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256 Giving Winona An Out
Last Updated:
2024-09-14 17:34:42
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Divorce 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
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(Winona)Lisa’s laughter fills the apartment as she pours us another glass of wine. “Okay, but seriously, Winona—how do you really know Jayden is the one?”She leans back, eyebrows arched, like she’s just dared me to figure out the meaning of life. “You’ve only ever been with him, right? What are you even comparing him to?”I blink at her, way past the tipsy stage. “I love him, Lis. That’s how I know. It’s not a comparison game. I just... know.”Lisa shakes her head, laughing again. “Bullshit! You can’t just know. That’s like saying, ‘Oh, this pizza’s the best,’ but you’ve never even tried another slice!”“Pizza would be great right now,” I muse.“Bitch, you’re talking about spending the rest of your life only ever having sex with one guy. It’s not natural.”I roll my eyes. “Fairly sure it’s natural to a lot of people.”“In the dark ages maybe. Hell, you might like it with a woman better.”I stare at her.“Well, you might and you’ll never know.”“You must have gotten close with Philli
Last Updated : 2024-09-15Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 259 Hall Pass
(Winona)The morning light is way too bright, stabbing at my eyes as I pull up outside the penthouse complex. Where are my sunglasses? Fumbling in the center console, I pull them out and slide them on.My eyes practically breathe a sigh of relief.I cannot navigate the underground parking lot this morning. My head's still in some weird wine and tequila fog, and my stomach’s doing somersaults like I’m on a carnival ride. I rub my temples.Why did I think getting shitfaced would be okay? I give a giggle and a hiccup. But it was fun. Okay, I can do this. I try to shake off the remnants of last night, but one subject is etched into my brain.A hall pass. I can’t even focus on driving and parking, let alone life decisions.As soon as I step out of the elevator doors, Jayden’s there with Abby. The noise pierces my skull like a laser. I smile. Trying to act sober I take a couple of steps into the lounge area.I should have stayed on Lisa’s sofa and called Jayden.“Mommy, why are you wearin
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(Jayden)“A hall pass?” I repeat, feeling my voice catch in my throat like I’ve been punched.She stops pacing, turning to face me with her arms crossed defensively. Her eyes are wide. I can tell she’s still way too far gone from last night, there’s something dead serious behind those glassy eyes.“Yeah. A hall pass. I mean, if I’m really gonna marry you, I need to... you know... figure some things out.”I blink, staring at her like she just told me she’s considering a career as a rodeo clown. “Is this Lisa’s idea?”“No.”“Really?”She groans, throwing her head back dramatically before letting out a loud sigh. “Jayden, I’ve only ever been with you! What if... what if you’re like, the worst in bed and I just don’t know it because I’ve got nothing to compare it to?”I can’t help it, I snort. “I can assure you, I’m not the worst—”She cuts me off, waving her hand in the air like she’s swatting away a fly. “Self-praise is no recommendation!”Then she hiccups, followed by an awkward giggl
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(Winona)“Girl, you’re killing me,” Lisa says, sliding the cocktail over to me with a smirk.I take a drink and shrug.“You’re seriously trying to act all chill about this? Like, ‘Oh, I’m not even sure I’ll go through with it’? Come on, Winona, you’ve got a hall pass. Do you know how rare that is? It's like finding a damn unicorn.”“Yeah well, when it seems too good to be true, it probably is. I can’t believe that Jayden won’t have a problem with it later on.” I don’t want to set off world war three.“It’s not like he has to know.”“What if he asks me?”“You’re under no obligation to tell him anything.”“What if he says he regrets the decision?”“If he does, it’s his problem. You’ve been honest. He doesn’t own you.”I take another sip, the alcohol smooth but strong enough to warm me from the inside out. “Maybe but it’s also not compulsory,” I shoot back, my lips curving into a small smile.Lisa raises an eyebrow, swirling the ice in her glass. “It is compulsory. And I’m telling you ri
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(Winona) “Are you sure you’re gonna be okay?” Lisa asks, her hand lingering on my arm as we step outside the club before she leaves.I laugh, pushing her gently. “I’ll be fine. Go! You’ve got your boy waiting, and I’m not about to be a third wheel.”“I don’t want to cock block you either. You got this.”She gives me a once-over, probably trying to gauge how drunk I am, but I’m not wasted. I’ve had enough to loosen up, sure, but I know exactly what I’m doing.“Okay, but seriously, don’t overthink this. Just have fun tonight. You deserve it.”“I am having fun,” I say with a grin. “Trust me.”Lisa gives me a wink before heading off, her hand sliding into the guy’s who’s she’s been seeing lately. She leans in to whisper something to him, and they both laugh as they head in the opposite direction toward another club.I watch them go for a second, feeling a weird mix of envy and excitement. She’s got it easy, no emotional baggage tied to anyone. But tonight, I’m ditching the emotional bag
Last Updated : 2024-09-16Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 263 Walk Of Shame
(Winona)I push the door open to Lisa’s apartment, the morning light already way too harsh. I’ve got my sunglasses on, but I’m still squinting like a vampire.My dress from last night clings in all the wrong places, and my hair?Let’s just say it’s seen better days. So have my insides which are currently mush. I’m aching and throbbing in places I forgot I had.I step in, trying to act like I’m fine, but Lisa’s already clocked me from the couch. She’s lounging in her PJs, sipping coffee like she’s waiting for the latest gossip.Which, of course, she is.“Well, look who finally decided to show up!” she calls out, her tone dripping with amusement. “Walk of shame queen!”I roll my eyes, tossing my bag onto the kitchen counter. “Don’t start.”“Oh, honey, I’m just getting started.” She sets her coffee down, eyes twinkling. “You’re still in the same dress, your hair looks like you just rolled out of a very busy bed, and you’re walking like you’ve ridden a wild stallion. Spill!”I laugh, shak
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(Jayden)I buzz Lance up to the penthouse. The kids are asleep and it’s Monday night. Today I’ve worked on all the last-minute wedding plans. It’s all ready to go on Sunday.“Hey. Any beers?” Lance asks.“Yeah, you know where the fridge is.” I follow him out to the kitchen.“So,” Lance’s voice cuts through my thoughts as he emerges from the fridge with two beers and throws me one. “What the actual hell is going on with you and Winona?”I shrug as I sit at one side of the island counter. “Nothing, why?”“Nothing? Well then, where is she? She’s clearly not here.” Lance asks with a pointed stare.“She’s busy tonight.”“Oh…busy? Yeah, sounded like she was very busy last night.”My curiosity peaks. “Why?”“Phillip said she was out having a hell of a time.” He twists the beer cap off with his teeth, his eyes flicking over to me. “You guys break up or something?”I feel a knot tighten in my gut. Phillip. “No, we didn’t break up.”Lance’s brow furrows. “Okay, then why’s she out in the club l
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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
