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459 Mother!
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2024-11-28 15:42:20Related chapters
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 460 Shattered Lives
(Winona)Jayden’s voice trembles through the phone. “They’re here.”“Viktor and Cass?” I ask, trying to steady my own voice.“Yeah.” His tone is flat, exhausted. “They just arrived. The detective’s here too.”“Let them help, Jayden,” I say softly. “You don’t have to do this by yourself.”“It doesn’t feel real, Winona. Lance didn’t even... warn me. He didn’t give me a chance to stop him. I didn’t want to discuss it with him, I didn't want to forgive him, but I didn’t want this…”“It’s not your fault,” I say firmly, though my own heart aches. “You couldn’t have known.”The sound of muffled footsteps grows louder, and then a new voice cuts in, Cass’s, calm and strong. “Winona, it’s me. Jayden, the detective would like a few words.”“Cass.” Relief washes over me. “You’re there. Thank God.”“I’ve got him,” she says, her voice resolute. “You take care of yourself and Lisa. How is she?”Tears sting my eyes. “She’s broken. Really broken.”“It can’t be easy. Viktor’s in full protector mode. He
Last Updated : 2024-11-29Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 461 Packages
(Winona)It’s been hours since Lisa shut herself in her bedroomI knock softly. “Lisa? It’s me.”No answer.I crack the door open, peeking inside. The room is dim, lit only by the faint glow of her bedside lamp. She’s curled up on the bed, facing the wall, her body still.“Lisa,” I say softly, sitting down on the edge of the bed. “Can I get you a tea, or coffee?”Her voice comes out muffled, raw. “I can’t, Winona. Not now.”She turns her head slightly, her eyes red and swollen. “He didn’t even let me help him. Those last few days…were so perfect, why couldn’t he see how perfect they were?”I reach out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Lance loved you. I know he did. But we know the pain he always carried.”She shakes her head violently. “If he loved me, he wouldn’t have done this! He wouldn’t have left me like this.”Her words dissolve into sobs, and I gather her into my arms. She clings to me, her grief pouring out unchecked. “I know,” I whisper. “I know.”For what feels lik
Last Updated : 2024-11-29Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 462 Making Arrangements
(Jayden)It’s been hours since I walked in on that horror scene, but my mind is still running on adrenaline. The detectives have been and gone, ruling it a straightforward case of murder-suicide.I’m not sure what to feel about that—relief that it’s simple enough to close quickly, or anger that they’ve already written off Lance’s actions and the death of my mother with such cold efficiency. I push those thoughts aside. There are practical things to handle, and that’s where I focus. Emotions can wait. I sit at the desk in my suite, surrounded by a chaos of papers and my phone. Viktor is dealing with much of it and I know he’s going to contact Gus. Cass sits on the arm of the couch, her arms crossed, watching me like a hawk. I dial my lawyer, leaning back in the chair as I press the phone to my ear. The familiar voice on the other end picks up after a few rings. I know this will have hits all the media outlets by now but I refuse to watch any of it.“Jayden, how can I help?” I keep
Last Updated : 2024-11-29Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 463 Lance’s Goodbye
The screen flickers for a moment before Lance appears, sitting in what looks like his hotel. He’s bruised from our fight—his eyes still dark, his knuckles marked. But he’s himself, leaning back in a chair with his usual grin. Even battered, he looks at ease.My heart is in my throat as it hits me that I’ll never see him again. He was my ride or die. He chose to die.“Jayden,” he begins, tilting his head. “You son of a bitch. You threw the first punch again. Or rather you mowed me down before I could do anything. Let’s just get that out of the way. That’s the only reason you ever landed one on me.”A laugh escapes me. Typical Lance. Even now, he finds a way to turn the pain into a joke.“Look, I know you’ve got questions. Probably a lot of them. Maybe you’re angry, or maybe you’re just sitting there thinking, ‘What the hell, Lance?’ So let me explain… as much as I can.”He pauses, rubbing the back of his neck. “I always knew this was how I’d go out. One day, when the time was right, I’
