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57 Trust No One
Last Updated:
2024-07-06 12:01:10
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Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 58 Taking My Life Back
(Jayden)My brain can’t handle all of this. The revelations hit me like a freight train, shattering my composure and ripping through the thin veneer of control I thought I had. I just don’t want to think about the emotional and mental abuse I copped from the man I thought was my father. He always acted like he hated me. Every scornful glance, every harsh word, a bitter confirmation of how he despised me. I never got it back then. Now it’s all clear, the pieces fall into place in a sickening puzzle. Why would Mother keep us there like that? Greg was nothing short of cruel to her at times. The memory of his rage, his unrelenting criticism, sears through me. I often thought he hated her as well. I wonder why they ever got married if there was no love.I pace the room, my hands clenched into fists, nails biting into my palms. I’m confused and angry, a tempest of emotions swirling inside me. If this Gus thinks he is going to be welcomed with open arms as my father, he has another thing
Last Updated : 2024-07-06Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 59 Come With Me
(Jayden)I pat her on the head. “I’m okay, Abby. I’m glad you’re here though.” Her small smile lights up a part of me that’s been dark for too long.“I thought she might cheer you up. We were at the park,” Winona says, her voice soft but tinged with concern.“Come in. I was just thinking about something.” My voice comes out strained, barely masking the turmoil roiling within me.“Are you okay? I mean, that was unbelievable really. I think we all need to lick our wounds for a while.” Winona says.“I’m angry.” We walk into the lounge area, the weight of the day pressing down on us. I sit and pull Abby up onto my lap, her warmth a temporary balm to my frayed nerves.“With Gus?”“With myself.” I sigh, running a hand through my hair, feeling the frustration build.“You can’t blame yourself for what he’s done. What everyone around you has done.” Winona’s voice is soothing, but it doesn’t reach the core of my guilt.“I dropped the ball with Brennan Industries. Gus is right. I’m not in a posi
Last Updated : 2024-07-06Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 60 Decisions Decisions
(Winona)Back home, I’m feeling torn. On the one hand the beach would be an amazing time for Abby and getting her strong for her next surgery. On the other hand, being there puts my heart in the firing line and I cannot let myself get sucked into loving Jayden again.I’m not letting myself get sucked into loving anyone, ever.Lisa and Lance are coming over for drinks later. Anne has said she will go back to her home and catch up with her other family members for six months if I decide to go. But she will be back as soon as I need her. She said she knows I’ll make the right decision either way.I’m sure Anne could use the break from the drama as much as us.I have no clue how Ashlyn has reacted to all these developments, but I don’t think it will be in a good way. Judy is as hard to read as ever, and I will never trust her. Especially when it comes to Abby. Now I have this security around and, in a way, I like it. But this isn’t a normal life. I don’t think I’ll ever see Phillip again
Last Updated : 2024-07-07Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 61 Grab Life by the Balls
(Winona)“Are you sure you’re making the right choice?” Lisa asks.I nod. “I’m just going to do exactly what I want to do for a change. I honestly can’t be any worse off. Abby will thrive in the sea air.” Lance holds his glass up. “Good for you. That family needs a good kick in the ass.”“It’s not that simple for Winona though. She has enemies. I’m worried this will force Ashlyn and maybe Judy to do something drastic.”“Ashlyn has the baby to think about. She would know that as long as she has his baby, Jayden will always be tied to her. I don’t think she’d risk that,” I say.“I wouldn’t put anything past her. She needs medicating or something.” Lisa shakes her head.“I don’t think Gus will let her out of his sight while she’s pregnant with his grandchild,” Lance observes.“Oh my god! Abby is his grandchild too. It’s like this is all just occurring to me. And she’s the heir apparent if anything happens to Jayden. I don’t want that life for her.”“I’m glad it’s all out in the open now
Last Updated : 2024-07-07Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 62 Exactly What I need
(Winona)“Winona! Come in. Take a seat,” Gus says loudly as I inwardly wince.I slowly sit across the desk in Jayden’s office and remove my sunglasses, trying to gather my thoughts. The light feels harsh, stabbing into my already pounding head.“Hard night?” Gus inquires, his tone a mix of curiosity and judgment.“I suppose your watchdogs filled you in. I am entitled to a life, you know,” I retort, a bit sharper than intended.“My staff know better than to speculate on the private lives of anyone they are detailed to. Privacy is of the utmost importance. It’s your eyes giving you away,” he responds, leaning back in his chair, scrutinizing me.I sigh deeply. “My head is mush, but I want to tell you in person that I’m not accepting your offer.”Gus raises an eyebrow, clearly not expecting this. “I appreciate you coming in. But are you sure?”“Mr. Brennan…”“Call me Gus.”“Gus. Abby is really my only priority now. Those hours are ridiculous, not to mention the workload,” I explain, tryin
