Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband novel Chapter 127

127 Dinner With Judy 

127 Dinner With Judy 

(Winona) 

Back at my townhouse, the familiar surroundings are a tonic after the chaos and fear of today. Abby greets us at the door, her bright smile a balm to my frazzled nerves. 

“Mommy!” She gives me the biggest hug. 

“Hi Sweety. Have you had a good day?” 

“Yes. I did some painting and made a fort, come see.” She tugs on my hand. 

“I’ll come look soon. Why don’t you take Grandma Judy for a look?” 

“Grandma Judy!” Abby has just realized she’s behind me and she throws herself at her for a hug. “Come see my fort!” Abby exclaims, grabbing Judy’s hand and pulling her towards her bedroom. 

Judy gives me a questioning look. 

“I’ll tell her later. Stay for dinner?” I say quietly. 

Judy gives me a nod. “Thank you. I’d love to,” she says before allowing herself to be led away. 

I turn to Anne, who is waiting in the living room, concern on her face. 

“He’s in critical condition,” I say, the words tasting bitter in my mouth. “He lost a lot of blood, and they had to put him in an induced coma. Dr. Green says the next 24 hours are crucial.” 

Anne looks like she’s about to cry. “I saw the news. I’m so glad you’re safe, though.” 

“Thanks, Anne. It’s been a nightmare. I know this will sound crazy, but I’ve asked Judy to stay for dinner.” Anne’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “Really? After everything?” 

“I know, right? But I think it’s time to extend an olive branch. Maybe we can start to build some kind of understanding, for Abby’s sake if nothing else.” 

Anne nods slowly, a small smile forming on her lips. “That’s very gracious of you, Winona. I hope it goes well.” 

Just then, Phillip emerges from the bedroom, a duffle bag slung over his shoulder. He looks tired but determined. “I’ve packed my things, Winona. I’m heading out.” 

I’m a little surprised because we hadn’t talked about what would happen if I ever got out of home detention. 

“This is sudden. Do you have anywhere to go? You’re welcome here in the guest room as long as you need.” 

“I’m good. I’m going to bunk with Lance and we’re setting up a small financial business together.” 

“I see. I’m very proud of you, Phillip. Just be happy and don’t be a stranger.” I give him a hug. “Thanks for being here for me and Abby.” 

“Always. But about that, when you’re ready to take my name off the birth certificate, I’ll sign what’s 

+25 BONUS 

3 

127 Dinner With Judy 

needed. I’ll come back and see Abby as much as is needed while we transition. Just be happy, Winona.” 

I nod. “You go be happy as well.” 

With that he’s gone. How one person’s life can change so much in the short space of a day. I’m not even sure why I’m asking myself that question seeing as I’m the world’s expert at it. 

The doorbell rings. I open it to find Lisa standing there, a mischievous grin on her face and a bottle of bubbles. “No rain forecast for tomorrow!” 

“Don’t you dare talk about the weather,” I laugh, pulling her inside for a hug. 

“I guess this bottle of no–alcohol wine will have to suffice,” she says. 

“It better have some alcohol in it, or you can go back to the liquor store.” 

Lisa’s smile fades a little as she looks at me more closely. “Winona, I saw the news. Jayden saved your life. Are you really okay?” 

“Yes, but he may not make it through the night. No visitors for 24 hours,” I say, squeezing her hand. “But listen, Judy is with Abby right now, so we need to be careful about what we say.” 

Lisa raises an eyebrow. “Judy? As in, Judy–Judy?” 

“Yeah, the one and only. Abby wanted to show her some artwork, so they’re in her room. I invited her for dinner.” 

Lisa shakes her head in disbelief. “Well, that’s something I never thought I’d see. You’re really going for peace, huh?” 

“If you’d seen her with me at the hospital…She was really broken about Jayden and she admitted she sees now he does love me. Even apologized for treating me badly.” 

“Badly? Wow, understatement of the year.” 

“I’m trying,” I admit. “Things are so messed up right now. Jayden’s fighting for his life, and I want to make peace with Judy. For Abby’s sake, and maybe even for mine.” 

“You’re either even stronger than I ever imagine or completely bat–shit crazy, Winona,” Lisa says, giving me a supportive smile. “So, what’s the plan for dinner?” 

“Anne’s cooking,” I say. “I’m too exhausted to do anything myself.” 

“You say that like you actually ever cook.” Lisa grins. 

I whack her on the arm and grab the bottle. “Let’s open this, I think we can all do with a glass.” 

As we move to the living room, my mind drifts back to Gus and Judy. What were they arguing about so intensely outside the hospital? Gus was clearly angry with her, and Judy’s tears and defiance puzzled me. 

shake my head, trying to push the thoughts away. There’s only so much I can handle right now. That’s their problem not my problem.