Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband novel Chapter 208

208 Priorities and Legacies 

(Winona) 

I sit with Jayden in the quiet of Ashlyn’s hospital room. 

The doctors have just left after delivering the news, Ashlyn’s condition hasn’t changed, and they don’t expect her to regain consciousness. Her brain is showing no activity. 

But the baby is showing no signs of distress right now. That’s the one piece of good news we needed to hear. 

even 

r like t this, Ashlyn and I were once friends. I helped her a lot through the her school years. Seeing her after all the things she’s done to me, makes me feel sad for her. I wish she’d have chosen a different path in life. 

Jayden is standing by Ashlyn’s bedside, his hand resting on the small swell of her abdomen. “They said the baby can stay in the womb as long as there’s no distress.” 

His voice is low, controlled. “The best option is to let the baby grow stronger, but if there’s any sign of trouble, we’ll have to act fast. But, I mean, I feel like it’s a cruel thing to keep a body going for my own devices like this. No one deserves to be reduced to being a vessel.” 

I nod, feeling the gravity of the situation settle in. “The longer the baby stays in there, the better the chances. I do understand what you’re saying though. Is it even your responsibility?” 

“Meaning?” 

“You and Ashlyn are divorced. Surely that means her mother is her next of kin.” 

“Yes. Her mother is on the way. But this is more complicated because the rights of the baby and it’s wellbeing have to be taken into account also.” 

“It’s not easy.” 

“I mean, I want the best for the baby, but I feel like I’m making a decision about Ashlyn that almost removes her humanity. I know she did a lot of stupid and dangerous things, but…” 

“But she was human, and we all loved her at some point in our lives. We had a lot of fun together at school.” 

“We did. But what she turned into is not something I can forget either.” 

“No. I agree. Perhaps in a couple more days, we’ll get some more clarity. It’s been a lot.” 

“Cass and I talked and she’s coming to stay at the penthouse. Is that okay? I should have asked before I invaded you.” 

“It’s fine. I love that you feel you can.” 

“Anne is here for a week. Bobby and Sarah are meeting some placement opportunities. She wanted to come and help with Abby.” 

“Winona, I’ve made a decision,” he says, his voice firm. I’m done with the Brennan Industries. I don’t want anything to do with it anymore. And I don’t want Judy anywhere near me or the kids, ever again.” 

201 Portion and L 

+25 BONUS 

“Jayden, are you sure?” I ask gently. “I understand why you want to cut ties with Judy, but Abby… she’s got a connection with her.” 

He nods, his expression softening as he looks at me.” know, and I get where you’re coming from. But I’ve been thinking about the future. What happens if Judy’s Influence on Abby turns toxic later on? What if she tries to manipulate the kids when they’re older, like she did with me?” 

He’s right to be worried. Judy’s track record isn’t exactly stellar, and the thought of her having any kind of power over the kids sends a shiver down my spine. But at the same time, I know how much Abby cares about her grandmother. 

Cutting Judy out of her life completely… that’s a big step. 

“I understand your fears, Jayden,” I say, choosing my words carefully. “But that could happen anyway. All we can do is be honest with them when they’re old enough to understand. Explain things the best we can.” 

“How do you even explain that?” 

“Maybe it’s not about cutting Judy out entirely from Abby right now, but about setting boundaries and moving away bit by bit. They won’t be kids forever.” 

Jayden listens, his brow furrowing in thought. “Maybe,” he admits, though I can see the conflict still brewing inside him. “But it’s complicated. I don’t want to take any chances. The no–contact order gives us space, and we can use that time to figure things out.” 

“We don’t have to make all the decisions right now,” I remind him, reaching out to take his hand. “We’ve got a lot going on, and the baby is your priority. We’ll have time to think this through, to talk it out.” 

He squeezes my hand, a small, grateful smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “You’re right. Barnaby would be proud of us.” 

“I know. Look at us go.” 

Jayden turns his gaze back to Ashlyn, his expression hardening with determination. “I’m going to build something new, Winona. A legacy that’s ours. For our family. Something strong.” 

“Okay. What will happen to Brennan Industries?”