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243 Secrets and Danger
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2024-09-10 17:57:32Related chapters
Divorce 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 : 2024-09-12Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 250 Home and Haunted
(Jayden)After the incredible time with Henry earlier at the hospital, I’m back at home. But I struggle with not being there with Henry. Winona is in the kitchen talking with Anne and Abby. Bobby and Sarah are doing their homework.The doctors said Henry might be able to come home in four to six weeks if things continue the way they’re going. I can’t even begin to describe how that makes me feel. The excitement, the relief, the overwhelming sense of possibility.After everything, we’re finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. And this time, hopefully, it’s not the oncoming train.Winona comes into the living room. She sits beside me. “So, I spoke with Gus last week. He came to the office.”I tense up immediately at the mention of his name. “What’s going on with him now?”She sighs, her fingers tracing small circles on my leg. “He asked if we wanted to have dinner with him and Maria.”I shake my head, knowing exactly where this is going. “I’m not interested, Winona.”“I tol
Last Updated : 2024-09-12Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 251 Fears revealed
(Winona)I can’t move. I can’t breathe.“Jayden?” My voice comes out softer than I intend, almost a whisper, but it’s the only thing I can manage. My throat is tight, my pulse pounds in my ears.He doesn’t answer but I see the guilt and confusion in his eyes. He knows. He knows what I heard.“What—what was that?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady, but failing miserably. My hands tremble, and I clench the bedsheet to stop them from shaking so much.Jayden runs a hand through his sweat-soaked hair, his fingers, and he looks down. “It’s nothing, Winona. Just… a nightmare.”“Bullshit it was just a nightmare,” I say. “Jayden, you called out Ashlyn’s name. You used the safe word…”He doesn’t answer, and that silence is louder than any explanation he could offer. My stomach twists. I sit up fully now, pushing the covers off me, and the cold air hits my skin. But I don’t care.The chill in the room has nothing on the icy knot forming in my gut.“It was a dream then a nightmare with Ashlyn
Last Updated : 2024-09-12
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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
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 480 Finding Ground
(Winona)The house is more charming than I expected—stonework covered in ivy, a wraparound porch, and large windows that bathe the interior in natural light.It feels warm and lived-in, unlike the two more modern places we’ve seen. The kids are darting through the unkempt yard, Bobby and Sarah racing each other toward a large and fairly new shed, while Abby lags behind, looking at a large pond.“Not too close to the edge, sweetie.” I call out and she smiles and nods back at me.Henry clings to my leg, his little legs unsteady on the uneven ground. I scoop him up and put him in his pusher Jayden has unfolded.Jayden wanders a few steps away, hands on his hips, surveying the property with a critical eye. “The house is more move-in ready than the others,” he admits. “But it needs a lot of work.”“I agree. But it just has a good feeling,” I say. “And the pond’s a bonus, but it’ll need fencing off somehow. Henry’s too curious for his own good.”Jayden nods, but I can tell his mind is elsew