Last Updated : 2024-07-07Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 63 Playing The Game
(Ashlyn)One Week LaterSo, this is the infamous Gus Brennan. Last week he outed Lance and I and the little indiscretion. But he also did me a favor and named Jayden as the biological father of this baby.Judy has been ridiculous about it all, but I don’t care. I eye her defiantly across the office that used to be Jayden’s. She can pretend she hates me, but I know she needs me. She can’t get rid of Winona from Jayden’s life without me. She’s been carrying on about where Jayden is and that he hasn’t answered any messages or calls. It’s not like I’m holding him hostage. He hasn’t been home since all this about Lance went down.Now Judy pretends to be shocked about me sleeping with Lance. She doesn’t fool me. Don’t pretend to be holier than thou when you’ve been hiding Jayden’s real father all this time. She’s looking at Gus and he’s studying whatever is on the desk in front of him. “Ladies, please, take a seat.” He says without looking up.I sit in the plush leather chair. Judy rema
Last Updated : 2024-07-08Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 64 Santa Monica Vibes
(Jayden)I look at the beach view from my Santa Monica property. I don’t remember purchasing this place but I’m glad I did now. When I was looking over my portfolio before I divorced Winona, this one caught my eye and I wanted to come see it right away.Of course, I got too busy with the business and all this memory crap. Since finding out about Abby, and now her condition, life has been a whirlwind. I take a deep breath. Here it feels like the world has slowed.I think back to the divorce and before it. The night Winona and I made Abby. Then I was so confused when the drugs were found in my blood. Of course I would trust my mother. But I’ve learned since, I can love her but maybe trusting her is a different thing.How did I let myself be convinced so easily that Winona was lying and had tricked me into everything? I guess my mental state was a lot more volatile back then. I know I certainly don’t want to be like Greg in that way again. If that’s what it takes to run this business, I
Last Updated : 2024-07-08Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 65 I want to Believe
(Winona)I’m not sure I’ve ever felt this free or relaxed. Not since the accident anyway. But this is nice. No Ashlyn, no Judy. No pressure. The air feels lighter, the weight of the world has lifted off my shoulders, at least temporarily.Jayden is cleaning like a demon out in the kitchen with Abby, although I’m sure there’s some soapy water fights going on. Every few minutes, I hear giggles and splashes, making me smile.I’m setting up Abby’s bedroom. I’ve cleaned dirt and mold off the walls. I’m hoping it’s old stuff. It looks a lot better, and that dank smell is gone. It’s very satisfying transforming this space for her.The overriding smell now is bleach, but I have some scented candles to light. I make her bed and pop her toys on top. She insisted on bringing her doll house, and I’ve placed it in the corner where it looks perfect. The living room is pretty much done and I’m hoping the kitchen/diner is sorted as well. I glance around, making sure everything is in place for Abby a
Last Updated : 2024-07-08
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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
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 557 Travel and Trouble
(Winona)The airport is a swirling mass of bodies, luggage, and barely controlled chaos. Some flights have been cancelled because of the weather, and I just hope ours is not one of them.I refused the private jet as I want the kids to see how the majority of people travel. We’re still business class but even that lounge is backed up right now.Sarah is not one for big crowds, so she’s on edge. I’m trying to stay calm to show her it’s okay and we can cope with this.“When will we get there?” she asks for the tenth time. Bobby groans loudly beside me. “Sarah, we’re not even on the plane yet. Stop asking dumb questions.” “Don’t be mean,” I chide, shifting Henry higher on my hip. He’s already getting restless, his little hands grabbing at my necklace. I just hope he doesn’t need another diaper change anytime soon.River chuckles, adjusting her backpack. “Gonna be a long flight, I think.” Kit smirks. “Oh yeah. Definitely. But it’s just energy in here. The kids pick up on it.” Sarah pou
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 556 If I Fail
