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266 Trouble In Paradise
Last Updated:
2024-09-17 16:03:44
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Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 267 Playing It Cool
(Winona)“Mommy, can you help with my doll’s house after dinner?” Abby asks, her voice innocent and sweet. I smile at her, nodding.“Of course, Sweetie.”Jayden catches my eye across the table, and I can see the flicker of something in his gaze. I know him well enough to know that this conversation about Phillip will happen and it probably won’t be easy.After dinner, I help Abby and tuck her into bed, giving her a soft kiss on the forehead. I do the rounds and chat with Bobby and Sarah before saying goodnight. I check back in on Abby. She’s dozed off.I take a minute to be thankful for her health lately. Her heart checkups have all been great.I head back to the living room where Jayden’s waiting. He’s sitting on the couch, his arms crossed, his face set in that tight, unreadable expression he uses when he’s pissed but trying not to show it.I sit down next to him, but there’s a gulf between us. It feels like miles.“So,” he says, breaking the silence. His voice is calm, too calm. “P
Last Updated : 2024-09-18Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 268 The Morning After
(Winona)My body is heavy with the satisfying ache of last night. I stretch, feeling the soreness in my muscles, a reminder of how intense it all was.Jayden is lying next to me, his arm draped lazily over my waist, his breathing deep and even. He looks so peaceful, so content, like everything in the world is exactly as it should be.And for a moment, I let myself believe that it is.Last night was... different. It wasn’t like before, when we were still figuring things out, still cautious. This time, there was no hesitation. Jayden was sure of himself, of me, of us.He didn’t second-guess, didn’t hold back.He took what he wanted, and so did I. I responded to him like I hadn’t in years.It was raw, desperate, and exactly what I needed. There was also a vulnerability in him I could feel. Like he wasn’t sure he’d keep me. That I might find someone else to love. I think a little fear like that is healthy.But what I’d done was let that healthy fear turn into something that festered. The
Last Updated : 2024-09-18Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 269 Don’t Call Winona
(Cass)Gabriel’s outside on the balcony, pacing back and forth on another phone call, probably arguing with someone about business. He’s been on edge ever since dinner last night, and I’m starting to feel the strain.There a knock on the suite door. Maybe Gabriel ordered room service. I open it to see Gus standing there.“Gus,” I say, surprised to see him. “What’s up?”“I’m heading back to the U.S. soon,” he says. “I have some urgent business to take care of. Just wanted to check in on you before I left.”I raise an eyebrow. Why’s he suddenly acting all protective? This smells of Winona sending him to check up on me. Honestly, they think I’m ten years old.“I’m fine,” I say, forcing a smile. “Gabriel and I are heading back on Friday. I’ll be there for Winona’s hen’s night.”Gus nods. “Alright,” he says slowly. “But if you need anything, don’t hesitate to call me.”“I know Winona sent you, so you can tell her I’m just fine.”“Take this anyway.” He hands me a small card with his number
Last Updated : 2024-09-18Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 270 Hen’s Night
(Winona)The music is loud, vibrating through the walls of the club as Lisa pulls me by the hand, laughing like we’re back in college. She’s always been the life of the party, and tonight is no different.I’m trying to get into the swing of things, but my mind keeps wandering back to Cass. She isn’t here but she should be.The text she sent earlier still feels a little off. I mean, Cass loves hiking, sure, but why now? Especially with my wedding just two days away. I shake my head, pushing the worry aside.I’m overthinking it. Again.Cass wants her freedom. I have to give it to her.“Babe, stop frowning like you’re solving world hunger. It’s your hen’s night!” Lisa shouts over the music, handing me another cocktail. “You’re supposed to be having the time of your life.”I take the drink, forcing a smile. “You’re right. I’m here to have fun.”“That’s my girl!” Lisa beams, raising her glass. “To getting you married off… finally!”We clink glasses, and I take a long sip, letting the alcoh
Last Updated : 2024-09-19Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 271 Lance’s Proposition
