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63 Playing The Game
Last Updated:
2024-07-08 13:43:14
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Divorce 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 : 2024-07-08Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 66 I Trust No One
(Winona)Wanting to believe everything will be okay and actually believing it are two different things. Inside me the doubt and stress over Abby’s health is ever present. If it was only that, I’d probably cope better.But I’d be incredibly stupid to think that all is going to be rosy with Judy and Ashlyn. We may get a six-month respite, though I doubt it will last that long, but they will both just be planning their next step to remove me from their lives.My emotions are fraught with the thought of losing Abby to something I have no control over. I need to make sure every second here is worth it for her. We’ve been here a week and Jayden and I are out tidying my garden while she naps.“I’m considering home-schooling Abby.” I say as he pulls weeds.“Why?”“I have a lot of time on my hands, and it would be easier on her.” I clip half-heartedly at the unruly hedge. Jayden wipes his hands on his denim shorts. “It might be easier, but I think it would also be limiting.”“There’s a lot mo
Last Updated : 2024-07-09Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 67 We Got This
(Winona)“Bye, Sweety. Your teacher has my number, so if you need Mommy, she can call me anytime,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. My heart is pounding, and my hands are clammy.“Here’s your lunch bag. This is your locker,” Jayden says as he passes the bag to Abby, giving her a tight hug.She stows her bag into her locker. “Puppy!” She points at the photo of her favorite toy, so she knows her locker. “Bye, Mommy. Bye, Daddy.” She waves at us before racing off to join a group of kids who are crafting. Her enthusiasm is infectious, but my nerves are still on edge.Her teacher smiles warmly. “She’ll be just fine.”“You’ve read her file, right? You understand she has some physical limitations because of her health,” I explain, my anxiety swelling with each word.“We have, and I can assure you, every staff member here has advanced first aid training, and we have two qualified nurses on site. Abby will be in safe hands,” the teacher reassures, her tone gentle but firm.“No one can g
Last Updated : 2024-07-09Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 68 Imagination Overload
(Winona)I just have time to grab a juice at the café closest to the preschool. There’s a lot of people here and I assume it’s the thing to do before school pick up. Abby’s pick up time is after lunch for the first week.I look around the other patrons as I sip my tropical smoothie. My mind is full of what to make for dinner. Shopping went great and as the time progressed, I did feel better about Abby being in school.Now I’m excited to hear all about her morning.A profile catches my eye. I snap my attention back to this man. He’s across the road. No. My blood runs cold, and I squeeze my eyes shut. When I open them again, he’s not there. Is my mind playing tricks on me?It’s a sea of people weaving in and out of each other. I’m sure that it was a mistake. It has to be. It’s simply not possible. My father cannot be here in Santa Monica. Judy knows he’s alive but surely she wouldn’t tell him where we are even if she knew.If she understood how bad that could be for Abby, she sure woul
Last Updated : 2024-07-09Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 69 Inviting Trouble to Stay
(Winona)I flick on the television. I know I shouldn’t, but curiosity gets the better of me. I wonder if speculation over Jayden and I has stopped. I go through a few channels and I haven’t seen us yet, so maybe.Abby has had three days at preschool, and she’ll have a break for the last two weekdays. I must say my nervousness is somewhat eased, and she’s chatting easily about the other kids in her class, so she is making friends.Dinner at Jayden’s house was a lot of fun the other night. He’s happy with how negotiations are going with the shareholders. He’ll have enough ready to sell to him by the end of this month.I’ve been back to that café and never seen that man again. It really was my imagination. I switch off the television. Let them say what they want to say. Not like we can stop them. I’d rather know what’s going through Judy and Ashlyn’s minds right now.Abby’s been bright and cheery and not complaining of any pain. Even her face has some color. Today Jayden is picking us up
Last Updated : 2024-07-10Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 70 Family Ties Hurt
(Winona) “Winona? Are you sure you’re doing the right thing?” Jayden asks as the kids clamber out of the car. His voice is filled with concern, and it’s clear he’s struggling to process everything.I nod, trying to steady my racing heart. “I can’t leave them with him. You have no idea how bad it is, Jayden. Look at them.”Jayden looks at the kids, his expression softening with empathy. “Okay.” He lets out a long breath. “I guess we’ll figure it out.”“There must be a mother,” I say, more to myself than to him.“She left them,” Jayden replies, his voice tinged with sadness.“He would never have let her leave with them. The kids are his meal ticket. I can keep them safe until I find her.” I usher the kids through the front door and into the kitchen, my mind racing with a hundred different thoughts.Jayden follows us inside, shaking his head. “He left them here, though.”“He’ll be back when the cash runs out,” I say, knowing my father all too well.Jayden sighs, his frustration evident.
