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399 A Burden Shared
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2024-11-08 16:43:24Related chapters
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 400 Distraction
(Judy)I saunter in, heels clicking against the marble floor, and spot Viktor waiting for me at the reception area outside the boardroom Jayden’s holed up in.He’s all muscle and menace, his arms crossed over his chest like a sentry guarding a fortress. I’m going to rattle his cage a little. Girl’s gotta have some fun.I stride up to him like an old friend. “Viktor! How wonderful!. I hope you aren’t missing that traitor Gus too much… Guess that asshole finally got what he deserved.”I know that will make him pissed.“Judy,” he greets me as stoically as any mountain. “You need to leave.”I arch an eyebrow, a mock smile curves my lips. “Viktor, you’re not even going to let a mother see her son? How heartless can you be?”I give him my most charming smile. “Viktor, darling, you know I never stay where I’m not wanted.” My gaze flicks to the boardroom door behind him. “But… I’m here for my son.”He doesn’t move, blocking the path to the door completely. “Your son doesn’t want to see you. Y
Last Updated : 2024-11-08Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 401 The Envelope
(Jayden)My desk is littered with documents, files, all growing proof of unfinished business. The investigation team has been in and out of my temporary office all morning, each member adding to the pile of work I can’t seem to escape from.The large, yellow envelopes, print-outs, employee details all add to the mountain of things on my to-do list. I sweep all I can fit into my briefcase along with the rest of Grayson’s paperwork, wanting everything in one place for the flight back to Brussels.It’ll be easier to sift through once I’m settled in the jet, away from this pressure cooker.I glance at my watch. I need to get moving. There’s no time to deal with any of this here; I’ll need the next 24 hours in Brussels to breathe, focus on my family, and help Winona settle the kids into their new school routine.The idea of being home even for just one night is the only thing keeping me sane right now.I get a few key documents I still need to sign off on before I leave and isolate them as
Last Updated : 2024-11-09Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 402 A Plan Comes Together
(Winona)I’m pacing the family room at the cottage, running through all the last-minute details in my head before Jayden comes home. The kids are excited, and the whole place is buzzing with energy.Even shy, reserved Sarah has been talking a mile a minute, making sure I know she has ‘a million billion things’ to tell her dad when he gets here.You and me both, kiddo.Lisa plops down onto the sofa, a mischievous grin playing at her lips. “You know,” she starts, “instead of drowning Jayden in chaos the moment he walks through the door, maybe you two should have some alone time. The kids will be fine with me for a couple of hours.”I give her a skeptical look. “The kids are dying to see him. We’re a family—this reunion shouldn’t be just about me and Jayden.”“There wouldn’t be kids without you and Jayden, would there. Of course it’s about you and him first.”“I’d feel selfish.”Lisa rolls her eyes, but it’s all in good humor. “Yeah, yeah, family bonding is important and all that. But le
Last Updated : 2024-11-09Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 403 Opening Envelopes
(Jayden)The decoy flight was a well-choreographed illusion. Viktor boarded the Nexus Global jet, accompanied by someone who looked like me and a highly visible security detail.The intention is simple: draw eyes, especially if Judy is watching. The whole operation was designed to mislead, to give me the cover I need to get out unnoticed.Now I’m in a smaller charter jet, an aircraft that looks almost understated compared to the Nexus one. It’s sleek, black, and inconspicuous, blending into the private airstrip with an anonymity that feels oddly comforting.Inside, the jet’s interior is quiet, the hum of the engines a low and steady reassurance. I’m settled into one of the leather seats, my briefcase open next to me.The documents from Nexus London are slowly going from the to-do to the done pile. I’ve read everything I needed to review. Investigation notes, financial statements, and transcripts of company phone and cell conversations.I’m looking for anything that might hint at Grays
Last Updated : 2024-11-09Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 404 Rage Unleashed
(Jayden)The jet touches down smoothly, but there’s nothing smooth about the way my heart is pounding. I grab my briefcase, every muscle in my body coiled with tension. The envelope with those damning photos is stuffed inside.All I want are answers.As I step off the jet, I storm over to the car waiting for me.“Get out,” I snap at the driver, tossing my briefcase onto the back seat. My voice is sharp enough to cut through metal. “I’ll drive myself.”“Ah, Mr. Brennan…I can’t—”I pull his door open and drag him out by the shirt collar. “I said get out.”I get into the driver’s seat, slamming the door hard enough that it echoes across the tarmac. The engine roars to life as I hit the gas, the tires screeching in protest.The rage that’s been simmering in my veins now boils over. Betrayal, disbelief, gut-wrenching jealousy. The thoughts crash into each other, making my chest tighten, my knuckles white as I grip the wheel.I can’t process it—Lance and Winona, Phillip and Winona. It’s a b
Last Updated : 2024-11-10Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 405 It’s All Ruined