(Winona)“You and me, no strings attached. Just fun. You’ve got a hall pass, right? No one would be better at showing you what you’re missing.”I laugh, shaking my head, though the alcohol is making everything seem lighter, less serious than it should be. “You’re insane.”“Think about it,” Lance presses, his voice smooth, persuasive. “I’m not talking about love. This isn’t about some emotional thing.”He’s joking right?“You deserve someone who can take you places you haven’t been yet. Someone you already know you trust.”“Lance…” I start, trying to form a response that will shut him down without making things awkward.“Come on, Winona. You’re curious, I can see it in your eyes. You and I both know we’re not made for a relationship, but I can give you a damn good time.”I’m about to brush him off again, but something in the way he says it makes me pause. The words are sliding into my brain, coaxing thoughts I probably shouldn’t be having.Lance is, well, Lance—sexy, confident, and mor
Last Updated : 2024-09-19Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 272 Hall Pass Done
(Winona)The sun creeps in through the drapes, harsh and uninvited. My head feels like it’s been hit with a sledgehammer. My body is heavy with the familiar ache of too much alcohol and dancing. And orgasms.Okay, maybe too many orgasms aren’t a thing. I know I sure hit my quota.I feel the heat rise to my cheeks and there’s a twinge deep inside me. I think I crossed every line there is to be crossed. Never say never, I guess. I smile.Anyway, it’s done and guess what? I know marrying Jayden is right for me.I shift slightly under the soft sheets, taking stock of my week of freedom.And as much as I want to forget it, the memory of last night comes crashing back. The drinks, the dancing... Lance, that man, there were women, the things that happened afterwards.I groan, pulling the sheet up over my head. My bed is now empty, and for that, I’m grateful. There's no need to deal with the awkwardness of morning-after conversations. No regrets to address, no apologies to make.I had fun l
Last Updated : 2024-09-19Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 273 Not a Dream
(Cass)I wake up feeling like I’m sinking, caught in a daze that I can’t quite shake off. The drum beating from somewhere deep inside my skull won’t let up.It’s like I’m stuck halfway between sleep and waking.No matter how hard I try to drag myself to the surface, something pulls me back under.My eyes flutter open, but my vision’s blurred, and everything is dim, like the curtains in the hotel room are still closed. Cancun... right? I’m still in Cancun.I blink slowly, trying to focus. The bed beneath me feels wrong though, harder than I remember. No pillow. I squint, trying to make sense of it all, but it’s like my brain is wrapped in cotton wool.I lift my hand to my forehead—at least, I try to—but nothing happens. My arm doesn’t move.What the hell? Am I paralyzed?I groan, my throat dry and scratchy, as I try again to move. My body feels foreign, disconnected, and everything inside me feels... off. Like I’ve been drugged or something.But I haven’t done drugs. I don’t use now. I
Last Updated : 2024-09-20Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 274 Henry's Health Crisis
(Jayden)Henry’s been in isolation for hours now, hooked up to every machine imaginable. The sight of him behind that glass, with tubes in his tiny body, knocked the wind out of me. My son. My tiny boy. He’d been doing so well.And there’s nothing I can do to help him. I can’t hold him. I can’t even touch him. All I can do is stand there and pray the doctors figure out what’s wrong.They think it’s a virus or some type of infection, something that hit him hard and fast, but they haven’t ruled anything out yet. His heart—there’s always a fear that the genetic defect that runs through our family might resurface.I can’t even think about that possibility.“Jayden, I don’t understand how this could happen so quickly,” Winona says, breaking the silence, her voice shaky, barely above a whisper.I stop pacing and go to her. Her eyes are red-rimmed, and I know she’s on the verge of breaking. I put my arms around her shoulders. “I don’t know,” I admit, my voice hoarse. “But they’re doing ever
Last Updated : 2024-09-20
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Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 521 Seeing A Ghost
