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322 Cracks in the Surface
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2024-10-09 13:28:48Related chapters
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 323 Late-Night Introduction
(Winona)I wake from my sleep and hear my tablet buzzing on my nightstand. The clock says 2 a.m. It can only be one person. I groan, my body exhausted, but I pick it up and connect.Jayden’s face fills the screen, bright and wide awake. He looks perfect, as always. “Hey, babe, did I wake you?” he asks.“Jayden, it’s 2 in the morning here. Of course you woke me.” I feel like I’ve only just gone to sleep.“Sorry. I want to introduce you to someone really important. Sofia Fernandez. She’s head of public relations here at Nexus Global. She suggested I call you while she and I have some spare time.”I blink, trying to shake off the haze of sleep. “Really?” I ask, trying to hide the sharpness in my voice. “How convenient for you both.”“Yeah, and I thought it’d be great for you two to connect before you got here.” He sounds so damn enthusiastic, like this is a business meeting I’ve been dying to take.“Sure, Jayden,” I say, trying not to sound pissed. I mean his heart is in the right place,
Last Updated : 2024-10-09Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 324 No Games Here
(Jayden)As soon as Winona’s face disappears from the screen, I lean back in my chair and exhale, rubbing my hands over my face. The call didn’t go quite how I’d hoped.I want her to feel more connected to what I’m doing here, but maybe I was pushing it, throwing Sofia into the mix like that. Winona didn’t seem too thrilled, and it wasn’t just the timing.Sofia seemed to think Winona would be okay with it. I better double check the hour next time.“I’m sure it’s tough being apart. But hey, at least you’ve got plenty to keep you occupied here. Plus, I’m here to make sure you don’t get too lonely.” She flicks her hair over her shoulder.“Right, yeah. Thanks.” I give a small, awkward chuckle, trying to refocus on work.Before I can say anything else, the door swings open, and Astrid Koenig storms in like a gust of wind. She doesn’t even knock, just strides in as if she owns the place—which, let’s face it, she might as well.She’s all sharp angles and business, her platinum blonde hair in
Last Updated : 2024-10-10Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 325 Chicken Soup for the Soul
(Winona)I’ve called Jayden three times now. Nothing. He’s not answering, and it’s 3 a.m. over there. What the hell is he doing? My mind’s racing, and it’s not helping that I’ve got this news about Henry.We’d hoped he’d be cleared to travel in four weeks from when Jayden left. Which means I could have been going in two weeks. But his doctor is concerned as he’s been so unsettled.He wants to make sure he investigates every possible reason for that before letting him out of his sight. I get it, and I’m so glad he’s being thorough and not just blaming me for bad mothering, but it adds another possible 4 weeks onto when I can leave for Europe.Anne offered to be with them tonight and Beth said she could stay until after the kids were all asleep, so I’ve taken Lisa up on an offer for a girl’s night out and Lisa also got Cass to come along.But not being able to reach Jayden is messing with my vibe, especially after the Sofia call early this morning.“Maybe he’s just passed out from all t
Last Updated : 2024-10-10Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 326 Planning The European Attack
(Winona)“Oooh show me!” Lisa says with too much excitement.Cass turns her phone to Lisa.“Fuck! Get your sights off Winona’s man, you bitch. But god, I’d do her.”“Lisa! Also not helping.” I almost choke on my drink.Lisa chuckles. “Sorry, but I can see why you’d be pissed. And Jayden not seeing that doesn’t help.”“Exactly!” I exclaim, feeling vindicated. “And then Jayden says she can teach me a lot in my job. Like, excuse me, what?”Lisa shakes her head and holds up one finger which moves back and forth with precision. “Yeah, that’s pretty rich. Jayden always thought you were the best in your field. Uh-uh, no.”Cass shakes her head. “Sounds like she’s purposely getting under your skin. Why?”“Some women are just like that,” I mutter, sipping my drink. “But what can I do? I’m here, he’s there. Don’t get me wrong, I trust Jayden. I’ll just have to deal with her when I get to Europe.”“Oh, speaking of Europe,” Lisa says, her eyes lighting up mischievously. “Let’s see who else you’ll