Last Updated : 2024-07-10Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 71 Finding Out More
(Winona)Having these kids for a full day, I’m still very nervous about it. They aren’t saying much and I don’t want to press them on the details of their mother. Sarah basically says nothing and Bobby is protective of her, and isn’t offering any information either.Perhaps I’ll try asking again later. I mean, these kids are my half-siblings, I’m not sure what to do with them. Abby has been fine about having them here, but four-year-olds are fine about most things, I guess. They talk to Abby, I heard them chattering and laughing with her. So I know they can communicate.I wonder if their life has been like mine was. Cold, hungry and punished most of the time. Lonely. Tears swell in my eyes. I’m not letting that bastard take over my life again. I know he’ll be back when the money is gone. I need to be ready and to try and get these kids to a safer home environment. I don’t want him in my home. I do feel better now I know I have security watching. Otherwise, I’d be a complete mess. M
Last Updated : 2024-07-11
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Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 519 Fanning Flames
(Cass)I stride through the penthouse, my stiletto heels clicking against the marble floor with purpose.I know I look good—stunning, actually. This dress hugs every curve just right, and the deep emerald green makes my eyes pop.Tonight is about reminding myself that I have a feminine side and I’m not afraid to use it. Gabriel may have been part of my past, but I’m going to show him just how irresistible the present me is. But as I head towards the elevator, Viktor steps out, his tall frame filling the space and his expression hard as stone. He crosses his arms and plants himself directly in front of the doors. “Ready for your date then??” he asks, his voice low, almost a growl. “You know I am,” I reply, refusing to let him intimidate me. “Unless you plan to stand there all night.” His eyes rake over me, lingering just a second too long on the neckline of my dress before snapping back to my face. “You’re really going out with Gabriel.” It’s not a question. “Yes, I am.” I tilt my
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 518 A Clean Slate
(Jayden)I find her on her laptop. “How are you really feeling?” I ask, standing by the edge of the bed. She looks up, her eyes softening. “Tired, but okay. It’s good to be home. That makes me feel one thousand percent better. You’ve got that look.”“What look?” I ask, kicking off my shoes and stripping down to my boxers.“The one that says you’ve got something weighing on you,” she replies, her tone softer now.I sigh, running a hand through my hair and sit on the edge of the bed. “It’s Cass. She’s in danger, Winona. Real danger.”Winona shifts, her eyes narrowing with concern. “What kind of danger? How?”“Don Alejandro, he hasn’t been arrested. He’s gone underground and he’s still calling the shots,” I say, my voice low.“But Cass has nothing to do with him, or Mia anymore. Gus cleared her of anything drug-related. How can she be in danger?”“Cass went to her old apartment. To clear it up. Trying to make a clean slate, I think. While she was there, they turned up.”“Who?”“Mia fir
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 517 No secrets
(Jayden)“Daddy’s home!” Abbey squeals, her feet thundering across the wooden floor towards me. I barely have time to drop my briefcase before she launches herself at me. I scoop her up, spinning her in a slow circle while she giggles wildly. “Hey, princess,” I say, kissing her cheek. “Did you miss me?” She nods, curls bouncing. “Missed you so much! Mommy’s upstairs. She said you were bringing Henry back, but you didn’t. Where is he?” “Henry’s asleep in the car,” I explain, setting her down. “I’ll grab him in a minute. I had to get my Abbey hug first.” Bobby appears in the doorway, leaning casually against the frame like he’s auditioning for a teen drama. “Dinner’s almost ready. Sarah and I are making sure everything’s perfect for Mom. We’re making up trays.” “That so?” I ruffle his hair, and he swats my hand away with a grin. “Good work, kid. You’re the man of the house when I’m not here, right?” “Obviously,” he says, puffing his chest out. “This place would fall apart without
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 516 Striking back
(Mia)“You know what, Gabriel?” I say, my voice sharp. “Maybe you’re not as noble as you want everyone to believe. You think I don’t see what you’re doing? You’re not trying to protect this family. You’re trying to control it.”He narrows his eyes. “What are you talking about?”“Don’t play dumb,” I snap. “You just want Brennan Industries for yourself. That’s what this is really about, isn’t it? Turning Ana and Eva against me so they’ll sell to you.”“That’s ridiculous,” Gabriel retorts, his tone cold. “I’m protecting the company from you. You’ve already proven you can’t be trusted. Someone has to safeguard what Papá built.”“What Papa started,” I say, crossing my arms. “That company was built by Judy Brennan. Our father was an awful businessman. But he loved us, all of us. Don’t forget, Gabriel, we all share the same blood. The same father. We all deserve to benefit from the legacy, not just you.”Ana shifts uncomfortably, her eyes darting between us. “Mía, it’s not about taking sides
