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377 The Man I Am
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2024-11-01 14:05:55Related chapters
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
Divorce 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,
Divorce 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
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 381 Stamping My Authority
(Jayden)The Nexus Global London office sprawls before me in slick, minimalist decor—glass walls, polished stone floors, and a sterile, almost clinical sense of order.I’m here, and the cool indifference emanating from the walls almost dares me to feel out of place. But I won’t give them the satisfaction. I’ve done my research and I’m ready to battle.We step into the boardroom, and the low hum of conversation dies immediately. My eyes scan the table, taking in the steely expressions.The London team looks at me like I’m here to disrupt their carefully curated world. I’m the outsider, the American, the wild card disrupting their routine, and the disdain isn’t exactly subtle.I don’t let it rattle me. This is my company now.At the head of the table sits Grayson Whitmore. Late forties, silver at the temples, his suit cut to perfection and his demeanor radiating the cold, meticulous confidence of someone who’s run this show for years.His air of superiority is so quintessentially Britis
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 382 Meeting Klara
(Winona)I wait inside the estate, trying to steady my nerves. Viktor’s mother, Klara, is due any moment. From what Jayden’s told me, she’s not only a skilled midwife and herbalist, but the backbone of a massive family—twelve children, each with a distinct role on their farm.To say I’m feeling completely useless and intimidated is an understatement.But Klara lives a lifestyle I’ve longed for. I’m hoping to learn a lot from her.Finally, a staff member enters the living area, guiding a tall, composed woman towards me. Klara has a face softly lined with experience.Her hair tied back in a pony-tail, her expression warm yet focused. She’s dressed in a floral cotton dress. Her small handbag seems more practical than stylish, but there’s an aura about her—a quiet strength.“Klara, it’s wonderful to meet you.” I extend my hand, making sure not to give anything away to the staff member who brought her in. “I’m dying to pick your brains about wrangling these kids of mine.”She takes my hand
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 383 No Room for Weakness
(Jayden) “This is not the level of management Gus tolerated, and I won’t put up with incompetence either.”Grayson’s face flickers with shock, quickly masked by that mask of politeness. He straightens his posture, clearly readying himself for another lecture, but I don’t give him the chance.“We hire strategists here, not outdated relics clinging to tradition.” My words are precise, each one landing with a deliberate sting. “This isn’t a game for you to play by your own rules.”Grayson forces a smile. “Mr. Brennan, perhaps if you took the time to understand our approach instead of—”“Understand?” I interrupt. “The only thing I understand is that you’ve misled this company, mismanaged it. You lost a crucial deal due to pure negligence. The time for your excuses is over, Grayson. You’re a liability.”A murmur ripples through the room, a few of the other executives glancing at Grayson, visibly uncomfortable. Good. Let them squirm.Grayson’s smile is gone now, replaced by a steely glare.
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 384 Permission To Hope
(Winona)“It is positive, Winona. You are pregnant.”The words echo inside my pounding head, sending shock waves through me. My vision blurs, the walls close in. I can’t breathe, can’t think. This can’t be real.I feel tears on my cheeks but I’m so far away from reality right now. My anxiety has taken over. I clutch my chest and my breath won’t come out of my lungs so I can take another breath in.“Winona, focus on my voice,” Klara says gently, her hands on mine. “Breathe. In… and out. Slowly.”I try to follow her instructions, her calm voice guiding me through each breath. It’s hard. I just want to run away. Gradually, the panic recedes, leaving me feeling raw but steady.She reaches into her bag again, pulling out a small vial. “Here. This will help. passionflower and lavender. Just breathe the scent in.”I inhale the soft, calming scent, feeling it ground me as it fills my lungs. The tension in my chest loosens, and I look at Klara, grateful beyond words.“Thank you,” I whisper, ba
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 385 Cottage Living
(Winona)I take a step back, assessing the open-plan kitchen, dining, and family room. It’s finally coming together. Fresh flowers from the garden fill vases on the counter.The windows gleam, and through them, I can see the forested areas and mountains. Every view, every little touch, feels like it belongs to us.Keeping myself busy with this house has become more than a distraction. Each polished surface, each thoughtfully placed piece, feels like a tiny triumph over the panic that keeps creeping in.I need to focus on things I can control—the endless arrangement of pillows, the organization of drawers, the flow of each room. These are things that make sense. Things I can handle.In two days, Jayden will be back, and every part of me aches for his presence here. The kids and I have been working non-stop, setting up their rooms, making sure there’s space for each of their personalities to shine.Bobby’s been a wonder, diving into landscaping and gardening with a passion I hadn’t seen
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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,
