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428 Desperate Times
Last Updated:
2024-11-18 14:58:02Related chapters
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 429 Desperate Measures
(Cass)“If he speaks English, I’ll just go tell him myself. Thank you so much for translating.”The man smiles and nods.I make my way towards the kitchen door. The waitress steps in front of me, shaking her head.I smile and pat her arm. “It’s okay, this will only take a minute.” I step around her and push the door open, stepping around her and into the kitchen.The place is chaos: steam rising from pans, knives chopping at lightning speed, and a tall, broad-shouldered chef barking orders that sound like gunshots in French.I know his type, old-school chefs that think abuse and overworking people is how to get the best out of them. But he doesn’t intimidate me. I know what I need to do.“Excuse me!” I call out, and the noise screeches to a halt. The chef spins around, his eyes narrowing dangerously.“What the hell you in my kitchen for?” he barks, his accent thick, but his English clear and cutting.I swallow but hold my ground. “I had your vegetable soup. It was amazing, but I thoug
Last Updated : 2024-11-18Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 430 Separation
(Jayden)Henry is nestled in my arms, I’ve missed him so much. He’s grown more, and it hasn’t even been that long since I’ve been in London.We’re sitting in the farmhouse kitchen. Viktor leans against the countertop, arms folded, his expression calm but serious. Winona sits beside me, her fingers wrapped around a steaming mug of herbal tea that Klara made for her.She takes a sip, and I can tell she’s nervous.Klara steps forward, her gaze flicking between us. “This pregnancy is high-risk, even more so than before,” she says, her voice steady and calm.“Winona needs minimal stress, regular monitoring, and a stable environment. Any disruptions could be dangerous,”she adds.I cradle Henry closer, my heart pounding with fear for Winona and our unborn child.My mind races. It’s fragile. Another miracle. “What do we need to do to keep you both safe?”Winona takes a breath, her voice trembling slightly. “Klara and the doctors say it’s about keeping a normal routine, keeping my blood pressu
Last Updated : 2024-11-18Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 431 Setting Things In Motion
(Winona)Back at the estate cottage the next day, I hand Lisa the folded note, my fingers lingering on the paper for a second before letting it go. It details all the plans, and I put my finger to my lips as she takes it.She stares at me, her eyes questioning, but she doesn’t speak.“Come in, Lisa. Let’s get coffee. I have so much to tell you.”“Coffee sounds perfect.” She unfolds the note and begins to read in silence.Speaking openly isn’t an option right now, not when we’re surrounded by the potential for prying ears.I watch her face closely as she reads, looking for any hint of her reaction. Her expression shifts slightly, but she keeps it controlled, her eyes narrowing as she takes in every word.When she finishes, Lisa folds the paper back up and tucks it into her pocket. She raises an eyebrow at me. “So, have you heard from Jayden? Are you okay?”“He’s impossible to talk to, as always. I’m over it, to be honest.” I go about the kitchen pouring our coffee and adding sugar and
Last Updated : 2024-11-19Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 432 Life Without Judy
(Winona)She types on her phone and then my phone buzzes.It’s a text from Lisa. I look at her and she winks at me.Meeting him for dinner. I’ll show him your note, so he gets what’s going onI nod and type back.Make sure he’s fully on board with how crucial this isLisa nods. “I guess we have a lot to plan to get back to the States. And once we get there.”“Being back in the States without Jayden... I don’t know, Lisa. The idea of single parenting all over again—it’s overwhelming. The questions from everyone.”Lisa crosses her arms, leaning back against the counter. “You’ve done it before, though. You’ll do it again. You don’t owe anyone explanations.”“Yeah, but it still feels daunting,” I admit. “I have no place to live there. Jayden’s penthouse is not an option. I refuse to go back there, feeling like I’m waiting for him to come home when he isn’t.”Lisa tilts her head, her brows knitting together. “Well, if we do cruise home, that will give you some time to secure something, may
Last Updated : 2024-11-19Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 433 Inviting Judy
