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434 Kids Are Full of Surprises
Last Updated:
2024-11-20 14:33:41
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Divorce 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 : 2024-11-20Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 437 Late Night Comms
(Winona)Later that night, I curl up in bed, one eye on the baby monitor and the other on my phone. My laptop sits beside me, tabs open with properties and travel options, but I can’t focus.My thoughts are a tangled mess, and texting Jayden is the only way to untangle them.I feel like it’s safe. Staff don’t stay here at the cottage overnight. We’d agreed to debrief each other every evening. No matter what. It will help me keep my ducks in a row, or at least in some form of organized panic.I need this ultrasound fast, so we can get out of here and let Jayden and Viktor do their thing. I type him a message.W: Hey. Got a sec?It doesn’t take long before the little dots appear.J: Always. What’s up?W: Dr said I need an ultrasound ASAP. Big Q is... how tf do we make it happen w/o her finding out?J: We’ll figure it out. I’ll make it happen.So simple, like it’s nothing. I know it’s not nothing. But I do believe he will manage it. Lately he is doing exactly what he says he’ll do.I me
Last Updated : 2024-11-21Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 438 Finding Me
(Cass)“Cass,” Chef Thierry’s voice cuts through the chaos, sharp and commanding. It’s nice to hear an English word at last. I haven’t hear many in three days.I glance up, still scrubbing. He’s standing a few feet away, holding a small bowl in one hand and a spoon in the other. His expression is inscrutable, his sharp features etched like stone.“Here. As you are the… ‘ow you say, soup expert…” He gestures with the spoon, offering it to me. “Taste.”I wipe my hands on my apron, glancing around.They can be scared of him. I’m not. He’s just a man doing a job, like any other man.Taking the spoon, I dip it into the soup he’s holding and taste.The flavors bloom on my tongue—rich, earthy, with a faint hint of bitterness. It’s incredible, no question, but... there’s something missing.Thierry’s eyes narrow as he watches me, waiting. Almost daring me to defy him again.I grab a clean spoon, dip it into a jar of honey I’d seen him use earlier, and swirl a small amount into the soup. Then I
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(Jayden)Evening settles over London as Viktor and I sift through the day’s progress in my suite. The investigation is almost over.I lean back in my chair, arms crossed, as Viktor shows me a file on his tablet.“I’ve identified the staff member who delivered the envelope,” Viktor says, his voice steady.“Someone in the Nexus Global network?” I ask, leaning forward.Viktor nods. “No. A junior member of the investigation team. She’s young, new to the company.”“Did she know what she was doing?”“Unlikely. Judy has a knack for using people without them realizing they’re being used. We’re watching her for now. It’s better Judy believes her line of communication is secure.”“Yes. It was most likely a one off just to get that envelope on my desk.”Viktor nods, but before he can respond, there’s a knock at the suite’s door. He exchanges a glance with me before heading along the hallway to answer it. I remain seated, my mind already racing with possibilities. It has to be her.I don’t move t
Last Updated : 2024-11-21Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 440 Lovestruck Lisa
(Winona)The cottage is alive with movement as staff bustle about, tidying rooms and preparing meals. I sit on the couch, sipping peppermint tea, and trying to make sense of my swirling thoughts.The kids are at school, which gives me a rare morning of peace—or at least as close to peace as I can get with my life.The front door creaks open, and Lisa strides in. She’s wearing a bright, flowy dress I don’t think I’ve seen before, her cheeks glowing pink, her smile practically lighting up the room.“Wow,” I say, setting my cup down. “You look like someone just proposed to you. How is cloud nine? It’s been a minute since I visited.”Lisa laughs, dropping her bag by the door. “Not quite a proposal. But if he did, I wouldn’t have said no.”I blink, taken aback by her reply. Lisa never says things like that—not without a heavy dose of sarcasm. “Okay, spill. Where have you been? I haven’t seen you since you said you were having dinner with Lance, night before last. What happened?”She flops
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(Winona)I type out the message carefully, pausing after each sentence to make sure I haven’t missed anything. This appointment has to be airtight in terms of confidentiality—no chance of anyone finding out what it’s really about.W: Hi, I’d like to confirm an ultrasound appointment. Discretion is critical. Can you ensure my records are sealed and only accessible to me and the attending physician?The response comes quickly, and I feel a flicker of relief.Clinic: Of course, Mrs. Brennan. Your privacy is our utmost priority. We have a slot available tomorrow at 10 a.m. Will that work for you?W: Perfect. Thank you.I sit back and stare at the phone, the screen glowing in the soft afternoon light streaming through the cottage window. Tomorrow. Tomorrow, I’ll hear the baby’s heartbeat. And if everything’s okay. If.I type another message, this time to Jayden.W: Scan is tomorrow. 10am. U think u can pull off the magic plan?His reply comes a few minutes later, as calm and collected.J:
