LOGINShare
582 Facing Facts
Last Updated:
2025-03-22 22:00:44
Related chapters
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 583 Stick a Bow On His Ass
(Winona)I’m brushing my hair, half-dressed for work, when my phone vibrates on the dresser. Lisa’s name flashes on the screen.I hesitate. We left things on uneasy ground. But maybe this is her reaching out to smooth things over, and honestly, I want that. I hit accept. “Hey.”Lisa exhales on the other end. “Hey. I wanted to catch you before I go to work.”“I’ll never get used to you saying you’re going to work.”“You won’t have to. I’m leaving.”“The charities?”“The charities, the city. The state. Maybe even the country.”I blink, caught off guard. “Leave?”“There’s nothing left for me here, Winona.” Her voice is steadier now, almost eerily calm. “I don’t want to run the charities. I don’t want to be a mom.”My stomach twists. “Lisa, you don’t have to leave.”“I do. I can’t hide this forever. It will be endless comments and questions. I can’t be seen pregnant and then with no baby.”“You can go and have the baby and then come back. No one has to know.” “I need a clean slate.”“Lis
Last Updated : 2025-03-23Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 584 This Triangle Problem
(Cass)I stretch, rolling my shoulders as I pull my jeans on. Gabriel is still sprawled across the bed. His arms are folded behind his head. He has no shame in his naked body.No reason why he should. He’s magnificent. He’s also watching me with that smug expression that makes me want to slap and kiss him at the same time. “You’re in a hurry?” he asks as I finish getting dressed.“I have things to do before my shift.” He raises a brow. “Oh yeah? Anything more interesting than what we just did?” “That was a tension release. Chef Valois wants a new plant-based soup.” A knock at the door makes me freeze. Gabriel groans. “Tell me that’s room service. I’m starving.” I pick up a pillow and throw it at his face. “It must be Jayden. Stay put.” He shrugs.Another knock. Louder this time. Gabriel pushes off the bed, already heading for the door. “Don’t—” But he doesn’t stop. He just keeps going.“Gabriel! Put something on at least.” I run after him with a towel as he heads for the fron
Last Updated : 2025-03-23Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 585 Best Version of Myself
(Winona)I pull into the driveway, rubbing my eyes. Exhaustion seems to be my constant state lately.I haven’t had a proper night’s sleep in forever. Every time I go to sleep, I hear crying and wake.Work helps me get the point of crashing. But the dreams always come before I wake. Now all this with Lisa. Jayden and I just going through the motions. It feels like I can’t talk to anyone.I step out of the car and stretch my neck, already thinking about whether I have the energy to eat before I crash. Then I see her. Like an angel.Klara stands on my porch, arms crossed, watching me. I’m sure she already knows everything I’m about to say before I even open my mouth. But she will let me say it anyway.“Klara?” My voice comes out unsteady, and I hate it. I run up the steps.She steps forward her expression gentle but unwavering. “Ah, kicsim, it is good to see you.” Her Hungarian accent and endearment is music to my ears.Something in me buckles. Why didn’t I think of calling her before?S
Last Updated : 2025-03-23Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 586 The Poison in Our Blood
(Mia)Don Alejandro sits in the dim light of a single, flickering bulb, looking at me like he still holds all the cards.This dingy, concrete-lined room is where he’s been relegated to. His supporters have fast jumped ship. He’s requested I meet him here which means he’s worried.He knows his ship is sinking. But that won’t stop him trying to claw his way back.“Mia,” he says smoothly. “You came. I wondered if you might join the stinking rats abandoning me.”I don’t move. I don’t speak. I just stare at him.He gestures to the chair across from him. “Sit.”I don’t.His smile tightens. “Do you have something you want to say to me?”“It’s over, Abuelo. They will be here to take you to jail soon.”He smiles that dark, evil smile. “It will never be over for me. Even from their jail, I will rise again.”I grip the gun inside my jacket pocket, my fingers stiff and cold around the metal.“Not this time.”“I thought you were smarter than this,” he continues, watching me like he’s sizing up pre
Last Updated : 2025-03-24Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 587 Fitting the Brennan Brand
