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249 Skin to Skin
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2024-09-12 14:32:56Related chapters
Divorce 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 : 2024-09-12Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 252 Old And Alone
(Judy)It feels like an eternity since I had Abby alone, and even though I cherish every moment with Abby, the supervision is a little suffocating. But I know this is my own fault.I pushed Jayden too far. I did the same at the gala.Gus was livid about that later. I told him to butt out of my life and run back to Greg’s slut, Maria. That made him even more angry. I don’t care. I have Brennan Industries, and I intend to own it completely.I don’t have Jayden and that hurts.However, I am beginning to see that setting off his anger is not the way I get him back. It’s not working. The only way to get time with him again is to change how I do things. I’m going to do that.Abby runs up to me and I hug her madly. Winona always stays within sight and earshot, her presence a constant reminder that I’m not trusted. I will play by the rules.For Abby’s sake. I must be getting old, but not being able to have Abby in my life at all puts me in a very dark place.Abby sits on a small plastic chair
Last Updated : 2024-09-13Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 253 Where’s Jayden?
(Winona)I haven’t heard from Jayden since he left. It’s been all morning, and I’ve sent him a text, but no reply. I don’t want to overthink it, but I can’t help the creeping worry.Is he somewhere deciding he doesn’t want to marry me after all?My stomach is in knots with my mind spiraling through all the possible reasons for his silence. But going about my normal day is the way I deal with anxiety. One foot in front of the other.I’ve taken Abby for her morning school session then her time with Judy. Now I’m going to see Henry before I head to the office for a couple of hours.Jayden’s been at the hospital with Henry, thinking things through. At least, that’s what I tell myself. After what happened through the night, I’m not sure what to think anymore. His dreams, the way he called out her name—it’s all too much to process.Arguing is the last thing I wanted this week. I’ll give him the rest of the day and then I’ll call. Hopefully he’ll be at the hospital.For now, I’ll focus on
Last Updated : 2024-09-13Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 254 I Got This
(Cass)Gabriel and I arrive at the restaurant a little before Winona. He’s in his usual smooth, confident mode, his hand resting gently on the small of my back as we walk in.It’s a simple gesture, but it makes me feel... anchored.Like I’m the most important thing to him right now. I smile, a small flicker of warmth settling in my chest. Everything with him just feels right. Not like with the guys I’ve known before—the ones who treated me like I was disposable, like I didn’t matter.Gabriel’s different. He’s attentive, always making me feel like I’m the center of his world. And maybe I am. I’m starting to trust that.We settle into our seats, Gabriel giving me this look that makes my pulse quicken. He leans in, brushing a strand of my hair back, his fingers lingering a little longer than necessary.His blue eyes are soft but focused, and I feel like he’s seeing all of me, not just the parts I show to the world. Now I totally get how Winona feels about Jayden. These Brennan eyes are
Last Updated : 2024-09-13Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 255 Taking a Break
(Winona)The kids’ laughter echoes from inside as the penthouse elevator doors slide open, and there’s a sense of normalcy that settles me—at least for a moment. Jayden’s voice filters through from the living room, light and playful. Thank god, he’s home.When I walk in, I find them playing on the floor. Abby’s got her dolls scattered all over, and Bobby’s building Lego and laughing as Jayden pretends to be the Ken doll he’s holding with a deep voice who’s talking like someone from the gangster hood.A scene that should warm my heart, but my chest feels heavy because of the silence between Jayden and me all day.“Hey, Mommy!” Abby shouts, rushing over to me with her arms wide open. I scoop her up and kiss her cheek, smiling as I carry her into the room.“Hey, Sweetie. Having fun I see.”“Daddy is being silly.”“Sounds like the most fun, then.”Jayden glances up, his smile faltering slightly when our eyes meet. There’s something distant in his gaze, like he’s somewhere else entirely.
Last Updated : 2024-09-14Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 256 Giving Winona An Out
(Jayden)I watch Winona’s face as my words sink in. The shock is clear in her eyes. Telling her that we should stop sharing a bed—hell, that we should basically stop living together until the wedding—it’s like dropping a bomb and waiting for the smoke to clear.And part of me hates that I’m doing this, that I’m causing her this kind of confusion. But deep down, I know it’s the right call.She stares at me, her voice soft but filled with disbelief. “What about the kids? Do you expect me to just leave every night, after they’re asleep? What kind of message does that send?”This isn’t a decision I made lightly, but it’s one I know we need. Both of us. There’s too much history here, too much pain we’re still dealing with. And I’m not ignoring it any longer.I sigh, rubbing the back of my neck. “I’m not trying to make things harder for anyone, especially not the kids. This… it’s for us. For you and me.”“Sure.”“If we’re going to do this—really commit to getting married again, to building
Last Updated : 2024-09-14Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 257 BFF Therapy
(Winona) Lisa pours the wine, her eyebrow quirked as she glances at me from across her small kitchen island. “So, what exactly did he say?”I take a long drink from my glass, trying to let the alcohol smooth the edges of my nerves. “He wants to stop living together until the wedding,” I say, keeping my voice flat. “And he thinks we should stop sleeping in the same bed.”Lisa nearly chokes on her wine, setting the bottle down with a clatter. “Wait, what?” She’s staring at me, eyes wide.I shrug, swirling the wine in my glass. “Not exactly. Just until the wedding. We’d already agreed to not have sex until the wedding night.”She leans back, folding her arms. “That’s a whole new level of self-control. Are we sure he’s not an alien? I mean were you okay with the no-actual-sex thing?”“I was, until he started saying Ashlyn’s name and the fucking safe word in his sleep.”“He did what now?” Lisa’s eyes are wider.I nod. “I just don’t know what to think. These dreams, he says they are nightm
Last Updated : 2024-09-14
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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
