All Chapters of Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

(Winona)I grip the official adoption papers in my hand. Finally. Phillip is now legally her father and listed on her birth certificate. My heart is hammering, I’m so happy and relieved. Now, no one can make it any different without lawyers and a courtroom.I don’t have to hide my daughter anymore. When I feel Jayden is ready. I will tell him the truth. But for now, I want to at least keep Judy off balance. Hopefully the good news will continue and Abby will be accepted into the preschool.My cell phone rings and it’s a local number. I answer, “Hello, Winona Nolan speaking.”“Hi, Winona. This is Marion Gregory from Johnstone Academy calling.”“Oh, Hi Mrs. Gregory,” I say cheerfully.“I’m very sorry. But we’ve gone over Abby’s information and I’m afraid she’s not suited for our academy.”“Not suited? Is there any particular reason? I mean the fees are not a problem and we live in the area.” “I’m sorry ma’am. We don’t discuss the exact details. But you understand we have many applicati

(Winona)“Are you settling okay?” Jayden asks. He looks tired with dark shadows under his eyes.“Honestly, if this is all you wanted to say to me, I’m leaving.” I just can’t do small talk with him while things are the way they are.“No.” He looks gloomy behind his desk. “That’s not all.”He stands up and walks towards me. “Go out with me tonight.”“What?!”“You heard. Go out with me.”I regained my composure. “Why?”“Why not?”“Because Phillip and I are seeing each other right now.”“But are you? Are you really?”I sigh. “Jayden, I’m here to work as a consultant. I’m not here to have my personal life and my integrity questioned wherever I go. It’s not fair.”“You’re right. Look, I’ve been talking to Lance lately. I do need your expertise, and Phillip’s. Things have already started to turn around. We’ve also talked over the past a little. I’m happy to let bygones be bygones.”“Really? You mean a clean slate. No more hassles over the past. Just us getting on with our separate lives and

(Winona)I really didn’t want to get picked up by Jayden outside the building we work in. But he insisted. No need to change because it’s a business dinner, right? The attention will become good publicity, right?Sure, more like he wasn’t giving one more second than he had to in case I changed my mind. Probably was right too. If I’d gone home I may not have kept my promise.Yet another night where I don’t tuck Abby into bed myself. I need to discuss my workload and make my daughter my priority. But I may as well get this over and one with. Maybe this will finally help him see we aren’t meant to be and he can go be with Ashlyn.His black sports car rolls in to park out the front. People at work definitely saw me get in the car of the CEO. Judy’s phone is probably blowing up by now. I straighten down my pencil skirt when I’m seated in the body-hugging seat.“Must we really throw fuel on the fire by making this so public? It’s my work reputation too. We all know nothing can touch you. No

(Winona)“Winona! How is Abby?” Phillip is rushing up to me and I jump back from Jayden and hug Phillip. That was a close call. I feel if I’d ended up in Jayden’s arms, wild horses couldn’t have dragged me back out again.“Phillip, our girl is stable. She’s a fighter. The doctor is coming soon to speak with us.”“I’m sorry I wasn’t with her.”“I’m the one who should be sorry,” I sob into his shoulder. “I can’t keep working these hours. I have a daughter and family to be with.”“Don’t be sorry, Winona. You came here for me. To give me the chance of a lifetime. I’m the one who’s sorry.” Phillip rubs my back as he hugs me.“No matter why I’m here, I should not have been working like I didn’t have a child at home who needs me.”“Let’s talk about that later. Right now, it’s no one’s fault. All we need to do is get Abby well.”I nod. “I hope the doctor is here soon. They are doing more tests. I almost died when I saw our angel hooked up to those machines. Why? Why does such an innocent litt

(Winona)“Pup-py”I hear her soft whisper and my heart soars. She’s been asleep since the operation last night and Dr. Green said this was best for her to heal for now. I’m in a small armchair holding Puppy.I must have dozed off despite feeling like I was awake all night. Anne dropped by very early this morning with Abby’s favorite toy, hoped it might help.I open my eyes and see Abby staring back at me. “Puppy,” she whispers and makes slow grabby motions with her fingers.“Abby, sweetheart. Hi.” I say and get up to hand Puppy to her. I lean in to kiss her forehead “Shhh, baby girl. Get some more rest.”“It hurts, Mommy.” Tears rolled down her cherub cheeks. My heart breaks for her. I wish I could wave a magic wand and take all this pain away. I wish I could have the pain for myself and spare Abby.“I know you’re scared. It’s okay.” I push the call button. “You’re in the hospital. Let’s see if the nurse can help with that. I’m here, baby.” I rub her hair and hum a nursery rhyme.Th