Last Updated : 2024-11-30Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 464 My Life is Finally My Life
(Jayden)“She loves you, Jayden. Her life has been crap. And you’ve got another baby on the way now. That’s big, man. That’s bigger than anything else. Don’t screw it up.”I flinch at the mention of the pregnancy. How did he know? Winona must’ve told him. Of course, she did. She trusted him.“Look,” Lance says, leaning back in his chair, “I know you’re pissed at me right now. Hell, you’ve got every right to be. But don’t let that anger eat you alive. Find a way to forgive. Not me—I don’t deserve it—but for yourself. For those kids. They need you, Jayden. All of them.”His voice softens again, and he smiles faintly. “You were my brother, Jayden. The only real family I ever had. You, Winona, and Lisa... you made my unbearable childhood memories bearable. And I know I wasn’t perfect. Far from it. But I’m grateful for you. For everything.”He pauses, his eyes glinting with a hint of mischief. “I wasn’t perfect, but I was awesome. And don’t dwell on not having a mother now, we all expect p
Last Updated : 2024-11-30Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 465 Picking Up the Pieces
(Winona)Lisa finally emerges from her bedroom, her eyes red-rimmed, her face pale.I stand from the couch, where I’ve been sitting for what feels like hours.“Hey,” I say softly.She doesn’t answer at first, just walks to the kitchen. Her movements are slow, deliberate, like she’s holding herself together with sheer will.I take a tentative step closer. “Lisa... can I get you anything?”She turns to me, her expression a mix of sadness and exhaustion as she shakes her head. “I don’t know, Winona. None of this feels real.”Her voice breaks, and she presses her hands against the counter, her head bowed. “I’m so angry at him. I’m so damn angry. Why did he have to do this?”I move closer, keeping my voice gentle. “I know. And it’s not fair. None of it is. But you’re allowed to feel everything. The anger, the disbelief, the confusion—it’s all valid.”She lets out a shaky breath, lifting her head to meet my gaze. “I wish he loved me enough to stick around.”“No, Lisa,” I say firmly. “He lov
Last Updated : 2024-12-01Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 466 Back at the Penthouse
(Winona)The sight of their toys scattered across the floor feels like a lifeline in the middle of a horrible dream. Despite how I felt when I left here, the penthouse actually feels like home now. Familiar and safe.As I step out of the elevator, Anne greets me softly. “They’re asleep. They were very happy to see their things and Bobby settled the cat in first. They even did all their chores without being asked,” she pauses, studying my face. “How are you holding up?”I set my bag down on the counter and exhale. “I’m managing. Lisa’s... not okay, but I think she’ll be fine as time passes. She’s angry at Lance for giving up.”Anne nods, her expression sympathetic. “And Jayden?”“He’s focused on logistics, keeping himself busy. He’s bringing Lance and Judy back to the States soon, sorting out the wills, the services... everything. I think he’s in shock, honestly.”Anne steps closer, placing a comforting hand on my arm. “And you? You’re shouldering so much right now. Are you really okay
Last Updated : 2024-12-01Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 467 Lance’s Last Words
(Winona)The TV glows in the dim light of the bedroom. Lance appears, sitting in what looks like his hotel room.He’s bruised from his fight with Jayden—his eye still dark, his knuckles marked. Despite everything, he looks like himself, leaning back in a chair with his usual grin.Even battered, he exudes that maddening confidence that was so uniquely him. My heart twists. It’s Lance, exactly as I remember him, but this is the last time I’ll ever see him. “Winona,” he starts, he looks solemn. “If you are watching this, it means I’m gone...”Then he bursts out into a laugh, “I’ve always wanted to say that, like in a Bond movie or something…”Oh god, even now he has to joke about it. I have to grin. So typical Lance.“Anyhoo… Here I am, in all my battered glory. I just want to add, Jayden did throw the first punch and that is the only reason why he got a hit in. I win the bet again.”I shake my head. Honestly.“But I thought I’d leave you a little something since... well, I’m not arou
Last Updated : 2024-12-02
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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