(Mia)The ink is barely dry on the new contract, Ana has let half her shares come to me, another step closer to control of Brennan Industries. I should feel satisfied.Instead, my skin crawls. Because I know what’s coming. I try to ignore the feeling of dread as I step into the underground parking garage, but it’s useless. The moment I see them—two of his men, stationed by a sleek black sedan—I know. I school my features, walking toward them with measured steps. They don’t speak, just open the door. I slide inside, the door clicks shut, and he is sitting across from me. Don Alejandro, watching me with the patience of a man who has spent his entire life winning wars that no one even knew he started. He doesn’t speak right away. Just lets the silence press down on me like a vice, his eyes sharp, assessing. Then, finally, he sighs. “You have been busy, mi princesa.” I don’t flinch. “Securing my future.” His head tilts slightly, amusement flickering in his gaze. He lets the silence
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 555 A Lullaby and a Warning
(Winona)Henry’s screams are relentless. His face is red, tiny fists flailing as he buries his head into my shoulder, but nothing I do settles him. His little body is warm, his exhaustion radiating into mine. So much for a relaxing Saturday at home with only one business call.Bobby is circling the kitchen, pushing the stroller towards me like a man on a mission. “This usually works,” he offers.We lay Henry in there and it doesn’t help. Bobby pushes him towards the kitchen door to head outside. But Henry isn’t settling, and I can tell he won’t. I call Bobby back. No point us both being deafened.At least Sarah and Abbey are happy outside, shrieking in delight over whatever game they’ve invented. Kit and River are off for the day, finally getting some time to set up their home. Anne’s out of state. I’m alone. Henry wails louder, his little face blotchy with frustration, arms flailing as I take him from Bobby’s arms.“Alright, baby. What is it?” I bounce him gently, pressing his da
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 554 A Ticking Time Bomb
(Lisa)The office is too big. Too polished. Too… corporate. I drop into the massive leather chair behind my desk and glare at the sheer size of the space. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a sweeping view of the city, the kind of view people kill for.It’s ridiculous. How is this my life now? Howe is there any money left for the actual charities when I have an office like this. It seems top heavy. Something I’d like to change. I’m not sure Logan will agree.A week ago, I wasn’t even sure I could do this. Now, here I am—CEO, handling meetings, locking in funding, making things happen. And for the first time in my life, I’m actually working for something.Not just existing, floating from party to party, living off old money and good genes. I should feel on top of the world. I do, in many ways.But exhaustion drags at my bones. I’m not sure this is sustainable for me. Or maybe I will get used to it. I don’t know.My body isn’t my own anymore, and I know why. But I won’t say it. Won
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 553 Dinner With Astrid
being in relationships. It doesn’t seem to affect you at all.” She tilts her head, considering. “I guess I know who I am and I know what makes me happy.”I nod slowly. “There is a certain freedom in not being emotionally attached to another person like that.” She doesn’t answer right away. When she does, it’s quiet. “Exactly.” I get it. More than I want to admit. Once, I thought the same way. That staying alone was the best way to keep control. That life was easier when it was just me, my work, and nothing to lose. But then, there was my mother who’d never let me be, Ashlyn and all the rest of my crazy past that never gave me a minute of real peace.I could have swiped them all away in some moments. But all of that made me the person I am today. A man who really does know what makes him happy and want he wants in life.Exactly what I have now. Maybe less business hoops to jump through would be great but it is what it is right now.“Married, with kids, a life that’s full and chaot
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 552 Unfinished Business
(Winona)I step in front of Phillip and he tries to touch my back as he follows me into the restaurant. I quicken my step so he just misses. I do not want him touching me.We settle at the long table with so many VIP’s my head almost spins. I take a breath and thank them all for coming as I take my seat before Phillip can be gentlemanly and pull out my seat or anything.A glass of champagne is poured for me and I take a sip.Then I hear my phone in my purse. I pull it out. God, it’s seven o’clock already.Incoming video call – Jayden & Kids. Shit. I take a quick sip of wine and push back my chair, standing up. “Excuse me, I need to take this.”I don’t wait for acknowledgment, just step away, weaving through white-clothed tables and murmured conversations until I reach the terrace. The night air is crisp, grounding. I answer the call, forcing a smile. “Hey, family.” The screen fills with Henry’s chubby cheeks and he’s held by Kit. Abbey’s bright eyes light up her frame. Bobby and S