Last Updated : 2024-11-22Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 442 A Welcome Beat
(Winona)I pull my coat tighter around me as I step into the clinic. The receptionist greets me with a polite nod. Her European accent is soft and welcoming.I manage a small smile, keeping my face calm even though my heart feels like it’s going to break out of my chest.Trying to be calm is pretty impossible right now.Everything about this appointment feels monumental. Not just the ultrasound, but what it means. Jayden will be here. Secretly. I need him to be here, but I don’t know what it means as far as our marriage goes.There’s an emotional gap that will remain until we get past what happened after he attacked Lance. We’ve pinned it for now. More Barnaby advice.The receptionist directs me down a hallway, and I follow her to the waiting room. The clinic is quiet, secluded—perfect for what we need.I sit down, clutching my bag. Jayden isn’t here yet, but I know he’ll find a way. That’s who he is lately. A man who delivers. Even when I’ve shattered his trust. Even when he may no
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Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 594 Surface Tension
(Winona)The family call starts like any other.Except this time, I’ve told the kids I’ll be away and lied about where I’m going.Now I have to convince Jayden it’s an unexpected business trip.Bobby’s got a stack of papers next to him, pretending he’s not glancing at them while he listens to Jayden. He’s been working on some design options for the school vegetable garden.He’s become quietly obsessed with getting it right.Sarah is asking about when she can next visit the Nexus office again. Abby’s wearing one of Henry’s bibs and announcing herself as the ‘baby boss’ while trying to feed Henry a cracker he doesn’t want.Henry is slamming his hands on the table, shrieking with defiance, and Kit is doing her best to keep the screen steady while holding him.Chaos. Beautiful, familiar chaos. Welcome to the Brennan zoo.Jayden is calm, smiling, fully engaged. He’s asking Bobby about his team at school, praising his leadership skills. He tells Sarah he misses her drawings and promises to
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 593 Surprises
(Winona)Phillip is at his desk when I walk in, finishing up a call. He looks up and gives me a half smile, casual but watchful.I cross the room but remain standing. “I won’t keep you long. I just… I wanted to let you know I’m stepping down in an active capacity from Vault. Effective immediately.”Phillip’s face shifts from polite curiosity to astonishment. “Wait—stepping down how?”I nod. “I’ll remain the owner. But I’m not going to be overseeing day-to-day management or strategic decisions anymore. I’m handing all of that to you. If you want it. CEO, President, call it what you will—I’m out.”He studies me carefully. “That’s… a big move, Winona. You’ve always been a control fre… ahh, hands-on.”I give him a quick grin. “Nice save.”“I’m talented, what can I say? But you being hands-off, I’m not sure that’s even possible.”“I’ve realized I can’t keep devoting so much energy to business. My family needs me. My kids need me.”“Is this what Jayden asked you to do?” “No. He’s been exc
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 592 Moving Forward
(Lisa)I knock lightly on Logan’s office door, then push it open.He’s at his desk, halfway through reading something. “Hey,” he says with a smile. “Wasn’t expecting you today.”“Hey. Sorry I’ve been like a bear with a sore head lately.” I close the door behind me. “Do you have a minute?”“Sure. I know I’ve been a little full on lately.” He sets the paper down and leans back. “I’m sorry. I just want what’s best for the baby, and you. Lance would have wanted that.”“I get that. But Lance also knew how I needed to make my own decisions, and he made room for that.”“I can do that. As a friend. If that’s what you want. I know it’s hard for you.”I take a deep breath. “I’m stepping down as CEO. Effective immediately.”He blinks. “Okay. That’s... sudden.”“It’s been amazing, and I think I was pretty good at it.”“You were great…”“But… I need to take care of myself for a while. And I can’t see myself coming back after… you know…” My voice tails off.He looks at me, searching my face. “Lisa…
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 591 Breaking the Silence
(Winona)Jayden finally calls.“Hey,” I say, my voice soft.He sounds tired. “Hey. I got your message. Thanks for checking in.”I wait. He doesn’t say anything else.“So… are you okay?”“Apart from your sister breaking my balls over not being on Mia’s side, yeah. I’m fine.”“Cass?”“Yes, we argued. You know how she gets. She wants me to go in to bat for Mia. But I don’t think it’s any of my business.”I close my eyes. I know him better than anyone, and I can feel the tension in the silence between his words. “Jayden, maybe she has a point. Mia is your cousin.”“She shot three people, Winona. I’m not sure what everyone expects me to do.”“You must feel something about it. I know it’s a mess. But they never chose their life or father either. Maybe being there for them will help you come to terms with some of what you went through. You know, break the cycle…”“I said I’m fine.”“You’re not.” I sit down at the kitchen table. “You’re angry. You’re confused. You don’t know how to make peace