Last Updated : 2024-10-10Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 327 Collect Call
(Winona)It’s just after 10 p.m., and the penthouse is still when I get home. The kids are asleep, the lights of the city outside flickering through the tinted windows.I’ve been trying to reach Jayden again, but the call goes straight to voicemail. I know it’s the middle of the night over there, but still—it’s not like him to ignore my calls, and the insecurity of being left in the dark creeps in.I toss my phone onto the sofa with a frustrated sigh and head toward the kitchen. Anne is perched on one of the stools, cradling a mug of tea. I collapse onto the one across from her, rubbing my temples.“Fun night?”“Sure was. I can’t wait for bed though. How did the kids settle?”“All good. Henry has just been awake, so you should get a couple of hours.”“I’m not sure if I want the doctor to find a reason why he’s restless or if it's just because I suck at this.”“You don’t suck at it.”“Sure feels that way with Jayden gone. I still haven’t told him about the delay.”“Still no answer?” An
Last Updated : 2024-10-11Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 328 My New Best Friend
(Winona)Gus picks up on my uncertainty immediately. “If you let him, he’ll come into his own at Nexus Global.”“I’m not sure I can stop him.”“This is the opportunity he needs to become the man he was meant to be. Where he can finally be sure of himself and his decisions.”“Maybe,” I say slowly, “but what if that man doesn’t include his family?”“He’s not me,” Gus says, a touch of sadness creeping into his voice. “Jayden won’t ever walk away from his family like I did. He’ll figure out how to balance it, but you need to let him prove himself.”“I’m trying,” I admit, glancing around the penthouse that now feels too big and too empty without Jayden in it.“But this distance... It's hard. He feels so far away, Gus. And I feel like I’m losing him to that world.” My voice cracks, and I bite my lip, trying to pull myself together. “I can’t get over there for another six weeks. Henry has tests to go through for a clearance.”For some reason, I always know I can speak the truth to this man.
Last Updated : 2024-10-11Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 329 I’m not Gus!
(Jayden)I wake up, groggy, disoriented, and immediately know something’s off. I’ve slept well. Too well. I know it was 3am when I finally got home but Winona should have called me.I rub my eyes and glance at the clock.8 a.m.What the hell? That can’t be right.Where the fuck is my phone? Not on the nightstand where I left it, that’s for sure. Panic tightens in my chest. Winona would've tried to call. I scramble out of bed and pull on my sweatpants.Immediately there are two young men who accost me with clothing and try to usher me into the bathroom. I bat them off like mosquitoes. I’m not awake enough for this shit right now.“Where’s my phone? Do either of you know?” I ask.They both shake their heads.“Fucking great.” I storm out of the bedroom looking around for is in my sitting area. Nope, nothing.I stride along the massive hallway to the main sitting area. I glance around.“Breakfast Mr. Brennan?” A younger woman asks.“No. Have you seen my phone anywhere?”She shakes her hea
Last Updated : 2024-10-12Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 330 Time To Take Action
(Winona)I’m pacing the living room, trying to keep my anxiety in check as I wait for Jayden to call back. A text finally came through, it’s almost 8.30 am tomorrow over there and almost 11.30 pm here.Finally, my phone buzzes. Jayden’s name flashes on the screen, and relief floods me. I'm not sure if I’m more angry or relieved.“Jayden, where have you been?” I snap, not able to hide my frustration. “I’ve been calling you all night!”“Babe, I’m so sorry. Someone... someone took my phone while I was sleeping and put it in my den. I didn’t get home till 3am and I crashed.”“What?” I blink, confused. “Why would someone take your phone?”“I don’t know. Apparently, they thought I needed rest. Like I can’t manage my own damn sleep schedule,” he mutters, and I can hear the anger in his tone. “But I’ve got it now. I’m sorry I missed your calls. What’s going on?”I sigh, sinking onto the couch. “It’s about Henry.”I hear him inhale sharply on the other end, the tension creeping back into his v
Last Updated : 2024-10-12
Latest chapter
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
