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412 Playing Chess
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2024-11-12 14:59:58Related chapters
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 413 Desperate Dealings
(Cass)The alley stinks of rotting garbage, stale beer, and desperation. My heart races as I wait, shifting from foot to foot, clutching the small bag of pills in my hand.It’s quiet in an eerie way, the kind of quiet that prickles at your nerves and makes you second-guess every decision that led you here.This used to be my life a long time ago. I swore I’d never be back here again. I promised Mom. I argued with Winona that I could take care of myself. Now here I am.I glance at my phone. The screen is cracked, just like everything else in my life, but it flashes the time anyway. It’s been twenty minutes, and every second feels like a razor blade on my nerves. Someone is supposed to be meeting me here.I never thought I’d be selling drugs to save my own ass. But unloading this stash will get me out of the debt I owe these dealers. Enough to keep them from rearranging my face or worse. Then I’m never, ever doing this again.I’ll get clean. I might even have some money left to start ov
Last Updated : 2024-11-13Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 414 Escape
(Cass)“Idiot,” I whisper, my voice cracking. My throat tightens with shame. How did I let myself get here?I picture my mom’s face, the warmth in her eyes, the way she used to brush my hair and tell me I’d grow up to do great things.A sob claws its way up, and I swallow it back. I can’t break down. Not here, not now.I slide to the floor, knees pulled up to my chest, trying to catch my breath. Everything in my life is in ruins, and it’s my fault. I suck at running my own life. If Mom could see me now, she’d be so disappointed.I wipe at my face, missing my mom with a fierceness that cuts. Life felt safe when she was alive. Predictable. Now I’m a disaster, a pathetic screw-up who can’t make one decent decision.If only I’d listened to her more. If only she were here to tell me what to do, to hold me and promise everything would be okay.I push out of the shop front, clutching my backpack tight, and head toward my apartment. I just need my passport and the last of the money I’ve stash
Last Updated : 2024-11-13Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 415 Heart to Heart
(Winona)The sun is warm on my back as I kneel in the garden, tugging at weeds that have embedded themselves deep in the soil. Henry gurgles contentedly on the rug between Lisa and I, his tiny fists reaching for the mobile above him.The sound of his laugh and squeals mingles with the rustling leaves, a stark contrast to the drama of last night. This is my peaceful place. In the garden, with my family and best friend.The kids are off down in the wooded area behind the cottage, building what they insist is the “ultimate” fort. Every so often, a burst of laughter or the echo of a shouted command filters back, and it brings a smile to my face.At least they’re not asking when dad will be home.I can’t answer that right now.Lisa is sitting cross-legged in the grass, her hands idly plucking at stray blades of wayward weeds. She’s watching Henry with a soft expression, but I can see the tension in her shoulders. She’s been quiet for a while, and it’s making me anxious.I know we need to t
Last Updated : 2024-11-13Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 416 Owning My Shit
(Winona)“It’s true. He saw the chance; he wanted to shoot his shot, I guess,” Lisa says calmly.“The chance should never have been there.”Lisa takes a deep breath, “Look, it sounds like it was about feeling safe to lose control for you, not about hurting Jayden. You’d never do that to him purposely.”“I definitely didn’t think of it in terms of hurting him, but maybe that was just me being convenient. I thought I was doing it for me, for my own empowerment. But now I see how incredibly short-sighted it was.”I pause, twisting a stray blade of grass between my fingers. “I was so focused on what I felt I deserved, you know? A chance to be carefree, to do what everyone else seemed to do without consequence. But the truth is, I didn’t think about how deep it could cut Jayden.”Lisa leans forward, her face full of care. “You didn’t kill anyone, Winona. You’re not some evil person. You took care of your needs, for once. That’s not a crime.”“But now I’ve destroyed everything,” I whisper.