(Cass)I’m halfway through untying my apron after shift when I hear Jayden’s voice.“Cass.”I toss the apron onto the hook. “You’re two hours late for lunch, sorry. Kitchen’s closed.”He doesn’t smile. Doesn’t even try. “Do you know where Gabriel is?”Not this again. “If I do, then it’s none of your business.”“Just tell me where he is.”Jayden can be so damn demanding. Like he thinks the world will bend at his will. “He’s currently in a jet.”“A jet?”“Yes, you know, flying…”“Where to?”“Back to the States. He does have a business to run.”Gabriel left this morning. I’ve told him I’m not looking for anything serious. I want to focus on me. He was cool with it. Said if I needed anything to let him know.But I need to do this on my own. It’s exciting to be at the edge of something. The edge of launching my life.“I need Gabriel’s number.”“Don’t you have it?”“No. Why would I need it?”“Good question, why do you need it now?” I probe.“Are you giving it to me or not?”I reach for my b
Last Updated : 2025-03-24Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 588 Part of the Problem
(Jayden)Cass’s words echo loudly in my head as I stride from the kitchen. I shove the door open and step outside, breathing in cold air, letting it cool me down.But it doesn’t. My thoughts twist tighter around her words.Winona would’ve been better off if she’d never met you. Damn it, she’s right.How could she not be?Without me, Winona’s life would have been easier, simpler. She’d have gone on to make her life successful. She always had natural talent, flair and a work rate that’s second to none. Of course she didn’t need me to make her life successful.Isn’t that why two people come together as one unit? To better each other. To make their dreams and aspirations come true. To achieve and grow together and come out he the other side having learned something?But I don’t think I’ve done that with Winona, for Winona.A life free of me would have been much less complicated and dangerous for her.Free of my mother’s toxic presence and her obsessive hate, her lies and manipulations.
Last Updated : 2025-03-24Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 589 Owning My Choices
(Winona)Klara pours me another cup of tea.“I should be looking after you in my own home, not the other way around. I say as I accept the fresh cup.“Nonsense. This makes me feel useful.”“You could never not be useful.” I smile at my trusted friend. So much bad happened in Brussels but so much good did too. Klara was a lifeline over there while I navigated being pregnant and the drama surrounding it.She made me see that it was the baby that was important, not how it came to be or even who the father would be. Now, despite my best efforts, I have no baby.“I’ve made a mess of things,” I say finally, staring into my cup. “All I’ve done is put myself first lately.”Klara sits quietly beside me. “There’s a difference between selfishness and survival, Winona.”I look up at her. Klara’s expression is gentle, understanding. She doesn’t sugarcoat things, but she doesn’t tear me down either.“Maybe” I ask. “I feel like it’s the only way I can survive sometimes. To just think of what I want
Last Updated : 2025-03-25Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 590 Legacies
(Winona)Lisa answers the door eyes red, face pale. “What do you want?”“Just to check on you,” I say softly. “You remember Klara? Can we come in?”“If you’re here to impart some motherhood wisdom and gang up on me to change my mind, don’t bother.”“No, Lisa. I was wrong. This is your choice and I’m here to support you in that.”“You don’t have to, Winona. I get it. I don’t expect you to be here for me. Come in. Both of you.”We step into her apartment, and it’s so perfectly clean, it’s like she’s scrubbed every emotion off every surface. I follow her into the small living room, Klara behind me.“I owe you an apology,” Lisa says quietly. “For being a bitch”I exhale. “You were right. Your delivery was a little rough, but you’re right, about everything.”She folds her arms over her chest. “Still, I’m sorry. I hurt you.”“I hurt you too. I don’t want you to think that your choices always have to align with mine for us to be friends.”“But this is more than if we both like the same shade
Last Updated : 2025-03-25
Latest chapter
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 594 Surface Tension
