Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband novel Chapter 180

180 Daily Grind 

(Jayden) 

Driving up to Anne’s place to pick up Abby feels like the first normal thing I’ve done in days. My days feel empty without Winona here, but I can’t deny the relief of having a bit of breathing room. 

It’s given me time to try and process everything–the messages from Ashlyn, the chaos with Winona’s family, and now, introducing Abby to her new grandmother and aunt. 

Not to mention fixing up a line up of work problems. I don’t know why I keep Brennan Industries going some days. Is it really worth it? This stress and workload is not a legacy I want to hand to my kid. 

Or kids…I realize if Ashlyn is still pregnant this will change my life. 

The daily grind I lived for is less and less appealing lately. 

Anne opens the door with a warm smile, Abby is beside her. As soon as she sees me, her little face lights up, and she launches up at me. “Daddy!” 

“Hey, sweetheart,” I say, picking her up. “I swear you’ve grown another inch. Were you good for Nanny Anne?” 

“She was an angel, as always,” Anne says with a fond smile. “But she’s missed you and Winona.” 

I hold Abby close, feeling her little arms wrap around my neck. “I missed you too, kiddo.” 

Anne chuckles softly, watching us. “Everything okay with Winona? This must be very challenging for her. For them all.” 

“Yeah, she’s just moving it all forward,” I say, trying to keep my tone casual. “You know Winona. They’re back at the townhouse now, and her mom and sister are staying with us for a bit.” 

Anne’s smile falters slightly, but she quickly recovers. “That’s a big step.” 

I sigh, rubbing my hand over Abby’s back. “It’s like everything else… a work in progress. But we’ll get there.” 

Anne nods, her expression understanding. “Just take it one day at a time, Jayden. That’s all you can do. I’m here if you need me.” 

I give her a grateful smile. “Thanks, Anne. I’ll remember that. You’ll be hearing from us soon, I’m sure.” 

As I drive back to the townhouse, Abby babbles happily in the backseat about meeting her newest family members, oblivious to the seriousness of everything that’s happening around her. 

For a moment, I envy her innocence, her ability to just be happy without worrying about what comes next. I guess that’s what we have as kids and all we want to do is be an adult. If only we knew. 

When we pull up to the townhouse, I park the car and take a deep breath. “Ready to meet your grandma and auntie, kiddo?” 

Abby smiles and claps her hands. “Yes!” 

I carry her inside, and as soon as we step through the door, Winona is there, her face lighting up when she sees Abby. “There’s my girll Oh, my goodness, stop getting so tall, I think you won’t fit in your bed soon.” 

+25 BONUS 

180 Daily Grind 

Abby giggles. “Don’t be silly, Mommy. I missed you.” 

“I missed you so much.” Winona squeezes Abby tight. “But you are bigger.” 

“I know right? I said the same. It’s only been a few days, but I swear she’s bigger.” 

Abby squirms in my arms, reaching out for her mom, and I hand her over, watching as Winona showers her with kisses. 

“How was she?” Winona asks, still focused on Abby. 

“Perfect, as always,” I say, leaning in to kiss Winona on the cheek. “Just like her mother.” 

“And Anne?” 

“Said she’s there if you need anything. 

Winona’s mom and Cass appear from the living room, both looking a bit uncertain. Winona turns to them, holding Abby close. “Mom, Cass, I want you to meet someone.” 

Her mom steps forward, her eyes wide as she takes in the sight of Abby. “Is this…?” 

“This is Abby,” Winona says, her voice softening as she introduces our daughter. “Your granddaughter.” 

Lucy’s eyes well up with tears, and she covers her mouth with her hand, clearly overwhelmed. “Oh, Winona… She’s beautiful. She looks a lot like Jayden, but I can see you as a child in her as well.” 

Winona smiles, handing Abby over to her mom. “Let’s go into the living room.” I say I’m not sure Winona’s Mom’s frail body can take holding Abby. 

Lucy sits back on the sofa, and Abby goes up to her. “Grandma Lucy?” 

“Yes. Nice to mee to you Abby.” 

“Nice to meet you.” Abby throws her arms around her in a hug. 

Lucy is holding her close like she’s the most precious thing in the world. 

Cass hangs back, watching the scene unfold. I can tell she’s unsure about all of this, but I know Winona’s 

determined to make this work. 

“We’re having a small dinner party soon,” Winona says, turning to Cass. “Just us, Jayden, and a few close friends. I thought it might be nice for everyone to meet each other. I’ll invite some people more your own 

age too.” 

Cass raises an eyebrow. “A dinner party?”