Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband novel Chapter 173

173 It Is What It Is 

(Jayden) 

The flight back home is uneventful, but my mind is anything but. I can’t stop thinking about Winona and what she’s dealing with. But even more than that, I can’t stop thinking about Ashlyn’s message. 

There’s no denying it was from her–the safe word confirmed that. But why now? Why after everything?! can’t be certain she’s being honest about still being pregnant. That could be a ploy to con me back into being with her. 

I know one thing for sure. I’m not going to see her without Winona. If Ashlyn can’t accept that, then I won’t be seeing her at all. 

I head straight to my office as soon as I land, the familiar surroundings doing little to ease my tension. I need answers, and I need them fast. I need a shower. I need some food. 

But first, I need to know if there’s anything legal stopping me from seeing Ashlyn. 

I call Daniel, my lawyer, and he picks up on the second ring. “Jayden, what can I do for you?” 

“Is it okay for me to visit Ashlyn?” I say, cutting straight to the point. “I mean legally. Winona and I?” 

There’s a pause on the other end, and I can almost hear him weighing his words. “Legally there are no restrictions on you both visiting her. She’s been convicted, so the usual visitation rules apply. I’m not sure you both can together. I’ll check. But…” 

“But what?” 

“Is this something you really want to do? Given everything that’s happened?” 

I let out a long breath, running a hand through my hair. I’m not sure. I haven’t told Winona yet, and I don’t want to go there until I do. But I need to know my options.” 

“I understand,” Daniel says, his voice calm and professional. “Take your time. There’s no rush. But whatever you decide, make sure it’s something you can both live with.” 

“Thanks, Daniel,” I say before ending the call. 

I lean back in my chair, staring at the ceiling. I can’t make stirred up how much I detest her and what she did to me, to us. 

decision lightly. Ashlyn’s message has 

I thought I’d buried those feelings, and now I’m caught between wanting to face her and wanting to protect Winona from whatever game Ashlyn might be playing. 

But I also know Winona wants me to at least try and understand how Ashlyn got to the point of no return. 

She will want to go and see Ashlyn. If there really is a baby… God, I don’t really know. I can’t think that far ahead right now. 

Before I can dwell on it any longer, my phone rings. It’s Mother, 

I’d been deliberately screening her calls. I’m not interested in shooting the breeze with her. But I guess have to answer sometime, or she might end up coming back. No one wants that. 

I hesitate for a moment before answering. “Mother.” 

+25 BONUS 

173 it is What it is 

“Jayden,” she says, her voice smooth. “How are you?” 

“Fine,” I say, keeping my tone neutral. I’m not in the mood for whatever she’s about to start. 

“I’ve been trying to reach you,” she says, a hint of irritation creeping into her voice. “I wanted to check in, How’s everything going?” 

“Busy,” I said shortly. “I’ve got a lot on my plate with the business right now.” 

There’s a pause on the other end, and I 

I 

Con almost see the wheels turning in her mind. “You’re not telling 

me everything. Is something wrong?” 

“Nothing you need to worry about,” I say, my patience wearing thin. “I’ve got it handled.” 

“Jayden- 

“Mom, I’m not discussing my life with you. I’ve got to go.” I hang up before she can say anything else. feeling a surge of relief the moment the call ends. 

Who am I kidding? She and Gus probably already know exactly what’s going on. 

Mother has poked her nose into Winona’s past. She likely already knows about everything. I’m not giving Mother the satisfaction of thinking I care about what she knows at this point.