Last Updated : 2024-11-14Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 417 Shattered Friendship
(Jayden)The hotel suite feels claustrophobic, even with the London skyline stretching out in all directions beyond the glass windows. I pace, the anger like a live wire running through me.Every time I think I’ve calmed down, another wave of betrayal hits, sharper than the last.After everything we’ve shared, I cannot believe my best friend would stoop so low. Sure, I agreed with Winona to hall pass week. I should have known it would be too much for me.But Winona had a fair point really, she’d never explored her sexual wants and needs. I don’t own her. And she was upfront at least about wanting to have that time. She could have easily gone behind my back.But that’s not Winona. She rarely puts herself first. I was at peace with it all. We’d moved on. But now, knowing it was Lance and Phillip. That made everything seem different. Of course Phillip was always going to try and go there. They have history.I don’t like it, but I understand it.But Lance? That one hurts more than I ever
Last Updated : 2024-11-14Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 418 Irreparable Damage
(Jayden)But Lance had to see his mom’s slow decline into depression before she finally ended things herself too. He had no other family he knew of and a shit ton of money.So, we just became best friends, and then we met Winona and Lisa. We became each other’s family when he didn’t have one of his own, and I guess I didn’t realize how much that bond had shaped us both until now.Lance and I bonded over our shared, fucked-up parent issues, and it made us inseparable. My mother might have been dysfunctional in her love, but at least she stood by me. He never had anyone.Only us four friends hanging out and doing life. We were the ones who helped each other survive high school, then college, through all the madness of growing up.We were just kids then, thinking we could save each other and the world. But adulthood and this betrayal make those bonds fragile.But none of that changes what he did. It makes it worse. I glare at him, refusing to soften. “You don’t get to make this about som
Last Updated : 2024-11-14Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 419 Mending Broken Pieces
(Winona)My laptop buzzes with a video call coming through. I draw a deep breath, steeling myself as I answer. Jayden’s face appears on the screen, looking more worn and tired than I’ve ever seen him in a very long time.His eyes are shadowed, his jaw tight, and there’s a vulnerability there that roils at my gut.“Hey,” he says, his voice rough. “Thanks for taking the call.”“Hey,” I manage, trying to keep my own voice steady, feeling my palms grow clammy. The silence between us stretches, heavy with all the things we need to say, everything we need to fix and everything we’ve broken.Jayden’s throat works as he swallows. “I owe you an apology,” he says, his voice thick. “For what I said about Judy being right. I didn’t mean it. I was angry, and I let my hurt speak for me. I went back to a place I thought I’d never be again. I’m sorry.”His words sink in.“I just want to make things clear,” I say, my voice cracking despite my best efforts. “I get why you had that reaction. I get that
Last Updated : 2024-11-15Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 420 Building Bridges
(Jayden)I exhale slowly, the relief settling in as Winona agrees to meet. Even through the screen, the strength in her voice grounds me, and for a moment, it feels like we’re at least in the same book.“Klara’s place, then,” I confirm. “I’ll work out the logistics with Viktor, and we’ll make sure no one from the estate knows.”Winona nods, but I catch the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. It’s not just about Judy or the logistics of hiding our plans. There’s still so much hurt between us, so much we have to navigate.“I hate that it’s come to this,” she admits, her voice soft. “Playing games to outsmart your mother… it feels exhausting. And there’s still no guarantee we’ll be okay at the end of it.”“But, whatever happens with us, we know we can move the kids forward safely, without Judy, and that we will always put them first, even if we’re apart.”“I feel like it’s a dangerous game we’re playing with your mother.”“It is,” I say, running a hand through my hair. “But it’s our best
Last Updated : 2024-11-15
Latest chapter
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
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 484 Stay With Me, Winona
(Jayden)I burst through the front door, taking the stairs two at a time to the second floor. I pray I’m in time. I stop at the bottom of the attic stairs.Then I see her.Winona lies crumpled halfway down the attic stairs, her body twisted awkwardly. Her head jammed up against the wall, her hand rests on a spindle. Blood pools beneath her head on the stair, dark and horrifying, and for a second, I’m frozen.My mind blanks out, every thought swept away by raw panic.But then I snap back. She needs me. She needs me to be fully present, not panicking.I force myself forward, the first aid kit from the car clutched in my shaking hands. Every instinct screams at me to scoop her up, to hold her, but I stop myself. If she’s hurt her neck or spine… I could make it worse. My knees hit the stair below her, and I reach for her wrist with trembling fingers.A faint pulse. Relief crashes over me so hard I almost collapse, but it’s short-lived. She’s alive, but for how long?I tear open the first