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 590 Legacies
(Winona)Lisa answers the door eyes red, face pale. “What do you want?”“Just to check on you,” I say softly. “You remember Klara? Can we come in?”“If you’re here to impart some motherhood wisdom and gang up on me to change my mind, don’t bother.”“No, Lisa. I was wrong. This is your choice and I’m here to support you in that.”“You don’t have to, Winona. I get it. I don’t expect you to be here for me. Come in. Both of you.”We step into her apartment, and it’s so perfectly clean, it’s like she’s scrubbed every emotion off every surface. I follow her into the small living room, Klara behind me.“I owe you an apology,” Lisa says quietly. “For being a bitch”I exhale. “You were right. Your delivery was a little rough, but you’re right, about everything.”She folds her arms over her chest. “Still, I’m sorry. I hurt you.”“I hurt you too. I don’t want you to think that your choices always have to align with mine for us to be friends.”“But this is more than if we both like the same shade
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 589 Owning My Choices
(Winona)Klara pours me another cup of tea.“I should be looking after you in my own home, not the other way around. I say as I accept the fresh cup.“Nonsense. This makes me feel useful.”“You could never not be useful.” I smile at my trusted friend. So much bad happened in Brussels but so much good did too. Klara was a lifeline over there while I navigated being pregnant and the drama surrounding it.She made me see that it was the baby that was important, not how it came to be or even who the father would be. Now, despite my best efforts, I have no baby.“I’ve made a mess of things,” I say finally, staring into my cup. “All I’ve done is put myself first lately.”Klara sits quietly beside me. “There’s a difference between selfishness and survival, Winona.”I look up at her. Klara’s expression is gentle, understanding. She doesn’t sugarcoat things, but she doesn’t tear me down either.“Maybe” I ask. “I feel like it’s the only way I can survive sometimes. To just think of what I want
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 588 Part of the Problem
(Jayden)Cass’s words echo loudly in my head as I stride from the kitchen. I shove the door open and step outside, breathing in cold air, letting it cool me down.But it doesn’t. My thoughts twist tighter around her words.Winona would’ve been better off if she’d never met you. Damn it, she’s right.How could she not be?Without me, Winona’s life would have been easier, simpler. She’d have gone on to make her life successful. She always had natural talent, flair and a work rate that’s second to none. Of course she didn’t need me to make her life successful.Isn’t that why two people come together as one unit? To better each other. To make their dreams and aspirations come true. To achieve and grow together and come out he the other side having learned something?But I don’t think I’ve done that with Winona, for Winona.A life free of me would have been much less complicated and dangerous for her.Free of my mother’s toxic presence and her obsessive hate, her lies and manipulations.
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 587 Fitting the Brennan Brand
(Cass)I’m halfway through untying my apron after shift when I hear Jayden’s voice.“Cass.”I toss the apron onto the hook. “You’re two hours late for lunch, sorry. Kitchen’s closed.”He doesn’t smile. Doesn’t even try. “Do you know where Gabriel is?”Not this again. “If I do, then it’s none of your business.”“Just tell me where he is.”Jayden can be so damn demanding. Like he thinks the world will bend at his will. “He’s currently in a jet.”“A jet?”“Yes, you know, flying…”“Where to?”“Back to the States. He does have a business to run.”Gabriel left this morning. I’ve told him I’m not looking for anything serious. I want to focus on me. He was cool with it. Said if I needed anything to let him know.But I need to do this on my own. It’s exciting to be at the edge of something. The edge of launching my life.“I need Gabriel’s number.”“Don’t you have it?”“No. Why would I need it?”“Good question, why do you need it now?” I probe.“Are you giving it to me or not?”I reach for my b
Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband 586 The Poison in Our Blood
(Mia)Don Alejandro sits in the dim light of a single, flickering bulb, looking at me like he still holds all the cards.This dingy, concrete-lined room is where he’s been relegated to. His supporters have fast jumped ship. He’s requested I meet him here which means he’s worried.He knows his ship is sinking. But that won’t stop him trying to claw his way back.“Mia,” he says smoothly. “You came. I wondered if you might join the stinking rats abandoning me.”I don’t move. I don’t speak. I just stare at him.He gestures to the chair across from him. “Sit.”I don’t.His smile tightens. “Do you have something you want to say to me?”“It’s over, Abuelo. They will be here to take you to jail soon.”He smiles that dark, evil smile. “It will never be over for me. Even from their jail, I will rise again.”I grip the gun inside my jacket pocket, my fingers stiff and cold around the metal.“Not this time.”“I thought you were smarter than this,” he continues, watching me like he’s sizing up pre