(Lisa)I can’t breathe.Meeting this CEO is going to be the death of me. I’ve been throwing up from nerves all morning.I adjust my blazer, trying to act like I’m not about to pass out, and glance over at Winona, who’s giving me the look—the one that says she’s about two seconds away from laughing at me.I’ve never worn a damn blazer in my life. Give me a mini-dress any day.“You know, I didn’t sign up for this level of stress. I thought we were just going to grab lunch with some rich guy, not audition for a role in The Apprentice,” I mutter under my breath, trying to hide the shaky hands clutching my bag.Winona raises an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. “It’s not The Apprentice. Just act like you know what you’re doing. And for God’s sake, don’t spill a drink on the guy.”“Drink, do you think he’ll offer some bubbles?” I deadpan.“It’s 9am, I think not, I meant coffee.”“Damn.”“You’ll survive.”“Barely. I’m not cut out for this crap.”“You know it. I’ll always b
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 520 A Cry in the Dark
(Winona)The soft cry of a baby envelopes me. At first, it’s faint, like it’s coming from another room. Then it grows louder, more insistent. I’m fumbling, trying to pinpoint the direction, but I can’t find it. My hands press against empty air, the cries getting louder. I’m coming, baby. I’m coming. I wake with a gasp, my chest so tight I can’t draw a breath back in. My hands grip the sheets. It’s like I’ve been running. But I’m in bed. My bed.I look over and see Jayden isn’t beside me. But bright sun is coming through the window. I must have slept late.The room is still. I finally suck a breath into my lungs. No baby crying. No baby to find. No baby.The realization twists. I sit up, forcing myself to breathe slowly, deliberately. “It’s just a dream,” I whisper, running a hand through my hair. “Just a stupid dream.” ***After dressing in a loose shirt and jeans, I decide to head downstairs. The scent of coffee and toast wafts up, warm and inviting. I can hear the kids’ chat
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 519 Fanning Flames
(Cass)I stride through the penthouse, my stiletto heels clicking against the marble floor with purpose.I know I look good—stunning, actually. This dress hugs every curve just right, and the deep emerald green makes my eyes pop.Tonight is about reminding myself that I have a feminine side and I’m not afraid to use it. Gabriel may have been part of my past, but I’m going to show him just how irresistible the present me is. But as I head towards the elevator, Viktor steps out, his tall frame filling the space and his expression hard as stone. He crosses his arms and plants himself directly in front of the doors. “Ready for your date then??” he asks, his voice low, almost a growl. “You know I am,” I reply, refusing to let him intimidate me. “Unless you plan to stand there all night.” His eyes rake over me, lingering just a second too long on the neckline of my dress before snapping back to my face. “You’re really going out with Gabriel.” It’s not a question. “Yes, I am.” I tilt my
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 518 A Clean Slate
(Jayden)I find her on her laptop. “How are you really feeling?” I ask, standing by the edge of the bed. She looks up, her eyes softening. “Tired, but okay. It’s good to be home. That makes me feel one thousand percent better. You’ve got that look.”“What look?” I ask, kicking off my shoes and stripping down to my boxers.“The one that says you’ve got something weighing on you,” she replies, her tone softer now.I sigh, running a hand through my hair and sit on the edge of the bed. “It’s Cass. She’s in danger, Winona. Real danger.”Winona shifts, her eyes narrowing with concern. “What kind of danger? How?”“Don Alejandro, he hasn’t been arrested. He’s gone underground and he’s still calling the shots,” I say, my voice low.“But Cass has nothing to do with him, or Mia anymore. Gus cleared her of anything drug-related. How can she be in danger?”“Cass went to her old apartment. To clear it up. Trying to make a clean slate, I think. While she was there, they turned up.”“Who?”“Mia fir
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 517 No secrets
(Jayden)“Daddy’s home!” Abbey squeals, her feet thundering across the wooden floor towards me. I barely have time to drop my briefcase before she launches herself at me. I scoop her up, spinning her in a slow circle while she giggles wildly. “Hey, princess,” I say, kissing her cheek. “Did you miss me?” She nods, curls bouncing. “Missed you so much! Mommy’s upstairs. She said you were bringing Henry back, but you didn’t. Where is he?” “Henry’s asleep in the car,” I explain, setting her down. “I’ll grab him in a minute. I had to get my Abbey hug first.” Bobby appears in the doorway, leaning casually against the frame like he’s auditioning for a teen drama. “Dinner’s almost ready. Sarah and I are making sure everything’s perfect for Mom. We’re making up trays.” “That so?” I ruffle his hair, and he swats my hand away with a grin. “Good work, kid. You’re the man of the house when I’m not here, right?” “Obviously,” he says, puffing his chest out. “This place would fall apart without