(Jayden)Back in London, I stare at the text my mother sent after I got the photos.Hard to believe that was just a few days ago. Now it feels like a lifetime. Everything has changed.My best friend relationship has imploded in the worst way. We’ll never be the same again. I can barely remember my life without Lance. We were like brothers. Not any longer.Even if Winona and I can get through this together, once again we are forced apart by my mother’s doing. Okay, Winona gave her the ammunition.But the way she’s used that to be the most damaging, isolating me from my close relationships, trying to give me no choice but her as my sole support. It makes it all icky.Regardless of the wrongs or rights of this situation, I need Judy to not be influencing my life behind the scenes. I need her to just let me go. If getting her in jail does that, then that’s what I do.The no-contact order wasn’t enough to make her see that it’s over for her and I. I won’t keep running away. Okay, I need to
Last Updated : 2024-11-19Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 434 Kids Are Full of Surprises
(Winona)I sit at the dining table, laptop open, and browse through cruise options, trying to piece together a plan that makes sense. Every search result that pops up seems to end in Florida.The very name of that state sends a shiver down my spine. Cancun isn’t all that far from Florida, and the memories of Cass’s kidnapping creep back in, making my stomach clench. It feels like a warning, a reminder that danger is never far away.I guess that was one disaster that Judy didn’t have her hand in. Gus took the fall and is headed for jail as a traitor to stop the crime syndicate from targeting his family.But the fact is, that smuggling ring runs deep and wide. They are still in operation and Greg’s secret Cuban family have direct links. Nothing has been proven against Gabriel.I don’t know what the situation is with him and Cass. But I force myself not to stress over that now.I sigh and click on another tab, this one for a road travel planner. Flying directly from Florida to our final
Last Updated : 2024-11-20Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 435 Operation Leaving Jayden
(Winona)The morning sun spills into the living room and laughter fills the space as I walk out into the living area to the kids already playing. It’s become a common sound here, one that warms me and brings a smile to my face even as my mind churns with plans and worries.They are up, dressed and ready for their day at school. They go twice a week and are all learning the local language along with being taught in English.This place, this life, has become a haven in ways I didn’t expect. It’s hard to think about leaving, but we have to. I wonder if the kids are more excited about going back to the States than I am right now?“Good morning. Well, look at you three! All ready for your day. I better get some breakfast on.”“Good morning, Mommy. It’s school day, yay!” Abby says as she bops about the floor.“You’ve only been a few times, how are you all liking the little school?”“Everyone’s really nice. I’ve learned some new words in Flemish and Dutch. Plus, they have the best lunches.”
Last Updated : 2024-11-20Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 436 Informed Choices
(Winona)I sit in the starkly white exam room, tapping my fingers on the cold metal armrest of the chair. The anxiety radiates through my body as I wait for the doctor to return with my medical history files.Klara assured me he was one of the best general doctors in Brussels, known for his discretion and thoroughness.The door swings open, and Dr. Fischer, a tall man in his early fifties with wire-rimmed glasses, strides in. His accent is distinctly Germanic, every word precise and measured. He offers a smile, but there’s something reassuringly serious about his demeanor.“Ah, Frau Brennan,” he says, settling into the chair across from me and clicking open a folder. “I have reviewed your medical history and current concerns. How are you feeling today?”I shift uncomfortably. “Physically, I’ve been okay. A little queasy this morning, but nothing alarming. Mentally... well, there’s a lot riding on this pregnancy.”He nods, his brow furrowing slightly as he reads through my file. “Yes,
Last Updated : 2024-11-20
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Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 509 Gus’s Return