(Winona)The family call starts like any other.Except this time, I’ve told the kids I’ll be away and lied about where I’m going.Now I have to convince Jayden it’s an unexpected business trip.Bobby’s got a stack of papers next to him, pretending he’s not glancing at them while he listens to Jayden. He’s been working on some design options for the school vegetable garden.He’s become quietly obsessed with getting it right.Sarah is asking about when she can next visit the Nexus office again. Abby’s wearing one of Henry’s bibs and announcing herself as the ‘baby boss’ while trying to feed Henry a cracker he doesn’t want.Henry is slamming his hands on the table, shrieking with defiance, and Kit is doing her best to keep the screen steady while holding him.Chaos. Beautiful, familiar chaos. Welcome to the Brennan zoo.Jayden is calm, smiling, fully engaged. He’s asking Bobby about his team at school, praising his leadership skills. He tells Sarah he misses her drawings and promises to
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 593 Surprises
(Winona)Phillip is at his desk when I walk in, finishing up a call. He looks up and gives me a half smile, casual but watchful.I cross the room but remain standing. “I won’t keep you long. I just… I wanted to let you know I’m stepping down in an active capacity from Vault. Effective immediately.”Phillip’s face shifts from polite curiosity to astonishment. “Wait—stepping down how?”I nod. “I’ll remain the owner. But I’m not going to be overseeing day-to-day management or strategic decisions anymore. I’m handing all of that to you. If you want it. CEO, President, call it what you will—I’m out.”He studies me carefully. “That’s… a big move, Winona. You’ve always been a control fre… ahh, hands-on.”I give him a quick grin. “Nice save.”“I’m talented, what can I say? But you being hands-off, I’m not sure that’s even possible.”“I’ve realized I can’t keep devoting so much energy to business. My family needs me. My kids need me.”“Is this what Jayden asked you to do?” “No. He’s been exc
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 592 Moving Forward
(Lisa)I knock lightly on Logan’s office door, then push it open.He’s at his desk, halfway through reading something. “Hey,” he says with a smile. “Wasn’t expecting you today.”“Hey. Sorry I’ve been like a bear with a sore head lately.” I close the door behind me. “Do you have a minute?”“Sure. I know I’ve been a little full on lately.” He sets the paper down and leans back. “I’m sorry. I just want what’s best for the baby, and you. Lance would have wanted that.”“I get that. But Lance also knew how I needed to make my own decisions, and he made room for that.”“I can do that. As a friend. If that’s what you want. I know it’s hard for you.”I take a deep breath. “I’m stepping down as CEO. Effective immediately.”He blinks. “Okay. That’s... sudden.”“It’s been amazing, and I think I was pretty good at it.”“You were great…”“But… I need to take care of myself for a while. And I can’t see myself coming back after… you know…” My voice tails off.He looks at me, searching my face. “Lisa…
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 591 Breaking the Silence
(Winona)Jayden finally calls.“Hey,” I say, my voice soft.He sounds tired. “Hey. I got your message. Thanks for checking in.”I wait. He doesn’t say anything else.“So… are you okay?”“Apart from your sister breaking my balls over not being on Mia’s side, yeah. I’m fine.”“Cass?”“Yes, we argued. You know how she gets. She wants me to go in to bat for Mia. But I don’t think it’s any of my business.”I close my eyes. I know him better than anyone, and I can feel the tension in the silence between his words. “Jayden, maybe she has a point. Mia is your cousin.”“She shot three people, Winona. I’m not sure what everyone expects me to do.”“You must feel something about it. I know it’s a mess. But they never chose their life or father either. Maybe being there for them will help you come to terms with some of what you went through. You know, break the cycle…”“I said I’m fine.”“You’re not.” I sit down at the kitchen table. “You’re angry. You’re confused. You don’t know how to make peace
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 590 Legacies
(Winona)Lisa answers the door eyes red, face pale. “What do you want?”“Just to check on you,” I say softly. “You remember Klara? Can we come in?”“If you’re here to impart some motherhood wisdom and gang up on me to change my mind, don’t bother.”“No, Lisa. I was wrong. This is your choice and I’m here to support you in that.”“You don’t have to, Winona. I get it. I don’t expect you to be here for me. Come in. Both of you.”We step into her apartment, and it’s so perfectly clean, it’s like she’s scrubbed every emotion off every surface. I follow her into the small living room, Klara behind me.“I owe you an apology,” Lisa says quietly. “For being a bitch”I exhale. “You were right. Your delivery was a little rough, but you’re right, about everything.”She folds her arms over her chest. “Still, I’m sorry. I hurt you.”“I hurt you too. I don’t want you to think that your choices always have to align with mine for us to be friends.”“But this is more than if we both like the same shade
