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364 Breaking Bread and Barriers
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 365 The Wise Woman
(Winona)Hugo hesitates, but under the weight of everyone’s expectations, he finally sits down, the beer still in hand. He takes a sip, and I swear I see him wince. He swallows like it has razor blades in it.The whole scene is comical—Hugo, ever the formal assistant, sitting here with us, trying to look like this isn’t the most uncomfortable situation he’s been in.Everyone else raises their glasses and goes back to their conversations. I separate a little from the women and stay close to Jayden for now.Jayden chuckles softly. “Now that you’re settled, how are the plans coming along for the welcome party I promised Abby and Winona?”Hugo stiffens again, clearing his throat. “The welcome party, monsieur?”Jayden raises an eyebrow. “You do remember the family party I promised Abby over the phone at my welcome dinner, right? I asked you to look into organizing it.”Hugo’s face pales slightly. “I… may have overlooked that particular detail. There were pressing matters concerning the Lon
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 366 I Can’t Be Pregnant!
(Winona)I stand in the cottage, staring at my phone. My mind is a whirlwind, and the words that woman said, the steadiness of her dark gaze, replays in my head. Pregnant. No way.I hit Lisa’s speed dial and the video call button. She picks up after a couple of rings, her face popping up on the screen. She’s in her kitchen, coffee mug in hand, looking at me with wide eyes.“Oh no, what happened? You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” she says, skipping the small talk as usual.“I wish it was that simple,” I reply, trying to laugh it off, but even I can hear the unease in my voice. “A ghost would be perfect right now.”Lisa raises an eyebrow, taking a sip of her coffee. “Uh-oh. Spill. What’s going on? Did Jayden do something? Or is it the whole Belgian experience finally hitting you? But it’s not the chocolate, right? That stuff is as amazing as they say it is?”I shake my head. “No, it’s not Jayden. He’s actually been great. And the chocolate is amazing, yes. It’s something else… someth
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 367 Uncertainty
(Winona)My heart pounds, and for a second, I can’t speak. I look away from the screen, my stomach knotting up, thoughts swirling in my mind. Hall pass week was wild on two occasions.Yes, there were condoms to start with. But can I be one hundred percent sure after that? No. No, I can’t.“Lisa…” My voice trembles as I force the words out. “I don’t know. I don’t think I did have unprotected sex, apart from with Jayden. But there’s always a chance even with contraceptives…”The silence on the other end stretches, heavy and suffocating. I watch Lisa’s face as she processes what I’ve just said, her brow furrowing.She knows me too well, knows when I’m not telling her everything. But how can I even begin to explain this mess? I barely understand it myself. This might get way more complicated. This may tear apart my family for good.Lisa finally breaks the silence, her tone firm and serious. “Winona, you need to find out. If there’s even the slightest chance you’re pregnant, you need to kn
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 368 As Soon As Possible
(Winona)I walk back to the main house. The kids are in lessons now, but I have to go check out schools this afternoon. Sure, check out schools I may never need. I could be a single mom back in the USA anytime soon.I need to get a pregnancy test while I’m out and keep that hidden.This is so ridiculous. I’m not pregnant. I can’t get pregnant.I practiced safe sex on hall pass week. Now I wish I’d never insisted on hall pass week. What a crazy-ass idea. But I did do it safely. There were condoms.But condoms break. Condoms slip. And everything got out of control fast. It was chaotic, messy, and in the back of my mind, I know there’s always a chance these things fail. That’s just the ugly truth.Maybe I can’t remember every detail now, but surely I insisted on double checking at the time…But still… the odds are in my favor, aren’t they? It has to be Jayden’s. We’ve been together so much recently, and it would make sense that if I was pregnant, it would be his baby. It has to be. Right
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 369 The Green Wave
(Cass)“Cass!” Ziggy’s voice snaps me back to the present. He’s standing by the counter, eyebrow raised as he holds a tray of fresh-cut veggies toward me. “Earth to Cass. You gonna season these, or are you planning on serving ‘em bland?”I blink, fumbling as I grab the tray. “Right. Sorry, I was just… thinking.”He sighs, running his hand through his vibrant blue hair. “Cass, girl, I get it. Trust me. But you’ve been ‘just thinking’ all day. If you’re gonna space out, at least pretend like you’re here.”“Yeah, yeah, I know,” I mutter, feeling my face flush under his watchful gaze. “I’m good.”Ziggy doesn’t look convinced, though. He eyes me for a moment longer, then glances around to make sure no one’s paying attention. “Do you, though? You’re riding that ‘green wave’ again, obviously.”My gut tightens. I hate how he reads me so well. Ziggy’s been around the block a few times, his arms a map of tattoos, each telling a story I’ll probably never hear. He knows when I’m out of it, and h
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 370 Doubt Around Every Corner
(Winona)It’s a gorgeous day. If I let myself forget last night’s revelation, it feels like I’m adjusting to life abroad, kids in lessons, baby asleep, husband at work.I lean into the warmth of that thought for a moment. Despite the uprooting, the shift to Brussels has been more promising than I expected. The kids are settling in, and Jayden…he’s been nothing short of amazing, shouldering so much.But then there’s the shadow. The kind that feels invisible, but close. Judy.If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that she will never fully leave us alone. I’ve seen the way she pulls strings from afar, somehow finding her way into the cracks of our lives.Jayden might think that his distance has finally given us peace, but I know better. I can’t let my guard down, especially now.I shake off the thought, trying to focus on the good. The cottage, for one, has been a real gift. It’s perfect for us, more intimate and homier than the grand halls of Gus’s estate.It’s clear Ja
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 371 Trusting Viktor
(Winona)The car ride is quiet at first, the gentle hum of the engine almost soothing as I gather my thoughts. Viktor glances at me briefly in the mirror. I need to explain where I’m going and why.“Thank you,” I say, breaking the silence. “For everything you do for Jayden, and for us.”He nods, keeping his eyes on the road. “It’s my job, Winona. Gus knew you’d need someone you can trust.”“Because of Judy?” I venture.“That and also what he was involved in. Some people have long memories.”There’s a calm steadiness to him that rubs off on me.“Can I ask you something, Viktor?”He nods, waiting.“Do you trust everyone on Gus’s staff? I mean, really trust them?”There’s a flicker in his eyes, a hint of caution. “I trust that Gus hired them with a purpose. But,” he hesitates, choosing his words carefully, “even the most trustworthy people can be persuaded to change loyalties if the stakes are right.”“Except you?”“I work for Gus. Not Nexus Global.”“But why are you so loyal to Gus?”“
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 372 A Parental Shadow
(Jayden)I sit alone on the back steps of the cottage, staring out at the garden Bobby worked so hard to restore. But it is so much more than this. Acres of woodlands and a play area being revealed that any kid would love to grow up in.A place I would have loved to grow up in.The place is beautiful, almost perfect, yet I feel heavy, tinged with a past I’m only now beginning to understand. As a father myself, my perspective of the past and how I feel about my parents has changed.Not all for the better, but I do have a new understanding of how strong a love for a child is.This so-called cottage. Perhaps by Gus’s standards it is. To anyone else it’s a mansion. Eight bedrooms, five bathrooms. And living areas that are certainly roomy but also have the feel of a home. A place designed for kids to run about and parents to be able to watch.A place to be a haven, not just a building you live in.Inside the living area is accented by a sprawling, handcrafted stone fireplace. Rooms connect
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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,
