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372 A Parental Shadow
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2024-10-30 13:49:18Related chapters
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
Last Updated : 2024-10-30Divorce 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
Last Updated : 2024-10-31Divorce 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
Last Updated : 2024-10-31Divorce 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
Last Updated : 2024-10-31Divorce 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
Last Updated : 2024-11-01Divorce 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
Last Updated : 2024-11-01Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 379 Clarity in the Chaos
(Winona)Lisa picks up, her face flooding my screen. The worry on her face is evident, her eyes scanning mine.“Winona! Did you do it? Did you take the test?” she asks.I swallow, unable to find the words. With a shaky hand, I hold the test up to the screen, showing her the two unmistakable lines, bold as anything.It’s confirmation of a reality I barely dared to believe possible.Lisa’s jaw drops. “No fucking way… You are pregnant?” Her voice softens with something between awe and disbelief.I nod, feeling everything crash over me. “I can’t believe it either, Lisa. It’s all a blur. There’s so much, too much.”Lisa’s face lights up briefly, but then her expression shifts, her mind clearly racing. “This is… complicated?”“Complicated,” I repeat, the word tasting bitter on my tongue. “More than complicated, Lisa. This is… a disaster. What if…” My voice catches, but I force the words out. “What if it isn’t Jayden’s? Why does it even matter if I lose it anyway?”Lisa takes a deep breath,
Last Updated : 2024-11-01Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 380 A Tiny Dream of Hope
(Winona)Henry’s soft whimpers stir me from my thoughts, anchoring me back to the present. The kids will be almost finished with their chores.I cross the room to his crib, our walk-in wardrobe converted into a makeshift nursery, and lean over to scoop him up. His little face scrunches, his eyes barely opening as he lets out a sleepy cry, his tiny fists waving aimlessly in the air.“Hey, sweet boy,” I murmur, pressing a kiss to his forehead as I cradle him close. His soft baby scent fills me, warm and comforting. I hold him tighter, feeling a surge of emotion rise inside me.Despite everything Henry’s been through, he’s here, healthy and full of life, and I still find myself amazed by the strength this tiny boy has shown. Delivered by Caesarian at 25 weeks, he spent those first days so fragile, connected to machines and tubes.Maybe that’s all I need, to get to that point in the gestation. But even that is a pipe dream. But I wonder how far along I am already? I kiss Henry on the che
Last Updated : 2024-11-02
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Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 494 Between Fires
(Cass)Henry is a whirlwind of energy, zipping around the lounge like a tiny hurricane, clinging to the TV remote he’s found and smacking it against the couch.Jayden keeps half an eye on him while balancing a steaming cup of coffee and scrolling through something on his phone. “Should I be worried that your kid’s favorite pastime is destruction?” I ask, leaning against the back of the couch. Jayden smirks but doesn’t look up. “He’s not destructive. He’s… curious.” “Curious? That’s one word for it.” “Curiosity is healthy,” he smiles.Henry giggles and bolts along the floor as I make a beeline to get the remote back off him.“Healthy for him maybe.” I huff and puff as I wrestle the object out of his vice-like grip. “Give me that before you break something, little man.” Henry retaliates with an ear-piercing squeal that makes me cringe. Jayden just grins and plucks him off the floor, holding him upside down like a sack of potatoes. “That’s enough, buddy. Aunt Cass is tired of your a
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
