Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband novel Chapter 159

159 Navigating the Dally 

(Winona) 

The penthouse feels more like a sanctuary today than it has in months. Abby’s laughter echoes through the spacious living room as she chases a bouncing ball, her small feet thumping against the hardwood 

floors. 

The sound of her joy is a balm to my frayed nerves, still tender from yesterday’s therapy session with Barnaby. 

Jayden and I are at the kitchen island, laptops open, papers strewn about as we try to coordinate our schedules. With Judy gone and Abby starting preschool full–time, our days are suddenly our own, but also more complicated with finding a work–life balance. 

We’re drafting a family calendar–work meetings, Abby’s school events, therapy sessions. It’s mundane, yet feels like a significant step forward. 

“Okay, so I’ll drop her off at school on Mondays and Wednesdays, and you pick her up?” Jayden asks, pointing to the digital calendar. 

“Sounds good. And I can take Tuesdays and Thursdays,” I confirm, making the entries. “Fridays we can alternate or go together, depending on our schedules. 

“Winona, I know you and Phillip are building another business but if you wanted the job back with Brennan Industries, both of you, I can make that work. It might be easier to schedule then.” 

I take a deep breath. Okay, remember, hear what he’s saying first. Don’t get defensive. Be honest. “Having my own business is important for me. For us. I feel like I need that autonomy again.” 

He takes a breath too. “Okay, I just wanted to offer, just in case. No drama. I think we have Abby and school sorted anyway.” 

“Now we need to work out family time and us time.” 

He looks at me and smiles. “I’d like that.” 

“Me too. Maybe a date night or something?” 

Jayden nods, a small smile playing on his lips. “It’s weird, isn’t it? Planning like a… normal family.” 

I laugh “Weird as.” 

We’re finding our rhythm, slowly. The air between us is lighter, cautiously optimistic. It’s fragile but growing stronger, like the first thin ice on a winter pond 

As we continue planning, my phone vibrates with an incoming text 

Darling daughter. Meet me 

My poor excuse for a father. How did he get my new number? 

Just seeing his sarcastic crap brings a flood of anxiety. 

“Everything good?” Jayden glances over, his face lined with concern. 

#25 BONUS 

159 Navigating the Daily 

“Yeah, just spam,” I lie, pushing the phone away. It buzzes again. 

Jayden fields a call of his own, signaling to me that he needs to take it. 

My hands tremble as I retrieve my phone, my breath catching as I read the message. 

President’s Park. Noon. ALONE 

I shouldn’t even consider it. But can I get a closure I’ve never gotten. I can tell him exactly what I need to 

say. 

I ponder telling Jayden, but the thought of how this might derail the fragile peace we’re building stops me. He’s working so hard on trusting and rebuilding our life together, I can’t throw a wrench in it now by bringing up the man who embodies my darkest days. 

This needs to come up in therapy only. I know it will trigger Jayden because he hates him. 

Instead, I think of Gordon Brown, my lawyer. Maybe he could accompany me, stay hidden, just to ensure nothing goes wrong. I’m long past being naïve enough to actually go alone or engage with him via text. 

I’ll be changing my number again. 

Jayden hangs up his call and turns to me, his expression softening. “Lunch break? There’s some chicken. salad.” 

“Sounds great,” I respond, tucking away my phone and the turmoil it brought with it. As we eat, I’m physically present but mentally miles away, wrestling with the decision. 

“Maybe not, I made it.” 

“From scratch?” 

n 

“Yes, and I cleaned up after.” 

I grin at this. “Wow, I’m impressed. You’ll have to sack some staff at this rate.”