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345 Memories That Haunt
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 346 Stopover in Dubai
(Winona)The plane lands smoothly in Dubai.“Mommy, is Daddy here?” Abby asks, clutching her stuffed animal tightly.“Oh, honey,” I say, forcing a smile. “I’m sorry. We need to stop here and have one more plane ride and then we’ll see Daddy. Okay?”Her face drops. “Oh. I thought we saw Daddy now.”“Only one more plane ride.”The doors open. I gather the kids, the medical entourage making sure Henry is okay before they hand him over to me.I thank them and take him in his carrier. I’ll clip it onto the wheels as soon as they unload the base.“Stay close, kids.” I say. “Bobby, keep an eye on your sisters please.”The terminal is elegant, marble floors reflecting the dazzling lights above. The kids are still buzzing around me, and I’m trying to focus on keeping them in line when—“Hey, troublemakers! Welcome to Dubai.”My head snaps up.Jayden is there, right behind Bobby, grinning, with his arms wide open. My heart stutters, and before I can even register what’s happening, the kids have
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 347 Rest and Reunion
(Winona)When I wake up, the sun is low in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow through the enormous windows. The bed beneath me is impossibly soft, and for the first time in days, I feel… good.The dizziness has faded, and my headache is gone.I stretch out, feeling the luxurious sheets under my fingertips. This place is a dream. But more than the comfort, I’m starving. I sit up and glance at the time. It’s early evening, and Jayden and the kids are still out.The suite is quiet and I get up and pull on a robe.I hear the door click open. It’s Jayden. “We’re back.”“I’ll come out.”“You look better.”“I slept like a log.”I give him a quick kiss as we head out to the living area.“Mommy!” Abby rushes over. “We saw so many cool things! Daddy took us to see the tallest building ever!”Bobby, always the calm one, strolls over more casually. “It was pretty cool.”Sarah tugs on Jayden’s hand. “Daddy, can we show Mommy the pictures we took?”“Sure thing,” he says, settling onto the sofa be
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 348 Back At The Estate
(Jayden)Hugo steps forward, giving me a tight-lipped smile. “Welcome home, Mr. Brennan. The staff are ready to accommodate your needs.”I nod. “The kids need to let off some steam.”“I certainly hope you don’t mean in here.” Hugo frowns.“This is their home now, Hugo. Relax. Kids, go explore outside but not too far from the house,” I tell them.“Please be aware there are rare flora species in the grounds.”They just look at Hugo like he’s an alien.“Stick to the paths.” I explain.They are gone with an entourage of staffers trying to keep up.Winona is back from changing Henry and she glances around the reception room, her expression tight. “This place is incredible, but I’m worried about the kids here. They’re just normal kids, and all this...” she gestures at the antiques and delicate furniture, “isn’t exactly kid-proof.”Hugo’s smile fades a little. “The children will need to understand the importance of boundaries, Mrs. Brennan. This is not a playground.Winona doesn’t miss a be
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 349 Settling In, or Not
(Winona)This place is stunning. Truly. But it’s not made for kids. Not in the slightest.Everywhere I look, staff are bustling around, preparing everything as if royalty are about to arrive. I glance at Jayden, watching as someone pours him a drink.He’s trying to hide it, but I can see a bit of embarrassment on his face. Not enough to stop it, though. He’s sitting in an armchair, with a staff member standing by waiting for the next instruction.“This is... a lot,” I murmur as I lean in closer.He shrugs. “It’s their job, Winona. I can’t just sack them.”“I get that,” I say, running a hand through my hair. “But they’re doing everything. How are the kids supposed to learn anything here if someone’s doing every little thing for them?”“They can still learn. Just... we’ll work it out,” Jayden tries to reassure me. “Look, I know it’s overwhelming right now, but let’s just give it a few days, okay? We’ll figure out a routine that works for everyone.”I’m not convinced. I can already tell
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 350 Rising Tensions
