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241 Gus and Maria
Last Updated:
2024-09-09 19:41:49
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Divorce 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 : 2024-09-11Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 247 Cancun Worries
(Winona)“Cass is heading to Cancun soon with Gabriel and Mia for a short break before the wedding,” I can’t hide the hint of disapproval.Gus raises an eyebrow. “You’re not okay with her seeing Gabriel?”I sigh, leaning back in my chair. “No. Not really. But what can I do? She’s an adult, Gus. I can’t control her decisions. And besides, I’ve got too much on my plate with the wedding and our family.”“Yes, you can’t take on life for Cass too.”“It’s just… I’m worried. Gabriel. He’s older, and I can’t shake the feeling that he’s using Cass.”“I get it.”“But what is he using her for? I mean, he clearly doesn’t need her for a green card or residency with the business shares. It’s not like Cass has assets or a fortune in the bank.” I shrug.“Maybe you just answered your own question. Maybe he likes Cass for who she is. From what I saw, a very remarkable young woman who has no qualms taking care of herself or telling anyone how it really is.”“You have no clue how good she is at taking ca
Last Updated : 2024-09-11Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 248 The Final Fitting
(Winona)Abby tugs at my hand, her eyes wide with excitement. “Mommy, I can’t wait to see you in your dress! It’s going to be so pretty!”I smile down at her, my heart swelling with love. “I can’t wait to see you in your flower girl dress, sweetheart. You’re going to be a real princess.”She giggles and skips ahead as the bridal attendant greets us, leading us to a private area with champagne for us and soda for the kids.I’ve been so focused on life. So focused on keeping things okay around me. Today it’s time to soak up some good vibes for myself.I slip into the dressing room when the dress bag unzips, it takes my breath away all over again. The attendant carefully helps me step into the gown. The fabric is cool against my skin at first, smooth but light considering the beading and lace.As she buttons up the back, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, and for a moment, I don’t recognize the woman staring back at me.“You’ve lost a little weight.”“I promise I’ll eat more cak
Last Updated : 2024-09-11Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 249 Skin to Skin
(Jayden)I can’t explain the feeling of holding Henry against my bare chest. It’s more than just warmth, more than the soft rise and fall of his tiny body. It’s like every fear, every worry I’ve had about him since the day he was born melts away.My protective drive for him is consolidated as I cradle him in the crook of one arm and keep him against me. I love him so much. We love him so much. Ashlyn would be proud. But then again, Ashlyn didn’t want to be his mother.Ashlyn chose to give up her rights as his parent. That makes me wonder, if we’d stayed married and she’d had the baby and we’d played happy families, how would it have all ended up? She never wanted motherhood but she would have forced herself to keep me. It brings me back to just how broken Ashlyn was. It was never meant to be with her. I could never have loved her like I love Winona now.I know how rejection on that parental level feels. I’m so glad Henry will never feel that. Winona is and always will be his mothe
Last Updated : 2024-09-12
Latest chapter
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
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 557 Travel and Trouble
(Winona)The airport is a swirling mass of bodies, luggage, and barely controlled chaos. Some flights have been cancelled because of the weather, and I just hope ours is not one of them.I refused the private jet as I want the kids to see how the majority of people travel. We’re still business class but even that lounge is backed up right now.Sarah is not one for big crowds, so she’s on edge. I’m trying to stay calm to show her it’s okay and we can cope with this.“When will we get there?” she asks for the tenth time. Bobby groans loudly beside me. “Sarah, we’re not even on the plane yet. Stop asking dumb questions.” “Don’t be mean,” I chide, shifting Henry higher on my hip. He’s already getting restless, his little hands grabbing at my necklace. I just hope he doesn’t need another diaper change anytime soon.River chuckles, adjusting her backpack. “Gonna be a long flight, I think.” Kit smirks. “Oh yeah. Definitely. But it’s just energy in here. The kids pick up on it.” Sarah pou