(Jayden)Gus steps out, his posture as straight as ever, his piercing eyes scanning the surroundings like he’s still in charge of the world. He looks older—more weathered—but there’s still that unmistakable aura about him.The one that tells you he’s better off as your friend than your enemy.I climb out of the car, my leather boots crunching against the gravel as I approach him. Viktor lingers by the driver’s side, watching, his face as stoic as ever. Not even a hint of a smile. “Jayden,” Gus greets me, his voice steady, calm, as if he’s walking out of a board meeting instead of a federal prison. “I didn’t expect you.”“Gus,” I reply, my tone neutral. I’m not playing doting son. There’s too much history, too much unresolved. “How was the hospitality?” A ghost of a smile tugs at his lips. “Let’s just say I’ve had better accommodations.” Viktor steps forward, his arms crossed over his broad chest. “Let’s not linger.”“Very well.” Gus moves towards the car.I follow and get into the
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 508 Shadowed Allegiances
(Mia)The chandelier glitters overhead, casting rainbows across the marble floor as I pace the room, my heels clicking loudly in the oppressive silence.Judy might be gone, but the specter of her looms large over this place. Gold fixtures, crystal vases, and overpriced art that screams wealth and power.I stare out the window of Judy’s luxury apartment as I clutch my phone. The screen glows with a message from Gus’s people, promising me that everything will be fine.That they’ll protect me. That I’m safe.Safe.I’ve just met with the person they are supposedly keeping me safe from at Cass’s old apartment. I had a key cut, just in case I needed it.No one is safe from Don Alejandro, my grandfather. That’s what they don’t realize. There is no escape from him. They’ll never get anyone close enough to him to kill him.Gabriel’s voice echoes down the hall, he’s staying here with me.I sink into one of the velvet armchairs. Gabriel was supposed to sell me more shares. He promised he’d think
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 507 Generational Shadows
(Cass)The smell of mildew hits me the moment I open the door to my tiny apartment. My stomach churns as I step inside, taking in the chaos left behind. Furniture overturned, drawers yanked open, and everything I once owned strewn across the floor like a crime scene.I should clean this place up and sell it. But letting it go is harder than I imagined. It’s what I bought with money from Mom, to start my new life. To be the person she always believed I’d be.That worked well, didn’t it?I drag myself out of the downward funk, this time I’ll make good.I swallow hard, gripping the strap of my duffel bag. It’s been months since I fled this place, running from my own disasters. Part of me wonders why I came back at all.But I know it’s because it’s all I have left of Mom—her money barely stretched far enough to buy this shoebox, but it was something of my own. My tiny sanctuary.I drop my bag on the only chair still upright and let out a shaky breath. “Okay, Cass,” I mutter to myself. “Le
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 506 Hints and Whispers
(Lisa)I wake up feeling like I’ve been hit by a truck. My stomach churns, my mouth tastes like regret, and I’m not entirely sure if it’s from the stress of everything with Winona or the bug the nurses warned me was going around. Either way, I feel gross.I sit up in bed slowly, trying to shake off the nausea. “Okay, Lisa,” I mutter to myself. “You’re just stressed. Stress does weird things to your body, right?”I think maybe I need to get back into my meditation and herbal teas.My stomach rolls again, and I press a hand to it, glaring at the offending body part like it’s personally betrayed me. “You will not ruin this day for me.”I’m working on my meeting agenda today to run by Winona tonight, ready for our meeting with the CEO in a week.This evening, I’m heading back in to help Winona shower after dinner. Once she has all of that under control, she can go home. Jayden does dayshifts with her and then heads home to the kids.The kids aren’t allowed in intensive care, so Winona is
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 505 Friends Healing Friends
(Lisa)I carry the tray carefully into the room, the smell of generic hospital soup wafting up.Winona’s sitting up in bed. She looks pale but more alert, her eyes flicking toward me as I set the tray down on the small table beside her bed. “Dinner is served,” I announce, gesturing to the soup like I’m unveiling a five-star meal. “Courtesy of the world-renowned Hospital Cafeteria. I am willing to risk my life and my palate eating this with you.” Winona lets out a faint laugh, the sound weak but genuine. “You’re a true hero, Lisa. Braving the wilds of hospital dining for me.” “You’d better appreciate it,” I say, as I sit beside her again. “I even got crackers. They didn’t come with the soup, so I had to charm the grumpy lady at the counter. She now thinks I’m a struggling single mom of five kids, so you owe me.” Winona raises an eyebrow, a small smirk tugging at her lips. “Five kids? Really?” “Hey, I panicked, okay? She looked like the kind of person who gives you the stink eye fo