(Winona)I’m in the kitchen, ladling the creamy chicken casserole into a dish of rice. It smells amazing. Jayden always loved this recipe. It feels like forever since we’ve had dinner with just the two of us.Soft, calming music flows through my headphones, and a gentle, soothing voice reminds me to breathe. Inhale peace, exhale stress. My heartbeat follows the rhythm, easing into a steady calm. Everything is as it should be.Dinner is ready, and Jayden will be landed, I think. It’s only a fifteen-minute drive from the city. We’ll finally have our time to reconnect, to talk, to share news that I’ve been holding onto with cautious hope.Lisa called and I talked to the kids who were having so much fun. I told them they could have a later night as long as their chores and study got done tomorrow.They all had a stuffed animal each and sticky faces from cotton candy. I’m not sure they’ll sleep at all from the sugar rush. But it’s fine this once. I’m so excited about telling Jayden my news
Last Updated : 2024-11-10Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 406 Chill Time
(Winona)“Guys, look, don’t say things you don’t mean…” Lance is up and trying to stop us arguing.“Jayden is the one acting like a mad man.”Jayden’s face hardens again. “Don’t turn this on me. You betrayed me, Winona. Of all the men in the world, you had to go with the two that would hurt me the most.”“It wasn’t about you, Jayden. This whole fucking world does not revolve around you.”“Your world sure as hell doesn’t. If it wasn’t for the photos I got, I’d never have known. You three would be laughing at me behind my back forever.”“I was going to tell you. Just not yet.”“Sure. Like I believe that. Well, now I know. Anything else you care to share with me while we’re at it?”I glare at him. My head is thumping, and I feel dizzy. I need to get calm, I need to think of the baby. My baby.I hold my head in my hands.“Maybe you need another hall pass week while Lance is here? Is Phillip on the next flight?”My breath catches, and I feel the sting of hot tears spilling down my cheeks a
Last Updated : 2024-11-10Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 407 Independence and Denial
(Jayden)I don’t even stop to catch my breath after heading back to the jet. I’ve called the pilot and organized a return trip. The sooner I’m away from here the better.My heart is still racing, my torn fists ache from the fight. The betrayal. The utter destruction of everything I thought I knew engulfs me.Finally, I’m at the airport private jet area. I get out of the car and make a beeline for the jet. It’s waiting, fueled up and ready to take me back to London.“Mr. Brennan,” the pilot greets. “Do you need anything else before we leave?”“I’m fine,” I snap. “Just get me out of here.”He nods, and I march past him, my phone clenched in my hand. I don’t want to talk to anyone. I don’t need anyone. Winona, Lance, Viktor. I can run my own life. Make my own decisions.I collapse into the seat, yanking out my phone to turn it off. I don’t want to talk to anyone right now. I recall the argument with Winona. I can’t remember the last time rage engulfed me like that.Those words just spewe
Last Updated : 2024-11-11
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Divorce 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
Divorce 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
Divorce 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
Divorce 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’
Divorce 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
Divorce 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
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
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 459 Mother!
(Jayden)The flashing lights of ambulances and police cars light up the hotel’s entrance as I run the last few of the distance. My stomach churns, the bile rising in my throat as I close in on the foyer. This can’t be real. It doesn’t feel real.I enter the elevator and take what feels like the slowest ride in the world up to the top floor. My mind is full of everything. Mother, Lance. I know she did wrong, so much wrong.But she was still my mother. She loved me. I could never fault her on that.Outside the elevator now, I march towards the officers outside the open suite door.I try to push past the uniformed officers at the door, my voice sharp and demanding. “I’m Jayden Brennan. That’s my mother in there. Let me through.” Two of them grab me by the upper arms.Another officer steps forward, raising a hand to block me. “Sir, we can’t—” “It’s my mother! Do you understand?” My voice cracks with desperation. “Let me through now!” I yell, trying to get free.“Let him through,” A tal
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 458 News in the Dark
(Winona)I sit bolt upright in bed, my phone dragging me out of my grogginess. I see the number. It’s Jayden. Video call request. Why is he video calling me? We always text late at night and I’d dozed off after we’d text earlier.“Jayden?” My voice trembles as I connect the call. “What’s wrong?” “There’s been a shooting,” he says, his tone clipped but strained. His words come out fast, like he’s trying to make sense of them as he says them. “Lance and... Judy. Security called me. I don’t know all the details yet.” I can see he’s on the move.I cover my mouth, the air rushing out of my lungs. “Oh my God. Are they— I mean…” “Security said it’s bad, Lance is…gone…” he cuts in, his voice tightening. “I hung up to call you, but I’m on my way there now. It’s about ten minutes from my hotel.” The sight of him, pale and shaken, grips me with fear. “Jayden, you shouldn’t be alone for this. Let me—” “No,” he interrupts firmly. “Viktor and Cass are on their way. I’ll be fine. I have to go a
