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414 Escape
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2024-11-13 14:29:30Related chapters
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 415 Heart to Heart
(Winona)The sun is warm on my back as I kneel in the garden, tugging at weeds that have embedded themselves deep in the soil. Henry gurgles contentedly on the rug between Lisa and I, his tiny fists reaching for the mobile above him.The sound of his laugh and squeals mingles with the rustling leaves, a stark contrast to the drama of last night. This is my peaceful place. In the garden, with my family and best friend.The kids are off down in the wooded area behind the cottage, building what they insist is the “ultimate” fort. Every so often, a burst of laughter or the echo of a shouted command filters back, and it brings a smile to my face.At least they’re not asking when dad will be home.I can’t answer that right now.Lisa is sitting cross-legged in the grass, her hands idly plucking at stray blades of wayward weeds. She’s watching Henry with a soft expression, but I can see the tension in her shoulders. She’s been quiet for a while, and it’s making me anxious.I know we need to t
Last Updated : 2024-11-13Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 416 Owning My Shit
(Winona)“It’s true. He saw the chance; he wanted to shoot his shot, I guess,” Lisa says calmly.“The chance should never have been there.”Lisa takes a deep breath, “Look, it sounds like it was about feeling safe to lose control for you, not about hurting Jayden. You’d never do that to him purposely.”“I definitely didn’t think of it in terms of hurting him, but maybe that was just me being convenient. I thought I was doing it for me, for my own empowerment. But now I see how incredibly short-sighted it was.”I pause, twisting a stray blade of grass between my fingers. “I was so focused on what I felt I deserved, you know? A chance to be carefree, to do what everyone else seemed to do without consequence. But the truth is, I didn’t think about how deep it could cut Jayden.”Lisa leans forward, her face full of care. “You didn’t kill anyone, Winona. You’re not some evil person. You took care of your needs, for once. That’s not a crime.”“But now I’ve destroyed everything,” I whisper.
Last Updated : 2024-11-14Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 417 Shattered Friendship
(Jayden)The hotel suite feels claustrophobic, even with the London skyline stretching out in all directions beyond the glass windows. I pace, the anger like a live wire running through me.Every time I think I’ve calmed down, another wave of betrayal hits, sharper than the last.After everything we’ve shared, I cannot believe my best friend would stoop so low. Sure, I agreed with Winona to hall pass week. I should have known it would be too much for me.But Winona had a fair point really, she’d never explored her sexual wants and needs. I don’t own her. And she was upfront at least about wanting to have that time. She could have easily gone behind my back.But that’s not Winona. She rarely puts herself first. I was at peace with it all. We’d moved on. But now, knowing it was Lance and Phillip. That made everything seem different. Of course Phillip was always going to try and go there. They have history.I don’t like it, but I understand it.But Lance? That one hurts more than I ever
Last Updated : 2024-11-14Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 418 Irreparable Damage
(Jayden)But Lance had to see his mom’s slow decline into depression before she finally ended things herself too. He had no other family he knew of and a shit ton of money.So, we just became best friends, and then we met Winona and Lisa. We became each other’s family when he didn’t have one of his own, and I guess I didn’t realize how much that bond had shaped us both until now.Lance and I bonded over our shared, fucked-up parent issues, and it made us inseparable. My mother might have been dysfunctional in her love, but at least she stood by me. He never had anyone.Only us four friends hanging out and doing life. We were the ones who helped each other survive high school, then college, through all the madness of growing up.We were just kids then, thinking we could save each other and the world. But adulthood and this betrayal make those bonds fragile.But none of that changes what he did. It makes it worse. I glare at him, refusing to soften. “You don’t get to make this about som
Last Updated : 2024-11-14Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 419 Mending Broken Pieces
