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370 Doubt Around Every Corner
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
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
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 373 Stop Stalling
(Winona)The master suite itself is almost absurdly luxurious, but I’ve managed to carve out a little space to breathe here. There’s a separate living area off the bedroom and ensuite.And for the past fifteen minutes, I’ve been psyching myself up, trying to gather the courage to take this test.I know I need to know, and I know it can’t wait any longer, yet each time I look at it, I freeze.Henry’s cries pierce the silence. His nursery is the massive walk-in closet. I wish there was space for the other kids too, but the monitors are doing the job for now. Right now, I'm grateful to have Henry close at least.I drop the test on the small table, as I head to his crib. Henry’s face is scrunched up, red and wailing, his little fists flailing. I scoop him up, rocking him gently, feeling the weight of him in my arms.I can’t help but smile; he’s been through so much, and yet he’s so resilient.“It’s okay, little man,” I whisper, bouncing him gently as his cries settle. “It’s just you and m
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 374 Test Time
(Winona)I close the bathroom door behind me, leaning back against it as my heart pounds against my ribs. I clutch the pregnancy test in one hand, determined to finally go through with it.No more interruptions, no more stalling. It’s time to know. Sitting on the toilet, I’m ready.Before I can open the package, my phone rings. I nearly drop the test, the sudden sound jolting me. I pull my phone out of the pocket of my jeans now pooled at my ankles, and Jayden’s name flashes on the screen.My thumb hovers over the decline button—I want to be alone in this moment. But then, something stops me. It’s as if he knows I need him, even though he’s not with me.I swipe to answer, bracing myself, hoping he doesn’t pick up on the anxiety in my voice.“Hey, babe,” I say, clutching the test in one hand.“Hey,” he replies, his tone warm and steady. There’s a softness in his voice, the kind he only uses when he’s about to say something important.“I’m just about to take off for London, but I had to
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 375 Playing Along
(Judy)“Mia,” I begin smoothly, my voice laced with the warmth I’ve practiced for years. “I’m so pleased you are taking the time to learn the business. It’s been quite refreshing having you around.”Mia meets my gaze, a hint of challenge in her expression. “This is my father’s legacy, my legacy. Thank you for helping me.”There it is—the notion that this business is hers to shape, a piece of her inheritance to mold as she sees fit. I smile, keeping my tone steady and calm, though a flicker of irritation sparks beneath the surface.I nod, careful to conceal my real thoughts. “I’m always here should you decide to sell.”She raises an eyebrow. “It seems to me that Brennan Industries is just as much a legacy for my sisters and Gabriel. I’m not sure anyone should sell.”So, she’s catching on—realizing I’m angling for those shares. I force a smile, concealing the irritation bubbling within.But she has no idea what I’ve sacrificed to bring Brennan Industries to where it is today.“Mia,” I s
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 376 Life Finally Works
(Jayden)The Nexus jet is smooth and steady as it slices through the clouds, with Viktor sitting across from me, his usual calm demeanor just a touch more relaxed than usual.I can’t help but feel a rush of excitement about the future. Everything is falling into place here in Brussels—the kids are adjusting, Winona seems at ease for the first time in a long time, and the cottage feels like it was made for us.I can’t remember the last time things felt… normal. As if, maybe, this could be our life, no huge shadows from the past ready to crash over us.“I have to say,” I start, turning toward Viktor, “the staff BBQ was perfect.”“I agree.”“They all seemed genuinely happy to be there. Now, with the diplomats’ welcome party coming up, I can feel like we’re… part of something here.”Viktor nods, a hint of a smile on his face. “It’s a unique environment,” he says. “But it works because you and Winona are making it your own.”“It’s starting to feel like home,” I admit. “Moving to the cottag
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 377 The Man I Am
(Jayden)The idea that some of the staff might like a change is swirling in my mind.Then a thought jumps into my head. With all the skills on offer at Gus’s estate, it would make a great training facility.And all that land surrounding it. Two thousand hectares, surely some of that can be set aside for staff needing land to build on. In fact, why can’t the building and development of plots be a part of the training?“What if,” I say, turning to Viktor, “instead of just offering jobs, we gave them the chance to build something of their own? Something they can build on for themselves.”Viktor’s eyebrows lift, a glint of interest in his eyes. “You mean… to offer them a way to be self-sufficient?”“Yes, if they chose that. But I think the whole estate could become a training facility. That would employ the staff and generate an income to sustain the wages.”“That’s very workable.”I nod, feeling the idea solidify as I speak. “Yes, exactly. I’d love to give the staff an option. For those
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 378 Result!
(Winona)I stare at the test, my whole world narrowed down to that tiny, plastic window.I’ve always been sure this would be negative. There’s no need to feel disappointed or upset. It is what it is. The chances of me actually being pregnant, after already having one impossible pregnancy, is a drop in the ocean.Negative is what I knew would happen. Negative is exactly what I need. So much less complicated. I stare inside that plastic window and there’s no mistaking the result.Two lines. Bold. Clear. Positive.The room falls away. All the air leaves my lungs. I clutch my chest and try to suck oxygen in, but I can’t breathe.I’m pregnant. I press my other hand to my stomach, half-expecting to feel something—a heartbeat, a flutter, any sign that this is real. But, of course, it’s just me and the stillness of my own pulse, thudding beneath my palm.My racing pulse fills my ears. My heart is thumping. This is really impossible. My chest is about to cave in, I swear.The air suddenly
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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,
