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349 Settling In, or Not
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2024-10-22 13:33:05Related chapters
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
Last Updated : 2024-10-23Divorce 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
Last Updated : 2024-10-23Divorce 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.
Last Updated : 2024-10-23Divorce 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
Last Updated : 2024-10-24Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 354 The Future of Nexus Global
(Jayden)Winona steps back into the room after checking the older kids in bed. She looks a little more at ease. She has the monitor screen in her hand.“The monitors work well,” she says, sitting down beside me. “But I don’t know… It feels so impersonal. I’d rather be more hands-on with the kids.”I nod, knowing exactly what she means. “It’s a big house. Everything’s spread out. Feels like we’re miles away but moving into a guest wing isn’t practical for the first night.”“I know,” she says, glancing down at Henry, who’s starting to doze off in his bassinet. “But Henry will sleep in our room tonight. There’s a cot and I’ll leave him in the bassinet. I don’t care how good the monitors are. I want him close.”I smile at that. “Of course. Can’t leave him up to his own devices.”She leans back against the couch, letting out a small sigh. “I think the family house will be so much better. I can’t wait to get started making it livable.”“I mean, the staff here could have it done in no time.”
Last Updated : 2024-10-24Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 355 The Evidence Arrives
(Judy)The courier should’ve delivered what I need by now. I glance at my watch.It’s been a long game, planting seeds of doubt in Jayden’s mind, and it’s about to pay off. Winona might think she’s made her way back into his heart, but love doesn’t survive betrayal—especially not Jayden’s brand of jealousy.I tap my fingers impatiently on the desk, looking out over the city skyline. Winona. That self-righteous little snake. She’s always acted like she’s better than me, like she’s won.I’ll never forget the look on her face when she first found out about Ashlyn and Jayden. The way her eyes filled with tears. The way she looked at me as though she had any right to be angry. She knew she’d lost.She doesn’t know what real power is. She doesn’t know what it means to protect your family at all costs. Jayden is my son. He’ll always be mine.I sit up straight as there’s a knock at the door.“Come in,” I say, keeping my voice smooth and composed, though my insides buzz in anticipation.My ass
Last Updated : 2024-10-24Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 356 The Perfect Storm
(Judy)The next morning, I’m already at my desk, tea in hand, reviewing the photos again. The images are intimate, just on the edge of scandalous. There’s enough innuendo, enough skin, enough suggestion to make Jayden question everything.This is going to be delicious. I can feel it. The downfall of Winona Nolan is inevitable. She’s no Brennan, never will be.A smile tugs at my lips. It’s a victory I’ve been planning forever. I want Jayden shattered—emotionally wrecked and vulnerable.I’ll remind him that it was always me who stood by him, me who knew what was best for him. Winona is just a con, a fleeting bad phase in his life. I am permanent. I will always be here.The thing about Jayden is, he’s too trusting of her. He thinks just because she’s in his life now, she’ll always be loyal. But I know people. I know how weak they are, how easy they are to manipulate when you know what buttons to press.And Winona? She’s the weakest of them all, throwing herself at men like Phillip and
Last Updated : 2024-10-25Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 357 Meeting Astrid
(Winona)“Ready for the meeting?” Jayden asks, his voice warm and reassuring.I force a smile. “Of course.”We head down the hall, past rows of glass-walled offices where people work silently behind screens. Everyone is dressed to perfection, every detail immaculate.It’s a far cry from the life I had back in the States, where chaos was the order of the day, juggling kids, work, and everything in between.I’m trying to adjust, I really am, but this place is so different. So... emotionally cold.“Astrid is in the meeting room. She isn’t friendly but she keeps this place running like clockwork. Don’t let her bother you. She’s all about Nexus Global and she hates change.”As we approach the meeting room, the tension in my stomach tightens. I wonder if Sofia will be in there? Jayden opens the door, and I step inside, my eyes immediately landing on her. Astrid Koenig.Wow, I think even her short, sharp hair is too scared to fall out of place.She’s sitting at the head of the table, looking
Last Updated : 2024-10-25
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Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 493 Heartbeats
