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434 Kids Are Full of Surprises
Last Updated:
2024-11-20 14:33:41
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Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 435 Operation Leaving Jayden
(Winona)The morning sun spills into the living room and laughter fills the space as I walk out into the living area to the kids already playing. It’s become a common sound here, one that warms me and brings a smile to my face even as my mind churns with plans and worries.They are up, dressed and ready for their day at school. They go twice a week and are all learning the local language along with being taught in English.This place, this life, has become a haven in ways I didn’t expect. It’s hard to think about leaving, but we have to. I wonder if the kids are more excited about going back to the States than I am right now?“Good morning. Well, look at you three! All ready for your day. I better get some breakfast on.”“Good morning, Mommy. It’s school day, yay!” Abby says as she bops about the floor.“You’ve only been a few times, how are you all liking the little school?”“Everyone’s really nice. I’ve learned some new words in Flemish and Dutch. Plus, they have the best lunches.”
Last Updated : 2024-11-20Divorce 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,
Last Updated : 2024-11-20Divorce 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
Last Updated : 2024-11-21Divorce 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
Last Updated : 2024-11-21Divorce 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
Last Updated : 2024-11-21Divorce 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
Last Updated : 2024-11-22Divorce 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:
Last Updated : 2024-11-22Divorce 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
Last Updated : 2024-11-23
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Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 566 Don’t Mess With Us
(Winona)I don’t call ahead. I don’t give Mia a chance to prepare.I walk into Brennan Industries like I own the place, straight past the receptionist, ignoring the protests as I push open Mia’s office door and shut it behind me. Mia looks up sharply, her entire body stiffening. “Winona, what the hell?” Her English has nuances of her Cuban accent but less than the rest of her family.I step forward, keeping my voice steady. “We need to talk.” Her eyes narrow. “Then schedule a meeting like a normal person.” “I don’t have time for games, Mia.” I plant my hands on her desk. “Tell me the truth. Are you in contact with Don Alejandro?” Mia lets out a sharp breath, closing her laptop with more force than necessary. “Are you serious right now?” “Deadly.” She scoffs, shaking her head. “I have nothing to do with him. It’s also none of your business what I do.” “Right,” I say flatly. “But I don’t trust you. I don’t trust Gabriel and I’m not even sure I trust your mother. You better not be
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 565 Easy, Effortless Happiness
(Winona)The call is done. Vault is set for the launch. I should feel good. It’s all about to happen for me. The biggest night of my life so far. And Jayden won’t be there to share it with me. I know he must have a good reason, but it still makes me a little sad. A major milestone missed. But we’ll have others.I go to step back into the room and stop. Jayden and Astrid are still talking, their voices low, steady. Sofia isn’t there. Astrid is smiling and laughing. I’ve never seen that before. She’s into him, I know she is. But I also know she won’t overstep. Won’t do anything that would throw Nexus Global out of whack.Is that the only reason why, though? I watch them relaxed and enjoying a conversation. It feels ages since Jayden and I have been so relaxed in each other’s company. But we do have the stresses of the family dynamic.The kids are undoubtedly our main priority. Are we just trying too hard for the rest?He and Astrid are joking about something.It’s not romantic. No
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 564 Let It Go
(Jayden)Winona’s phone buzzes against the table. She glances at the screen, mutters something, and pushes up from her seat. “Vault,” she says looking at me, already heading out to the terrace. I nod at Winona and give her a smile.“Jayden, the media shoot will go a long way to help turn public perception. Sorry we had to blow up your family time…” Sofia says with a smile. “But can I just say, those kids are adorable, and you guys really seem to have your shit sorted as a family.”“At least we have that perception down solid.” I grin at her. “Trust me, it feels the exact opposite sometimes. I appreciate you saying that, Sofia. We’ve worked hard to keep it real for the kids.”“And sacrificed a lot,” Astrid states.“There’s been a lot of changes, for sure. All worth it.”“Maybe we should do a segment on the kids. I know you adopted Bobby and Sarah… and Winona adopted Henry?”“Are you trying to get me killed? There’s no way Winona will ever go for an exposé on our kids, and neither wou
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 563 Public Relations-Private Relations
(Winona)The kids are out cold, completely wrecked from a full day of running, climbing, eating junk food, and making a mess of the suite. River and Kit have been off-duty since we got back from our day until we fly out tomorrow night.My muscles are really feeling sore right now. I make mental note to get more strength training sessions in. Maybe I better get out of the gym and do more outdoor activities. I loved the rock-climbing wall.I place the green salad on the table next to the warmed flatbreads. Jayden and I are hosting Astrid and Sofia for a late dinner. A bit of a debrief on the media situation and a friendly catch up outside of work. I’m looking forward to it but also a little nervous about being in close proximity to Astrid.She is very straightforward, and she doesn’t flinch at stating things how they are. Something I always appreciated about her even though at first it was a little jarring. So far, so good though. Jayden places the char-grilled meats and vegetable pl