(Winona)I mean who has a Picasso in their living room?I’m pacing, trying to keep my voice calm, but frustration is making it hard.“I just don’t get why you thought kids would be okay here,” I say, gesturing at the fragile antiques and museum-level furniture. “You should have made other arrangements.”Jayden crosses his arms, looking as frustrated as I feel. “I wanted to share this with you first. I didn’t even know that cottage existed. And now you want us to refurbish a place that’s been abandoned for thirty years?”“Yes, because it’s the only option that makes sense!” I snap back. “We can’t raise the kids here, tiptoeing around a bunch of things that are priceless. They’re already on edge, Jayden.”“I get that, but my schedule is packed. I’ve got work piling up.”Just as he finishes, his phone buzzes. He glances at the screen, and I see the tension in his shoulders tighten. “It’s Sofia,” he swipes to answer the video call.Sofia’s voice comes through, clipped but with that annoyi
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 351 Getting to Know Viktor
(Winona)The moment we step into the backyard, I feel a shift. It’s not a yard. It’s like a private wooded area with beautiful clearings. The air smells fresher here, I swear.I grab Henry from his pram and carry him the rest of the way. The other kids are already ahead of us, their laughter carrying through the overgrown garden. I follow behind, taking it all in. I just love it.“How much land is in the backyard?” It seems to go on forever.“Ten hectares I believe.”“It’s as much a backyard as this house is a cottage.”Viktor smiles at me. “That’s Gus.”Out in the open clearing, the first thing I notice is the tree. It’s massive, towering over the garden, with thick branches stretching wide. Hanging from one of those branches are not one, but two wooden swings, swaying gently in the breeze.Both are weathered.“Look, Mommy! Swings!” Sarah calls out, her face lighting up as she rushes toward them, Abby right behind her.“Wait for Viktor to check them first,” I call out, my mom mode k
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 352 Kitten Troubles
(Winona)The sun’s setting as we make our way back to Gus’s mansion. Viktor walks beside me, his quiet presence seeming to keep the kids in check as they walk just in front.I push Henry in his pram. Maybe they are all worn out after-all.Bobby is walking behind us, carefully carrying the kitten he found. It’s curled up in his arms, purring contently. I can tell he’s already attached, and that’s probably going to be a problem.Jayden has never been a fan of pets. I’m not sure how this will go.The mansion looms ahead, grand and overwhelming. I hope Jayden will be back soon.I glance over at Viktor. “I’m still not comfortable with how far apart everything is in the house. The kids’ rooms are nowhere near us. What if they need something in the middle of the night?”He nods, understanding. “The staff will be very watchful, and there are monitors you can turn on in each room. You’ll be able to hear them, even if they’re far away.”“That helps,” I admit. But the truth is, I don’t like it.
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 353 Calmer Waters
(Jayden)The kitten fiasco really threw off my mood. I know I overreacted, and Bobby’s reaction hit me harder than I expected. I was too harsh before checking in with how he’s feeling.Between moving the kids to Brussels, this mansion, push backs with the Nexus Global team, the staff everywhere here—I need to settle it all down.It’s been a huge change for all of us, but I guess I didn’t realize how much it would affect the kids. Especially Bobby. I don’t want to undo all of Anne’s good work with him. It’s been months of reprogramming with her.I can’t expect that all his trauma is over with now. I know better than anyone, it’s a constant effort to not let the demons back in every day. I need to stand with Bobby each day and demonstrate how it’s done, not just tell him.It’s not like she let him have his own way all the time either, but I think this is one of those times where we choose our battles carefully.As I sit in the main sitting room, the responsibility settles heavily on my
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Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 444 Convincing Judy