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 516 Striking back
(Mia)“You know what, Gabriel?” I say, my voice sharp. “Maybe you’re not as noble as you want everyone to believe. You think I don’t see what you’re doing? You’re not trying to protect this family. You’re trying to control it.”He narrows his eyes. “What are you talking about?”“Don’t play dumb,” I snap. “You just want Brennan Industries for yourself. That’s what this is really about, isn’t it? Turning Ana and Eva against me so they’ll sell to you.”“That’s ridiculous,” Gabriel retorts, his tone cold. “I’m protecting the company from you. You’ve already proven you can’t be trusted. Someone has to safeguard what Papá built.”“What Papa started,” I say, crossing my arms. “That company was built by Judy Brennan. Our father was an awful businessman. But he loved us, all of us. Don’t forget, Gabriel, we all share the same blood. The same father. We all deserve to benefit from the legacy, not just you.”Ana shifts uncomfortably, her eyes darting between us. “Mía, it’s not about taking sides
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 515 Making My Mark
(Mia)The townhouse is spotless. Every vase, every gold fixture, every inch of marble gleams under the crystal chandelier’s glow. I’ve made sure of it, not for me, but for them. My family is coming, and I know the judgment in their eyes will be as sharp as their words. They will think I don’t belong here. Such luxury and display of wealth is unbecoming. I should be more humble. Show more gratitude and grace.I don’t care. I do belong here. All I want is for mother to love and respect me as a woman. Not to always see me as her baby girl who needs constant mothering.I straighten the throw pillows for the third time, my nerves simmering beneath my skin. When the doorbell rings, I force my shoulders back and my face into a practiced smile. “Come in,” I say as I open the door. Mama steps in first, her dark eyes scanning the room like she’s searching for something to scold me about. Behind her, Ana and Eva follow, their expressions less obvious but no less guarded. Gabriel brings up
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 514 Perfect Family Vibes
(Winona)“Winona,” he says, walking over to kiss my temple. “Welcome home. It feels so good here, right?”“You feel it too?” That makes me happy. Knowing Jayden feels the same vibe the kids and I do in this place.“You chose perfectly. I’m heading out for a meeting with Gus and Viktor. Figured I’d take Henry with me. He can nap in the car. If that’s okay with you? Is Henry being with Gus okay?” I nod. “Gus visited me, and we sorted some stuff. It’s fine with me if it’s fine with you.”He kisses my lips and whispers in my ear, “I can’t wait to snuggle with you tonight. I have missed you so, so much after dinner time.” He nuzzles my ear.I smile as Henry tries to grab my hair.“Hey, you two, get a room!” Lisa teases.“Oh, we will.” He steps away and Henry reaches for me and I hold his little hand in mine. I’ve missed him so much.“Anyway, I better bounce. Get this Global Nexus stuff done,” Jayden says.“Henry can stay here if it’s easier.”“No need. He’s my right-hand man these days. H
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 513 Life Without Barriers
(Winona)The moment I step into the farmhouse, the scent of lavender and woodland spice welcomes me like an old friend. I know it’s one of Klara’s aromatherapy concoctions that I love.Lisa has given me a ride home to save Jayden the trip into the city as he’s here with the kids.The kids are buzzing around like a small tornado, their excitement obvious. It’s a stark contrast to the opulence of Brussels high-end estate or Jayden’s Penthouse here. This place is different. It’s ours. Once I have the renovations done, it will still be luxurious, of course—heated floors, state-of-the-art kitchen, and furnishings you’d see in a design magazine—but not excessive.It’s cozy, warm, and every inch of it feels lived-in. It’s like the cottage in a way. A family home but this place has something the cottage didn’t have. A history in its walls of previous families. It feels like home in a way nowhere else I’ve ever lived has.Even my townhouse, which was perfect for me at the time, pales in com