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 562 Family Ties
(Jayden)Henry is in his highchair, making a complete mess of himself with mustard and ketchup. Bobby and Sarah are locked in a dramatic debate over whether onions belong on hot dogs, while Abby is curled up between us singing the song on the movie. Winona leans over to me, her body warm against mine.I tighten my arm around her. “We’re okay? Yes?” She hesitates. “Yes, we’re just fine. Sorry I get in my head so much with feelings.” “Sorry I don’t get in mine enough with your feelings.”She smiles back at me and I’m glad we just get each other these days. “But what about sleep? Are you getting enough?” I’m really asking if Winona is still having the nightmares about the baby crying…“Mostly.”“So you still having them, huh?”“It’s been better with Vault to focus on. Staying busy.”“If you need to get to the point of exhaustion before you can sleep soundly, that isn’t good long term.”She leans over and kisses me. “I’m okay. I promise. It’s getting better. Let’s not ruin the fun ni
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 561 Good Times
(Jayden)Henry shrieks in delight as the bucket tips over, drenching him in a torrent of water that would terrify most kids his age. His little hands slap the wet surface, his laugh infectious as Sarah and Abby cheer him on. “I told you he’d love it,” Bobby calls from the climbing ropes, shaking his head as he swings across to the next section. “He’s used to the hose at home.”“I’m not sure you and your little brother are safe together.” I laugh and Bobby climbs higher. This is a fantastic kids park, it has everything and not just for kids. Winona and I have given them a run for their money today.Kit chuckles beside me. “Gotta admit, the kid’s fearless.” “No argument there,” I say, keeping a watchful eye on Henry as he wobbles through the shallow splash area, River close behind. It’s been a perfect day—the kind we don’t get nearly enough of. No meetings, no deadlines, no PR disasters. Just us. The family. All playing and having loads of fun. The film crew is here, but they’ve don
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 560 Alone At last
(Winona)Sofia’s voice cues the next topic. “You’ve both had demanding careers. How do you make sure the kids come first?” I shift, pushing my sunglasses up onto my head. “We make it work by making sure that when we are together, we are fully present. No distractions.” Jayden smirks. “Well, most of the time. There’s always the occasional emergency.” “Business emergencies are one thing. But the kids know they’re our priority. They always come first,” I say.Bobby speaks up. “We have a family video call every night, before bed. We never miss it. No matter where we are.” I nod. “That’s right. And this is our first family trip but not our last. The kids have chores. Bobby gets out in the garden and he’s great at landscape design. We just find ways to drown out the negative white noise with positive family energy.”The day finally comes to an end and cameras capture it all. The smiles, the laughter, the easy dynamic we’ve spent years building. I’m proud of us. Sofia was right. This was
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 559 Lights, Cameras, Action
(Winona)The sun blazes down, the sky a perfect, uninterrupted blue as we step onto the deck of the yacht. Dubai’s skyline looms behind us, glass towers gleaming in the heat, the water an impossible shade of turquoise. The cameras are already set up, discreet but ever-present. A carefully curated glimpse into the life of a family that—on paper—has it all. Jayden shakes hands with the producer, exchanging pleasantries, while I shift Henry on my hip, forcing a smile. I see Sofia Fernandez, Nexus Global’s Head of Public Relations. I’m a little relieved to see a familiar face and someone I bonded with in Brussels. Then behind her I see Astrid Koenig. I stiffen slightly at the blank expression but that’s just Astrid. Sofia comes straight in with a huge smile and hug for me.As I hug her back, I see Astrid approach Jayden. She’s not a hugger but she does touch his hand and eyeball him while giving a definite nod. He smiles back like he’s not trying to smile. I can tell she likes him.A w
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 558 Picture Perfect
(Winona)Dubai is breathtaking. The resort is pure indulgence—pristine beaches, towering glass buildings, the smell of salt and luxury in the air. The kids are all fed and crashed in bed and Jayden has arranged a late dinner for us.Dinner is set on the resort rooftop, candles flickering against the warm night breeze, the city stretching out beneath us in a blanket of gold lights.Jayden reaches for my hand across the table. “It’s nice, isn’t it? Us, here. Without work hanging over our heads. Our family all together. I’ve missed the kids so much.”I smile, but it’s not quite real. I’m trying to forget earlier. “The kids?”“And you as well, that goes without saying.”“Does it?”He studies me. “You okay?”“Not really. But I will be. It’s been hectic and I so looked forward to being here,” I say, “ without the media.”“I can guarantee you there’s no media or cameras clicking tonight. I made sure we had absolute privacy.” “We may as well get to the first of the herd of elephants in the r
