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441 Quiet Hopes and Hidden Plans
Last Updated:
2024-11-22 12:24:33
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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
Last Updated : 2024-11-23Divorce 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
Last Updated : 2024-11-23Divorce 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
Last Updated : 2024-11-23Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 445 A Determined Elevator Ride
(Cass)The lobby of Nexus Global is even more intimidating than I expected. It’s all glass, steel, and people who look like they belong on the cover of a magazine—or maybe the board of a billion-dollar corporation.My black boots click against the polished marble floors as I stride to the front desk, my confidence an armor against the stares I’ve already started to attract. Like no one’s seen tatts and piercings in Brussels before.The receptionist barely glances at me. She’s a perfect match for the surroundings—sleek hair, immaculate makeup, and a suit that probably costs more than my rent back home.“May I help you?” she asks, her tone sharp and dismissive.“I’m here to see Jayden Brennan,” I say, keeping my voice steady.“Do you have an appointment?” Her fingers hover over the keyboard, but she doesn’t make a move to type anything.“No, but I’m family,” I reply.She gives me a once-over, taking in my tattoos, piercings, and black-on-black outfit. Her lips tighten. “I’m sorry, but M
Last Updated : 2024-11-24Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 446 Secrets in the Cottage
(Winona)I’ve spent the last hour booking flights, organizing the kids’ documents, and triple-checking every detail. The tickets are locked in—direct to the States, first class, in three days.I figure we just get it done instead of stopping and starting. After Jayden’s texts last night, the sooner the better. His concern over Judy’s obsession with getting Abby and Henry off me, aren’t misplaced. Judy has always wanted Abby to herself and Jayden.No doubt that extends to Henry, being Jayden’s blood. She and Ashlyn tried to make me look unfit to be a mother. Almost happened too. For a while Abby lived with her. I cannot let that happen again.In the states I have the no-contact order in place. Here, is a different story. If I was in doubt about traveling before, I’m not now. Dr. Klein has said sooner rather than later for the baby and Dr. Green has echoed that in an email.Anyway, the flights are booked and I’ll have top medics with me.The doorbell rings, pulling me from my thoughts.
Last Updated : 2024-11-24Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 447 Cass’s Confession
(Winona)Once the initial shock of Cass’s arrival wears off, we settle in the living room with mugs of tea. It feels surreal to have her here after worrying, wondering where she was and what she was going through. But now that she’s sitting across from me, her usual confidence muted, I know there’s more to this visit than just a surprise reunion. I study her quietly as she stirs her tea, the spoon clinking against the ceramic mug. She’s always been a mix of chaos and charm, but today, there’s a somber edge. And she’s so thin, like she hasn’t eaten properly in months.“Cass,” I say softly, breaking the silence. “What’s going on? Why are you here now?” Her eyes flick up to meet mine, and for a moment, I see the battle raging inside her. “I needed to see you,” she says simply, setting the spoon down and wrapping her hands around the mug. “I’m glad you’re here. But what about your job back home? There’s more to this, isn’t there?” She sighs, leaning back against the couch. “You alway
Last Updated : 2024-11-24Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 448 A Letter to Impress
(Cass)Henry’s little giggles fill the room as I kneel on the floor, arms wide open. “Come here, you big guy!” I say, trying to keep my voice steady, but damn, my throat feels tight seeing how much he’s grown.He crawls over, with his big grin. He remembers me, and that makes me feel good. I know it’s only been a few months but he’s only an infant.I scoop him up, hugging him close as his baby scent fills my nose. It’s like a mix of milk and sunshine, and it nearly wrecks me.“Look at you, Henry,” I whisper. “You’re so big now.”He grabs my hair with his tiny hands, giggling. His face is brighter than I remember, more expressive. It’s like I’ve missed a lifetime in just a few months.Winona leans back, crossing her arms. “So, what’s your plan now that you’re here?”I shrug, leaning against the couch. “Find work. Maybe I’ll need a car when I get work. I have this.” I pull out the envelope Thierry gave me and place it on the table.“What’s that?” Winona asks, picking it up but not openi
Last Updated : 2024-11-25Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 449 That’s My Sister!