(Winona)My laptop buzzes with a video call coming through. I draw a deep breath, steeling myself as I answer. Jayden’s face appears on the screen, looking more worn and tired than I’ve ever seen him in a very long time.His eyes are shadowed, his jaw tight, and there’s a vulnerability there that roils at my gut.“Hey,” he says, his voice rough. “Thanks for taking the call.”“Hey,” I manage, trying to keep my own voice steady, feeling my palms grow clammy. The silence between us stretches, heavy with all the things we need to say, everything we need to fix and everything we’ve broken.Jayden’s throat works as he swallows. “I owe you an apology,” he says, his voice thick. “For what I said about Judy being right. I didn’t mean it. I was angry, and I let my hurt speak for me. I went back to a place I thought I’d never be again. I’m sorry.”His words sink in.“I just want to make things clear,” I say, my voice cracking despite my best efforts. “I get why you had that reaction. I get that
Last Updated : 2024-11-15Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 420 Building Bridges
(Jayden)I exhale slowly, the relief settling in as Winona agrees to meet. Even through the screen, the strength in her voice grounds me, and for a moment, it feels like we’re at least in the same book.“Klara’s place, then,” I confirm. “I’ll work out the logistics with Viktor, and we’ll make sure no one from the estate knows.”Winona nods, but I catch the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. It’s not just about Judy or the logistics of hiding our plans. There’s still so much hurt between us, so much we have to navigate.“I hate that it’s come to this,” she admits, her voice soft. “Playing games to outsmart your mother… it feels exhausting. And there’s still no guarantee we’ll be okay at the end of it.”“But, whatever happens with us, we know we can move the kids forward safely, without Judy, and that we will always put them first, even if we’re apart.”“I feel like it’s a dangerous game we’re playing with your mother.”“It is,” I say, running a hand through my hair. “But it’s our best
Last Updated : 2024-11-15Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 421 The Predator’s Game
(Judy)The bar hums with quiet sophistication, the kind of place where London’s elite come to sip overpriced whiskey and pretend they’re untouchable. I walk in, a predator among prey, and there he is: Lance. The person I’ve come to see.He sits hunched over his glass, looking every bit the broken man I expected. The bruises and swelling from his fight with Jayden haven’t faded, and there’s a hollow look in his eyes that makes my lips curl with satisfaction.He’ll hate Winona now for coming between him and Jayden. Perfect.“Hello, Lance,” I purr, sliding onto the barstool beside him. He doesn’t even flinch, just glances at me with a weary indifference. Pathetic.“Judy,” he acknowledges, his voice flat, devoid of the cocky charm he usually wields like a shield. Good. I’ve taken that from him, too. Easier to further poison his mind against this couple.I order a glass of Merlot, savoring the anticipation of this moment. “You know,” I say, swirling the wine, “I never thought I’d see you q
Last Updated : 2024-11-15Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 422 Arrival at the Farm
(Winona)The three-hour drive to Klara’s farm has been surprisingly therapeutic. The winding roads took us past lush, rolling fields and dense patches of forest, and for a while, I allowed myself to feel at peace. The kids were mostly quiet with their devices, watching the scenery or chatting excitedly about what they thought the farm would be like.Henry dozed off in his carrier after the third stop for a break for the kids to run about, and for me to go through the process of elimination on what made Henry fussy that time.But we are here now and I’m full of anticipation on seeing Jayden and Viktor and the possibility of finding a way to make Judy pay for what she’s done. At least some of it. It seems too much to hope for but I’m strangely feeling calm and collected.It feels like forever since I’ve driven anywhere, let alone a long drive. It’s been amazing. I know I have to add some car exploration trips to my schedule.The farm comes into view. It’s a picturesque scene: a cozy far
Last Updated : 2024-11-16
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Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 479 Lance’s Will Reading
