb hit it.”“I think it makes the penthouse look bett
Last Updated : 2024-09-10Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 246 Getting Intel
(Winona)“So, the gala night was interesting,” Phillip says, not looking up from his papers.He’s been over at Brennan Industries working with Judy on a marketing push since the gala evening.I glance over at him. “What do you mean?”“Judy was her usual underhanded self.”“No surprise to me at all.”“No. Me neither. Jayden is right to cut her out of his life.”“What do you think of Gabriel, with Cass?”“Look, I think we are all a little concerned but Cass is no slouch. She stood up for you when Judy mentioned you. Gabriel basically told Judy mind her own business too.”“Really?” Even after that fight we’d had? “Cass never mentioned anything. What do Gabriel’s family think of Cass?”“They seem fine, but their culture is different I guess.”“Do you know them very well?”“The sisters,” Phillip clarifies, finally looking up. “I’ve met with Ana and Eva a few times now, and they are very nice, but… I get the feeling they’re not really interested in sticking around in the States. They miss h
Last Updated : 2024-09-11
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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