(Jayden)“Jayden,” she greets warmly as I approach the table. “You look well.” “Thanks, Mother,” I reply with a smile, leaning in to kiss her cheek. “You look as perfect as ever. Still setting the standard.” She beams at the compliment, her eyes studying me closely. “Flattery, Jayden? You must want something.” I laugh lightly as I take my seat. “Do I need a reason to compliment you? You’re my mother. It’s been too long.” Her expression softens slightly, but I can tell her mind is working overtime. Judy doesn’t take things at face value. The waiter appears, pouring wine for us both.“I took the liberty of ordering ahead. Like old times. This wine I discovered on my travels here. It’s excellent.”I lift the glass, swirling it absently. “To new beginnings,” I say, raising it toward her. Judy’s lips curl into a satisfied smile, and she clinks her glass against mine. “To new beginnings.” “You’re settling into London nicely, I hope?” she asks, taking a delicate sip of wine. “It’s be
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 443 Gender Reveal
(Jayden)Winona is staring at me like a deer in the headlights.“Do we want to know the gender? Do you?” I ask her gently.“I… I’m not sure. It makes this baby even more real than the heartbeat. If anything happens…”I take her hand now wanting to help her emotional turmoil. I can’t imagine how hard growing a baby inside you is if you then lose that baby. But I don’t want her to regret anything if that does happen.“The baby is real.”“I know that.”“This is your choice. I’ll support you. Under the circumstances, maybe knowing, naming and connecting with the baby is something you’d be thankful for, if the worst happens.”She stares at me and I can see the wheels turning in her head. “So, celebrate the baby now and focus on the positive…?”“If we lose the baby are you going to feel better or worse if you never made that connection? Maybe you don’t even have to decide right now.”“Oh, the ultrasound isn’t needed for the gender. That is already stated in the prenatal blood testing when y
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 442 A Welcome Beat
(Winona)I pull my coat tighter around me as I step into the clinic. The receptionist greets me with a polite nod. Her European accent is soft and welcoming.I manage a small smile, keeping my face calm even though my heart feels like it’s going to break out of my chest.Trying to be calm is pretty impossible right now.Everything about this appointment feels monumental. Not just the ultrasound, but what it means. Jayden will be here. Secretly. I need him to be here, but I don’t know what it means as far as our marriage goes.There’s an emotional gap that will remain until we get past what happened after he attacked Lance. We’ve pinned it for now. More Barnaby advice.The receptionist directs me down a hallway, and I follow her to the waiting room. The clinic is quiet, secluded—perfect for what we need.I sit down, clutching my bag. Jayden isn’t here yet, but I know he’ll find a way. That’s who he is lately. A man who delivers. Even when I’ve shattered his trust. Even when he may no
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 441 Quiet Hopes and Hidden Plans
(Winona)I type out the message carefully, pausing after each sentence to make sure I haven’t missed anything. This appointment has to be airtight in terms of confidentiality—no chance of anyone finding out what it’s really about.W: Hi, I’d like to confirm an ultrasound appointment. Discretion is critical. Can you ensure my records are sealed and only accessible to me and the attending physician?The response comes quickly, and I feel a flicker of relief.Clinic: Of course, Mrs. Brennan. Your privacy is our utmost priority. We have a slot available tomorrow at 10 a.m. Will that work for you?W: Perfect. Thank you.I sit back and stare at the phone, the screen glowing in the soft afternoon light streaming through the cottage window. Tomorrow. Tomorrow, I’ll hear the baby’s heartbeat. And if everything’s okay. If.I type another message, this time to Jayden.W: Scan is tomorrow. 10am. U think u can pull off the magic plan?His reply comes a few minutes later, as calm and collected.J:
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 440 Lovestruck Lisa
(Winona)The cottage is alive with movement as staff bustle about, tidying rooms and preparing meals. I sit on the couch, sipping peppermint tea, and trying to make sense of my swirling thoughts.The kids are at school, which gives me a rare morning of peace—or at least as close to peace as I can get with my life.The front door creaks open, and Lisa strides in. She’s wearing a bright, flowy dress I don’t think I’ve seen before, her cheeks glowing pink, her smile practically lighting up the room.“Wow,” I say, setting my cup down. “You look like someone just proposed to you. How is cloud nine? It’s been a minute since I visited.”Lisa laughs, dropping her bag by the door. “Not quite a proposal. But if he did, I wouldn’t have said no.”I blink, taken aback by her reply. Lisa never says things like that—not without a heavy dose of sarcasm. “Okay, spill. Where have you been? I haven’t seen you since you said you were having dinner with Lance, night before last. What happened?”She flops