(Winona)The law office feels oppressive, the kind of place that absorbs every ounce of emotion and holds it hostage.Lisa sits beside me, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her skirt. She’s trying to look composed, but the redness around her eyes gives her away. She hasn’t stopped crying since Lance’s death.I glance at the empty chair where Jayden should be. I tried to convince him to come, but he flat-out refused. Too much history. Too much pain. I can’t force him, and honestly, I don’t have the energy to try. I wasted enough of my life trying to change Jayden’s mind on things.I’m free of Judy and I’m going to make the most of that. This much I do know. But first, I need to get Lisa through this tragedy and broken heart.The lawyer clears his throat. “Thank you for coming. We are here for the reading of Lance Edward Collins’ last will and testament. Copies of the document will be provided after this session.”Lisa shifts in her seat, her breathing shallow. I reach over and squ
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 478 Taking the Reins
(Jayden) My driver pulls up outside Brennan Industries, and I step out, the morning air biting against my skin.Lance’s absence is a void that’s both personal and professional, and the tension in my shoulders feels like it’s pulling me apart. He was the best and matching him won’t be easy. But Lance had something here that is hard to find. He cared about his work and his colleagues.Lance was never in it for the money. His money came from his parents. But he wanted to be a part of something and belong somewhere and Brennan Industries was that for him.Inside, the lobby is busy but there’s a definite subdued energy. This speaks volumes about the morale of the staff. Mother and Lance both leave a huge gap and it’s my job now to bridge that.As I walk through, people greet me with polite nods and murmured “Good mornings.” Their eyes follow me, probably trying to gauge how things will change now that I’m back.I reach the top floor boardroom, the management team is already gathered and
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 477 Moving Forward
(Winona)Lisa sits curled into the corner of her couch, her legs tucked beneath her and a blanket draped across her lap.“So, one reading down, one to go,” I say, setting two mugs on the coffee table and taking a seat in the armchair across from her. “Are you ready?” She looks up, blinking like she’s coming out of a daze. “Yeah, well... I don’t think I can be there. It’s still too much.” “Fair.” I lean forward, wrapping my hands around the warm mug. “I know it’s hard. But it’s a start, you know? A start to getting on the other side of all this.” She shrugs.“I’ll be right by your side.”Lisa exhales slowly, tugging the blanket tighter. “It’s just... everything. The way it happened. The way he let me in and really loved me for those few days. The way he left. And now this reading, like it’s going to somehow tie up all the loose ends. But it won’t, will it? Nothing changes that he’s gone.” I nod, letting her words hang in the air for a moment. “No, it doesn’t change that. But it mig
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 476 Judy’s Will Reading
(Winona)The law office is still and cold, a contrast to the storm of emotions brewing inside me. Jayden sits beside me, his jaw set, shoulders tight with the tension he’s carried for days.I can tell he’s ready for this to be over but also bracing for whatever last hand Judy might play.“You okay?” I whisper. He doesn’t answer at first, his stare fixed on the polished table.“No,” he finally says. “But let’s get it done.”Mr. Carter, the lawyer, clears his throat and adjusts his glasses. “Thank you all for being here. We are gathered for the reading of the final will and testament of Judith Ann Brennan.”Jayden shifts in his chair, his knee bouncing with restless energy. I can feel the heat of his frustration, but I keep my hands to myself. No comfort from me is going to land right at this moment.“This will was last amended six months ago,” Carter continues. “Mrs. Brennan made several significant changes, which we will now outline. Copies of the full document will be provided afterw
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 475 Back Home
(Jayden)The elevator dings, and the penthouse opens up before me. This used to be my happy place. Where I could unwind and take in the city lights with a nightcap or three. Before kids.Now it looks like an executive man cave with a family shoved in.I was an idiot for pushing that idea. There’s a crooked home-made banner saying Welcome Daddy, and a tray of icing and sprinkle laden cupcakes on the side table. My heart surges.A chorus of voices breaks through. “Daddy!” Abby’s little feet pound the hardwood floor as she barrels toward me, her arms wide and her face split into a grin. She wraps herself around my leg like a koala. “You’re early!”“Hey, princess,” I say, lifting her up as Bobby and Sarah rush in right behind her. Bobby grabs my middle in a tight hug, and Sarah hovers just slightly back, smiling shyly. “I sure am. Surprise!”“Missed you, Dad,” she says softly.“I missed you too, kiddo,” I reply, wrapping my free arm around her.Winona’s voice carries from the living room,