(Winona)The gel is cold, but I don’t care. I need this done. Dr. Harris adjusts the probe on my stomach, her face neutral as she stares at the monitor. Jayden sits beside me, his hand gripping mine. Lisa is standing at the end of the bed, arms crossed, her eyes flicking between me and the screen. Cass perches on the bedside out of the way. I’m grateful for their support.“Let’s see,” Dr. Harris says. Her tone is calm, but it doesn’t ease the storm raging inside me. My breath comes in shallow bursts, and I glance at Jayden. He hasn’t let go of my hand since they rolled the machine in. He looks focused, his eyes glued to the screen. Lisa breaks the silence first. “Should it take this long?” Her voice is sharp, her worry evident. Dr. Harris keeps her tone steady. “Sometimes the baby’s position makes it harder to pick up a signal. Let’s not assume anything yet.” “Easier said than done,” Cass says.I can’t help but agree. My mouth is dry. “Doctor, should I be worried?” Dr. Harris m
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 492 Waking Up
(Winona)The first thing I feel is exhaustion—a bone-deep, crushing weight that makes it nearly impossible to move. My body aches everywhere, like I’ve been run over by a truck.My head pounds, and my throat feels dry, but I force my eyes open, blinking against the soft light.“Mommy?” A small voice breaks through the fog, hesitant but hopeful.I blink again, and there she is. Abby, her little face framed by messy pigtails, her big blue eyes filled with worry. “Abby,” I rasp, my voice barely audible.Her face lights up, and she leans in close, clutching the edge of the bed. “You’re awake!” she exclaims, her voice trembling with relief. “I missed you so much, Mommy!”I try to lift my hand, but it feels like lead. Instead, I manage a weak smile. “I missed you too, sweetie,” I whisper.“Alright, sweetheart, let’s give Mommy a little space,” Anne’s calm voice comes from somewhere nearby. “Glad you’re back with us, Winona.”Abby shakes her head fiercely. “No! I want to stay with Mommy!”“I
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 491 Walking Away
(Jayden)I drop Viktor off at the penthouse, handing him the spare key fob. “Cat’s in charge while you’re here. Don’t let him boss you around too much,” I say with a smirk.Viktor raises an eyebrow. “I’m sure I’ll manage. Can’t be more troublesome than your sister-in-law.”I let out a low laugh. “Truth.”“I’ll get back here as soon as I can. I have some forward trajectory I need to discuss with you on Nexus Global. Help yourself to anything.”“I’ll be here. If anything happens with Winona, please let me know.”“I will. Right… now it’s time to go and finally put Brennan Industries behind me.”***By the time I pull up outside Gabriel’s hotel, I’m ready to let go and walk away.I knock on the door and it opens. Gabriel is there looking as tall and suave as ever. I step into the suite, and he greets me with a firm handshake. “Jayden,” he says, his tone even. “Thanks for coming.”“No problem,” I reply, keeping things brisk. “Let’s get this done.”Gabriel gestures to the small conference t
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 490 Show of Strength
(Cass)When Viktor and I step into the Brennan Wing family suite, the first thing I notice is how together Jayden looks.He’s standing by Henry’s highchair, feeding him bits of banana while the little guy alternates between smearing food on his face and laughing like he’s cracked the greatest joke in the world.Jayden doesn’t even flinch when Henry chucks half a cracker at his chest.“Alright, Superdad,” I say, dropping my bag on the couch. “You’re really leaning into this whole family-man thing. Should I be worried you’re going to start wearing matching dad-and-son tracksuits next?”Jayden smirks without looking up. “You jealous, Aunt Cass? I can always order you one too. I’m thinking neon green?”I grin, then I run to hug him. “Pass. I prefer my black on black for now.”Henry spots me and lets out an excited squeal, waving his sticky hands in my direction. “Oh, no you don’t,” I warn, taking a step back. “Your dad can keep the food fights. I’ll hug you as soon as we use some wipes.”
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 489 Creating a Family Cocoon
(Jayden)“Gabriel.” I say as Henry tries to grab my cell out of my hand.I manage to dodge his lightning-fast hand, holding the phone just out of his reach. He laughs, thinking it’s a game.His little giggles make me grin.“Jayden. I wanted to let you know I’m flying in to finalize the shares. Everything looks good on my end. I land at six.”“Great. Let me know your hotel room; I’ll come see you there.”“Sorry to hear about Lance and Judy. I’ve read over everything you sent. Are you sure?”“Yes,” I reply coolly. “You’ll be in charge now unless you make other arrangements with your family. I'm out.”There’s a pause on the other end, but I don’t care to fill it. Gabriel’s voice is measured when he continues, “How’s Winona? I heard she had a fall.”“She’s in recovery. We’ll know more tomorrow.”“I heard Cass was in Europe. Is she coming back to see her?”“She is. And I don’t want any trouble for her, Gabriel. She’s been through enough. I’m still pissed that Mia provided her with drugs an
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