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 439 Hello Mother
(Jayden)Evening settles over London as Viktor and I sift through the day’s progress in my suite. The investigation is almost over.I lean back in my chair, arms crossed, as Viktor shows me a file on his tablet.“I’ve identified the staff member who delivered the envelope,” Viktor says, his voice steady.“Someone in the Nexus Global network?” I ask, leaning forward.Viktor nods. “No. A junior member of the investigation team. She’s young, new to the company.”“Did she know what she was doing?”“Unlikely. Judy has a knack for using people without them realizing they’re being used. We’re watching her for now. It’s better Judy believes her line of communication is secure.”“Yes. It was most likely a one off just to get that envelope on my desk.”Viktor nods, but before he can respond, there’s a knock at the suite’s door. He exchanges a glance with me before heading along the hallway to answer it. I remain seated, my mind already racing with possibilities. It has to be her.I don’t move t
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 438 Finding Me
(Cass)“Cass,” Chef Thierry’s voice cuts through the chaos, sharp and commanding. It’s nice to hear an English word at last. I haven’t hear many in three days.I glance up, still scrubbing. He’s standing a few feet away, holding a small bowl in one hand and a spoon in the other. His expression is inscrutable, his sharp features etched like stone.“Here. As you are the… ‘ow you say, soup expert…” He gestures with the spoon, offering it to me. “Taste.”I wipe my hands on my apron, glancing around.They can be scared of him. I’m not. He’s just a man doing a job, like any other man.Taking the spoon, I dip it into the soup he’s holding and taste.The flavors bloom on my tongue—rich, earthy, with a faint hint of bitterness. It’s incredible, no question, but... there’s something missing.Thierry’s eyes narrow as he watches me, waiting. Almost daring me to defy him again.I grab a clean spoon, dip it into a jar of honey I’d seen him use earlier, and swirl a small amount into the soup. Then I
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 437 Late Night Comms
(Winona)Later that night, I curl up in bed, one eye on the baby monitor and the other on my phone. My laptop sits beside me, tabs open with properties and travel options, but I can’t focus.My thoughts are a tangled mess, and texting Jayden is the only way to untangle them.I feel like it’s safe. Staff don’t stay here at the cottage overnight. We’d agreed to debrief each other every evening. No matter what. It will help me keep my ducks in a row, or at least in some form of organized panic.I need this ultrasound fast, so we can get out of here and let Jayden and Viktor do their thing. I type him a message.W: Hey. Got a sec?It doesn’t take long before the little dots appear.J: Always. What’s up?W: Dr said I need an ultrasound ASAP. Big Q is... how tf do we make it happen w/o her finding out?J: We’ll figure it out. I’ll make it happen.So simple, like it’s nothing. I know it’s not nothing. But I do believe he will manage it. Lately he is doing exactly what he says he’ll do.I me
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 436 Informed Choices
(Winona)I sit in the starkly white exam room, tapping my fingers on the cold metal armrest of the chair. The anxiety radiates through my body as I wait for the doctor to return with my medical history files.Klara assured me he was one of the best general doctors in Brussels, known for his discretion and thoroughness.The door swings open, and Dr. Fischer, a tall man in his early fifties with wire-rimmed glasses, strides in. His accent is distinctly Germanic, every word precise and measured. He offers a smile, but there’s something reassuringly serious about his demeanor.“Ah, Frau Brennan,” he says, settling into the chair across from me and clicking open a folder. “I have reviewed your medical history and current concerns. How are you feeling today?”I shift uncomfortably. “Physically, I’ve been okay. A little queasy this morning, but nothing alarming. Mentally... well, there’s a lot riding on this pregnancy.”He nods, his brow furrowing slightly as he reads through my file. “Yes,