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 474 Preparing For Home
(Jayden)The clock on my desk blinks 12:47 AM, but the late hour doesn’t register anymore.I’ve spent the last few hours in calls and emails, trying to coordinate everything: the will readings, the services, the logistics of leaving Nexus Global in capable hands while I head back to the States.I hit call on Viktor’s number, knowing he’ll be awake. He always seems awake. I wonder if he’s actually human sometimes.“Jayden,” Viktor answers on the second ring, his voice sharp and alert. “What’s wrong?”“Nothing’s wrong,” I say quickly. “I need to talk to you about Nexus. I’m flying back to the States soon, and I need someone I can trust to hold things down while I’m gone.”There’s a brief pause, then a low chuckle. “You’re not serious.”“Dead serious.”“Jayden,” Viktor says evenly, “I don’t run billion-dollar companies. I handle security, strategy, and occasionally beating people to a pulp if they get too close.”“You also know Nexus Global inside out,” I counter. “You’ve been in the tre
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 473 Getting There
(Winona)The hospital release is a relief, but it doesn’t wipe away the worry. By the time Lisa arrives, I’m eager to get back to the penthouse.“You look awful,” Lisa says, her tone blunt as ever, but there’s concern in her eyes.“Gee, Thanks, Lisa. That’s exactly what I needed to hear.” I grin.“Hey, at least you’re walking out of here,” she retorts, falling into step beside me. “So, what’s the verdict?”“Blood pressure’s back down, no signs of infection or anything. But they told me to call if I feel anything even slightly off.” I know they think I’ll lose this baby and it makes me feel a little hopeless.“Good,” she says, nudging me with her elbow. “You’re not exactly known for taking it easy.”I glance at her, surprised by her willingness to show up. “Thanks for coming. Did you watch the USB?”“No. Not yet. I just can’t,” she says quickly. “But I needed to get out of the apartment anyway. Sitting there being angry about Lance wasn’t doing me any favors. He did what he did, and I
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 472 Precautionary Measures
(Winona)It’s been months since Henry was discharged from Neonatal, but the memories of sleepless nights, anxious conversations, and cautious hope are still fresh. Now here I am again but for my own pregnancy.Nurse Ellen Mitchell spots me first. “Winona Brennan!” she greets with a wide smile, her sharp eyes immediately scanning me like a mother hen. “Europe didn’t steal you away permanently, huh? Is Henry okay?”I laugh softly. “He is thriving. I’m here for… me, this time.”Ellen nods and squeezes my arm in support, gesturing toward the exam room. “We got you. Dr. Harris and Dr. Reeves are ready. Let’s see how you’re holding up.”Inside, the doctor’s room feels like it always did with Nurse Casey Ramirez prepping the equipment. “Look who it is,” she says with a grin. “Our favorite mama. How’s Henry? Still dazzling the world?”I smile, relaxing a little. “He’s doing great. Eats like a trucker and sleeps like an angel when he’s not too busy chasing after Bobby’s cat.”These ladies were
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 471 Confrontation and Doubt
(Jayden)The phone rings just as I finish my third coffee of the morning. I glance at the caller ID: Unknown.But I know it’s Gus. I take a deep breath. This is going to be challenging. I answer, keeping my tone even. “Jayden Brennan.” “Jayden,” Gus replies. “Awful news. I can hardly imagine what you’re going through.” “I’m managing. There’s a lot to get through.” “Yes. Have they released the bodies yet?” “Just waiting on final paperwork, so probably tomorrow. How are you?” “Shit,” he admits, and the bluntness catches me off guard. “Judy’s gone, and I can’t quite believe it.”He exhales. “My biggest regret is not making us a family all that time ago. And now she’s just… gone.” I let the silence stretch, unsure how to respond.“I tried to fix things recently,” Gus continues. “Hoped I could. But Judy played me as much as she played everyone else. She loved me, yes, but she was never going to stop punishing me.” “She knew what she was doing, Gus,” I say. “She manipulated everyo