(Winona)Chef Valois closes his office door with a deliberate click, gesturing for us to sit in the sleek chairs facing his massive desk. Cass sits down, clutching the letter like it might disappear. I take a seat beside her. “Let me explain why this is extraordinary,” Valois begins, leaning forward. “Henrik LaSalle doesn’t recommend people. Period. Not even his sous chefs. For him to write this...” He points to the letter. “...means you’ve done something remarkable.” Cass raises an eyebrow. “All I did was critique his soup.” Valois lets out a sharp laugh, shaking his head. “Critique his soup? Not possible.” Cass shrugs. “The waitress wouldn’t tell him, so I went in the kitchen and did it myself. Then he made me work my ass off. But he made the changes to every soup he sent after that. That’s all.” Valois stares at her like she’s just declared she wrestled a bear and won.“Henrik LaSalle is notoriously impossible to please. Do you know how many chefs have tried to earn his approv
Last Updated : 2024-11-25
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Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 571 Day Off At Last
(Winona)“That wasn’t there before.” Anne comments on Kit and River’s little house.I grin. “Nope. Jayden had it put up the day before he left for Brussels.”Anne’s eyebrows lift. “In a day?”“You know how he is. He wanted to make sure Kit and River had their own space, and that I had all the help I needed close at hand.” I nod toward it. “It’s great. They love it. They fit in so well, Anne. Gus really hit the jackpot there.”Anne hums in approval. “I’m pleased.”The back door swings open, and Bobby runs, stretching his arms as he bolts towards Anne. He and Sarah were with Anne for some time before we adopted them and brought them into our family properly.I know how special she is to him and his sister, helping them leave their trauma behind and enjoy life. Like she did for me.“Nanny Anne! You’re finally back!” He almost knocks her over hugging her.Anne laughs. “Oh Bobby! I’ve missed you and you’ve grown another foot while I was away.”Bobby grins. “I’m already taller than Mom.”I
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 570 Finding Out
(Winona)Phillip circles back to me just as Lisa is pulled into a conversation with a venture capitalist she’s been chasing for weeks.He steps in beside me like he’s always belonged there, slipping into my space with that same easy confidence. It’s a necessary thing tonight, posing for the cameras, making it look easy, making it look like we are the closest business union in the world. Friends even.But my mind is on my best friend and what she may be hiding. I mean, I could be wrong. But I am going to ask her. Not tonight. I have to focus on this. But tomorrow, she is going to tell me what’s going on.“This feels amazing,” Phillip says, taking a sip of his whiskey. I smile, glancing around the room. “What part? The black-tie event? The power players circling each other? Or being part of an app that will actually changes lives?”“It’s hard to believe this has finally happened. Remember back when we started from nothing.” I stare at him but I keep my smile for the cameras. “We weren
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 569 Launching Vault
(Winona)The flashing lights outside Vault are so intense they cut through the tinted windows of our SUV like camera flashes on a movie premiere night.The crowd is electric—reporters, influencers, investors, celebrities, and politicians. Everyone who matters in business and technology is here, and they’re all watching, waiting for me to step out. Phillip adjusts his cufflinks, glancing at me. “Showtime.” I let out a slow breath. “Let’s make history.” The driver opens the door, and I step out, the wall of cameras and noise hitting instantly. Voices call my name, camera shutters snap in rapid succession.I pause, letting them get their shots of us, my shoulders squared, my expression happy. I’m well-practiced on the red carpet. Vault’s headquarters towers behind me, bathed in gold lights, the logo projected onto the sleek glass facade. Phillip leans in slightly. “Everything is on track. The press is locked in, coverage is already trending, and the guest list is the strongest we cou
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 568 Starting to Show
(Lisa)I sink deeper into the spa chair, letting the heat work its way into my muscles. This is exactly what I needed—a break from endless meetings, from Logan hovering.From the stress of everything I still haven’t figured out how to handle. Winona stretches out next to me, tilting her head back with a sigh. “God, I needed this. I used to think people who booked full spa days were just ridiculous, but now? I get it. I absolutely get it.” I smile, shifting slightly as my therapist starts massaging my arms. “Welcome to the dark side. You’re officially a socialite now.” She huffs. “No, I’m still not high maintenance. I just appreciate I needed it this time.” I lift my glass. “Keep telling yourself that.” She grins, but I can tell she’s actually relaxing, letting herself enjoy it. It feels normal, safe, like before. I let myself relax too, holding onto the feeling for as long as I can. I’ve really missed being with Winona.Winona peeks at me from the side. “You okay? You seem more s
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 567 Retail Therapy
(Winona)By the time I get to Vault, the final preparations for our launch tonight are in motion. Phillip is already on-site looking polished and meticulous. He stands near the main entrance, running through security briefings and last-minute adjustments, his expression sharp, his presence commanding. There’s no wasted movement, no unnecessary chatter.When I approach, he hands me a tablet without hesitation. “We have the final media list locked in,” he says. “All pre-approved. Security is fully staffed, and the private event rooms have been inspected.” I scan the details, nodding. “Any issues?” “None. The team is solid. We’ll have real-time social media tracking as well, so we can monitor any press coverage or unexpected stories.” I pass the tablet back. “Good. Everything looks clean. The guest list is a who’s who of VIP.” “You and I are heading that up. I know things have been tricky. But we need to show up for the company tonight. Show we are solid. That the past will not aff
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