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 515 Making My Mark
(Mia)The townhouse is spotless. Every vase, every gold fixture, every inch of marble gleams under the crystal chandelier’s glow. I’ve made sure of it, not for me, but for them. My family is coming, and I know the judgment in their eyes will be as sharp as their words. They will think I don’t belong here. Such luxury and display of wealth is unbecoming. I should be more humble. Show more gratitude and grace.I don’t care. I do belong here. All I want is for mother to love and respect me as a woman. Not to always see me as her baby girl who needs constant mothering.I straighten the throw pillows for the third time, my nerves simmering beneath my skin. When the doorbell rings, I force my shoulders back and my face into a practiced smile. “Come in,” I say as I open the door. Mama steps in first, her dark eyes scanning the room like she’s searching for something to scold me about. Behind her, Ana and Eva follow, their expressions less obvious but no less guarded. Gabriel brings up
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 514 Perfect Family Vibes
(Winona)“Winona,” he says, walking over to kiss my temple. “Welcome home. It feels so good here, right?”“You feel it too?” That makes me happy. Knowing Jayden feels the same vibe the kids and I do in this place.“You chose perfectly. I’m heading out for a meeting with Gus and Viktor. Figured I’d take Henry with me. He can nap in the car. If that’s okay with you? Is Henry being with Gus okay?” I nod. “Gus visited me, and we sorted some stuff. It’s fine with me if it’s fine with you.”He kisses my lips and whispers in my ear, “I can’t wait to snuggle with you tonight. I have missed you so, so much after dinner time.” He nuzzles my ear.I smile as Henry tries to grab my hair.“Hey, you two, get a room!” Lisa teases.“Oh, we will.” He steps away and Henry reaches for me and I hold his little hand in mine. I’ve missed him so much.“Anyway, I better bounce. Get this Global Nexus stuff done,” Jayden says.“Henry can stay here if it’s easier.”“No need. He’s my right-hand man these days. H
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 513 Life Without Barriers
(Winona)The moment I step into the farmhouse, the scent of lavender and woodland spice welcomes me like an old friend. I know it’s one of Klara’s aromatherapy concoctions that I love.Lisa has given me a ride home to save Jayden the trip into the city as he’s here with the kids.The kids are buzzing around like a small tornado, their excitement obvious. It’s a stark contrast to the opulence of Brussels high-end estate or Jayden’s Penthouse here. This place is different. It’s ours. Once I have the renovations done, it will still be luxurious, of course—heated floors, state-of-the-art kitchen, and furnishings you’d see in a design magazine—but not excessive.It’s cozy, warm, and every inch of it feels lived-in. It’s like the cottage in a way. A family home but this place has something the cottage didn’t have. A history in its walls of previous families. It feels like home in a way nowhere else I’ve ever lived has.Even my townhouse, which was perfect for me at the time, pales in com
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 512 The Danger I’m In
(Cass)I sit on the couch at Jayden’s penthouse, picking at my nails, while Viktor stands near the window, arms crossed, eyes focused on the city below.His broad shoulders are tense, his entire posture screaming disapproval.I’ve just told him what I overheard in my apartment and he’s acting like I heard it on purpose.“Say it,” I snap, breaking the silence.He turns, his blue eyes icy. “You shouldn’t have gone there alone.”“Tell me why you went there,” he demands, his voice a coiled spring ready to snap. “I didn’t know they’d be there!” I snap, my frustration bubbling to the surface. “I was cleaning up, minding my own business, and then they just… showed up.” “Does anyone else know?” he growls, his accent thickening with his anger. “Did you see anyone on the way in, or out? If he finds out…” “No.” I fire back. “No one else was around. Stop being so dramatic.”“You need to take this seriously,” he says, his voice sharp enough to cut glass. “Don Alejandro is one of the most danger
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 511 Letting Judy Go
(Winona)“Judy really taught me everything I know about being self-reliant and a strong woman, but she taught me in all the wrong ways. By threatening my life and the life of my children. I mean she almost took the life of her son more than once.”“Judy only knew extreme. But she also knew how to cover her tracks.”“She brought danger to my doorstep that I’d fought so long to keep away. I will not miss her in any way. I never loved her. But I do feel for Jayden, and for you.”He tilts his head, his sharp eyes locking onto mine. “Life must look very different for you now Judy’s gone. Knowing she won’t be there to interfere.” I take a moment to think about it. “Honestly? Yeah, I am. Judy had a way of… making you doubt yourself. Questioning every move you made. It’s exhausting, constantly looking over your shoulder, waiting for her to strike.” “She was good at that,” Gus says with a small, humorless chuckle. “Always did everything to the highest degree.”“Certainly cannot fault her wor