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 589 Owning My Choices
(Winona)Klara pours me another cup of tea.“I should be looking after you in my own home, not the other way around. I say as I accept the fresh cup.“Nonsense. This makes me feel useful.”“You could never not be useful.” I smile at my trusted friend. So much bad happened in Brussels but so much good did too. Klara was a lifeline over there while I navigated being pregnant and the drama surrounding it.She made me see that it was the baby that was important, not how it came to be or even who the father would be. Now, despite my best efforts, I have no baby.“I’ve made a mess of things,” I say finally, staring into my cup. “All I’ve done is put myself first lately.”Klara sits quietly beside me. “There’s a difference between selfishness and survival, Winona.”I look up at her. Klara’s expression is gentle, understanding. She doesn’t sugarcoat things, but she doesn’t tear me down either.“Maybe” I ask. “I feel like it’s the only way I can survive sometimes. To just think of what I want
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 588 Part of the Problem
(Jayden)Cass’s words echo loudly in my head as I stride from the kitchen. I shove the door open and step outside, breathing in cold air, letting it cool me down.But it doesn’t. My thoughts twist tighter around her words.Winona would’ve been better off if she’d never met you. Damn it, she’s right.How could she not be?Without me, Winona’s life would have been easier, simpler. She’d have gone on to make her life successful. She always had natural talent, flair and a work rate that’s second to none. Of course she didn’t need me to make her life successful.Isn’t that why two people come together as one unit? To better each other. To make their dreams and aspirations come true. To achieve and grow together and come out he the other side having learned something?But I don’t think I’ve done that with Winona, for Winona.A life free of me would have been much less complicated and dangerous for her.Free of my mother’s toxic presence and her obsessive hate, her lies and manipulations.
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 587 Fitting the Brennan Brand
(Cass)I’m halfway through untying my apron after shift when I hear Jayden’s voice.“Cass.”I toss the apron onto the hook. “You’re two hours late for lunch, sorry. Kitchen’s closed.”He doesn’t smile. Doesn’t even try. “Do you know where Gabriel is?”Not this again. “If I do, then it’s none of your business.”“Just tell me where he is.”Jayden can be so damn demanding. Like he thinks the world will bend at his will. “He’s currently in a jet.”“A jet?”“Yes, you know, flying…”“Where to?”“Back to the States. He does have a business to run.”Gabriel left this morning. I’ve told him I’m not looking for anything serious. I want to focus on me. He was cool with it. Said if I needed anything to let him know.But I need to do this on my own. It’s exciting to be at the edge of something. The edge of launching my life.“I need Gabriel’s number.”“Don’t you have it?”“No. Why would I need it?”“Good question, why do you need it now?” I probe.“Are you giving it to me or not?”I reach for my b
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 586 The Poison in Our Blood
(Mia)Don Alejandro sits in the dim light of a single, flickering bulb, looking at me like he still holds all the cards.This dingy, concrete-lined room is where he’s been relegated to. His supporters have fast jumped ship. He’s requested I meet him here which means he’s worried.He knows his ship is sinking. But that won’t stop him trying to claw his way back.“Mia,” he says smoothly. “You came. I wondered if you might join the stinking rats abandoning me.”I don’t move. I don’t speak. I just stare at him.He gestures to the chair across from him. “Sit.”I don’t.His smile tightens. “Do you have something you want to say to me?”“It’s over, Abuelo. They will be here to take you to jail soon.”He smiles that dark, evil smile. “It will never be over for me. Even from their jail, I will rise again.”I grip the gun inside my jacket pocket, my fingers stiff and cold around the metal.“Not this time.”“I thought you were smarter than this,” he continues, watching me like he’s sizing up pre