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 504 Emptiness and Resolve
(Winona) Dr. Harris’s words hang in the air long after she leaves. Recovery is a process… it’s okay to take things slow.Slow. It’s all anyone keeps saying. But slow isn’t in my nature. Slow doesn’t keep the thoughts at bay, the quiet moments where I can’t escape the emptiness. I stare at the ceiling, my fingers making light circles on my abdomen again. I pull them back. It’s a cruel reflex—reaching for something that isn’t there anymore. The door clicks open, and Lisa steps in, her expression softer than usual. “Hey, warrior queen. The nurse said you were ready for some company.” “Hey,” I say, trying to summon a smile. “I sure am. I need some non-medical talk for a while.”Lisa pulls up a chair beside my bed and crosses her legs.She studies me for a moment before speaking. “You look like shit, but like… badass shit. Like you survived a car crash and are about to storm into a boardroom meeting.” I huff out a small laugh. “Your bedside manner could use some work.” “Honesty is m
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 503 The Push Forward
(Winona) “Dr Harris will be with you soon. How are your pain levels?”“It’s okay. A dull ache at most.” Physically anyway.She finishes fluffing the pillows behind me and checks the monitors one last time. “I’ll make a note for the doctor.”I nod.My hand covers my stomach. There’s no baby anymore. No heartbeat to wait for. Just a dull ache where hope used to be. I hear the door click open. I look over but it isn’t the doctor, it’s Jayden back again.“Can I get a moment with Winona? I won’t be long…” he asks the nurse.“Sure, if it’s okay with Winona.”“It’s fine.” I tell her.“Hey,” he says quietly, walking over to the chair by my bed. “Hey,” I reply. “I’m going to head to the penthouse for a shower and go see the kids, okay?”“More than okay. I feel better knowing you’re with them.”“I don’t want to leave you if you’re not ready.”I shrug. “I’m sore. Empty. Tired.” I pause, my throat tightening. “I don’t even know how I’m supposed to feel. But I do know we have to push forward
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 502 Fragile Bonds
(Jayden)The next morning, I sat at the edge of her bed in the dim light of the intensive care room. The machines hum softly around us, their rhythmic beeping a constant reminder of how fragile this moment is.Winona’s face is pale, her lashes fluttering against her cheeks like she’s caught in a restless dream. But she’s here, she’s going to be okay. But U still have to tell her the news.She still has to hear me say the words about our baby, about her operation.Her fingers twitch against the sheets, and my heart leaps. She’s waking up. “Winona?” I lean forward, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Hey, sweetheart. I’m here. You’re okay.” Her eyelids flutter open, her gaze unfocused at first, then locking onto mine. Her lips part, dry and cracked, as she tries to speak. “Jayden…” Her voice is a hoarse whisper, barely audible over the hum of the machines. “I’m here,” I repeat, my voice steady even though my chest is about to cave in. She blinks, her hand moving instinctivel
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 501 Fire and Ice
(Cass)I spin to see Viktor striding toward us, his expression impassive, his massive shoulders squared. His black jacket and dark jeans make him look even more formidable than usual. Gabriel steps back, but there’s a subtle challenge in the way he straightens his posture.“What are you doing here?” I ask, surprised. “Business,” he says curtly, his razor-blue eyes flicking to Gabriel for a brief second before landing back on me. “I need to speak with Jayden. Is he still in the Brennan Wing?” Of course, business. This is a coincidence. “No. He’s in intensive care ward with Winona. It’s limited visitors but one of the nurses will let him know you’re there.” “I was just checking in on Cass, and Winona myself” Gabriel says smoothly, his tone polite but pointed. “How considerate,” Viktor replies, his voice cold. The tension between them is so thick I could cut it with a knife. I’m caught between a molten meteorite and one iceberg king, and I’m the shiny object they both want to prot
