Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband novel Chapter 17

17 Say What Now? 

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17 Say What Now? 

(Jayden) 

“It wasn’t even meant for you, Jayden…” Lisa continues. “It was my fault.” 

Winona is standing there open–mouthed, clearly as shocked as I am at this confession. 

“Well, that escalated quickly. I didn’t even bring popcorn.” Lance says trying to ease the crazy tension, no doubt. 

We all look at him and say, “Shut up, Lance.” 

“Lisa, what are you saying? Who was it meant for? Winona asks. 

“It’s history.” Lisa spits the words out at Ashlyn. “What matters is that you stop lying and saying there’s proof when there isn’t. Winona had nothing to do with the drugs.” 

“Lisa, I don’t get it.” Winona says. 

“I’m sorry. I should never have let it go this far. I was too scared to tell you all the truth and look like a complete idiot.” Lisa sobs. 

She runs out of the club and Winona follows her. 

Ashlyn just stares at them both leaving and then turns to me. “But… 

I say coldly, “I think you’ve already done enough, Ashlyn. Go home.” 

“No, Jayden, I swear! Your mother has the proof. She told me.” 

“Seems like my mother has a lot to answer for then, doesn’t it?” 

Ashlyn holds her head in her hands. “Why would she say that?” 

“Who cares. It just brings me back to the point that you don’t trust me and you tried to manipulate me. I can’t be with someone who has no trust in me or my love for them. The wedding is off, Ashlyn. I don’t want any trouble over this.” 

“Is it because your memory is back?” 

“For fuck’s sake.” I shake my head. “No. Nothing is because I remembered anything. It’s because I’ve just realized we are not meant to be together, no matter how much my mother wants to manipulate it. You know this as well as I do.” 

She stares at me like she wants to say something, but then she leaves. 

It’s just me and Lance. “Damn.” I sigh. 

“Hearin‘ ya, bro.” 

We finish our drinks in silence. Not remembering all this stuff really gets to me. 

“I think I’ve really stuffed this up bigtime.” I speak first. “What kind of a person is Winona?” 

Lance looks across at me. “This is not the first time you’ve asked me that.” 

14: 

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17 Say What Now? 

“Really?” 

“I think we need more drinks for this. You in?” 

“Yeah, it’s my round. Should we go check on Lisa?” 

“Nah, let’s leave the women to it.” 

I get back with more beers and sit opposite Lance. “So, go for it. I want to know.” 

“Is this because your memory is coming back?” Lance asks with a grin. 

“Not funny, man.” 

“Sorry. But i 

is it? Any time I’ve wanted to tell you about the past you can’t remember you’ve shut me down.” 

“Look, I’ve had something, not exactly memories. But I can’t tell if it’s real or not. Just tell me. I know you won’t shit me.” 

“Okay. You don’t remember. I met Winona before you.” 

He looked at me a little guilty. 

“Ah shit, you mean you, well you and her…” I raise my eyebrows. 

“No! No way, man. I would never.” 

I just stare at him. 

“Okay, okay. I probably would have 

done, but she cut me off cold. Same with you at first.” 

Right. Interesting. “How did you meet?” 

“We were in math together. Then she caught your interest after she saved our sorry asses then refused to fall for your dodgy pick–up lines.” 

“Saved our ass, how?” 

“Math was never our strong suit back then. We were passing answers in an exam and a note dropped on the floor.” 

“Okay.” 

“Anyway, Old Man Bulldog was on the warpath. Winona swooped in and picked up the paper, saying it was her shopping note.” 

“Old Man Bulldog?” 

“Our teacher, Mr. Brown, we called him that. He looked like a bulldog.” 

I shake my head. But it’s still nothing I remember. “Go on.” 

“Well, Winona was the best student. His favorite. Hell, every teacher’s favorite. She didn’t get a full scholarship and accommodation paid for nothing for college.” 

“So, she’s brainy?” 

“Very. You took a liking to her after that and continued to ask her out.” 

17 Say What Now 

“And she refused?” 

+25 BONUS 

Lance nods and smiles. “Yep, every damn time. It was hard to watch after a while, actually. Pathetic.” 

“Shut up.” I say but I have to grin. Lance just knows how to lighten a moment. 

“She wouldn’t go out with you but the four of us were best buddies, with Lisa.” 

“But how did we, well, you know, get to more than friends?” 

Lance shrugs. “Not sure exactly, but it was well known by everyone else that she was your girl, even before she was. You and her just had something special.”