Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband novel Chapter 65

65 I want to Believe 

(Winona) 

I’m not sure I’ve ever felt this free or relaxed. Not since the accident anyway. But this is nice. No Ashlyn, no Judy. No pressure. The air feels lighter, the weight of the world has lifted off my shoulders, at least temporarily. 

Jayden is cleaning like a demon out in the kitchen with Abby, although I’m sure there’s some soapy water fights going on. Every few minutes, I hear giggles and splashes, making me smile. 

I’m setting up Abby’s bedroom. I’ve cleaned dirt and mold off the walls. I’m hoping it’s old stuff. It looks a lot better, and that dank smell is gone. It’s very satisfying transforming this space for her. 

*The overriding smell now is bleach, but I have some scented candles to light. I make her bed and pop her toys on top. She insisted on bringing her doll house, and I’ve placed it in the corner where it looks perfect. 

The living room is pretty much done and I’m hoping the kitchen/diner is sorted as well. I glance around, making sure everything is in place for Abby and I to feel at home. 

I walk out there, and I must say, I’m impressed. “Hey, you two, this looks amazing! I can’t wait to cook some dinners in here,” I say, my voice filled with genuine excitement. 

The transformation of this house feels symbolic, like I’m turning a new page. Even though I know it’s temporary. 

“No cooking tonight though,” Jayden says as he puts the cleaning bucket down. “We’re having fish and chips on the pier.” 

“I won’t argue with that,” I reply, my stomach rumbling at the thought. 

“It looks good here, you were right.” Jayden says, wiping his hands on a towel. “But the cleaning smell is strong. Why don’t we stay at my beach house tonight and leave these candles burning maybe? I’m not sure the fumes are best for Abby, or you.” 

“It’s getting late, and the flight has made Abby tired. I think we will do that. I’ll grab our overnight bag. Tomorrow, we can start in the yard.” The idea of waking up to the sound of waves is too tempting to resist. 

“I may as well have bought this place considering we’re doing all the work anyway.” Jayden jokes, a playful glint in his eye. 

“Don’t be a crybaby. Hard work never killed anyone,” I tease back, rolling my eyes. 

“So not true,” he laughs, shaking his head. 

“Look at the good example we’ve set for Abby,” I say, watching her as she dances around the clean kitchen, her little feet pattering on the tiles. 

“I guess. As long as she’s happy,” Jayden replies, his gaze softening as he looks at her. 

“I haven’t had fish and chips in forever.” Not since our honeymoon night. We’d shared it on the pier at 

sunset 

I’d never been so happy. Then we had the accident and life turned upside down. Apart from Abby’s birth, 

+25 BONUS 

(6:51 want to Bebeve, 

I’m not sure I’ve ever felt real joy since. 

But this next six months I’m determined to do just that. To show Abby what life is really about and how to appreciate the beauty in all things. 

My childhood was full of things a child should never have had to witness. 

My father drunk and dangerous. My mother was oblivious to everything but the next drug hit. If it wasn’t for foster homes, I would never have survived. Even those weren’t great. 

But they fed me and I got to go to school. Once I landed in Anne’s home, I was finally loved. The memory of Anne’s kindness and warmth brings a tear to my eye. 

It took me a long time to understand I was worthy of that love. It took me forever to see that Jayden loved me. Then once I did, and I truly believed what he said, everything changed forever. 

Ever since he demanded the divorce, I’ve been in survival mode. But I got there. The journey was long and painful, but I made it. 

Anne helped me get there. My father isn’t dead, I know that. Judy tried to use that against me. But he’s dead to me and he won’t ever be in my life again. I’m not sure about my mother. I think she overdosed. 

I 

never going back to find out for sure. The thought of them still haunts me, but I push it aside, focusing on the present. 

I can only imagine the state my father would be in now, It’s amazing how much neglect the human body can take. Luckily, I’ll never have to find out. 

That time in my life is well and truly over, and I just get to make sure Abby never has to see and experience anything so traumatic. 

The thought of protecting her from my past gives me strength, 

Jayden interrupts my thoughts. “Hey, you ready to go?” he asks, holding Abby’s hand. 

“Yeah, let’s get out of here,” I say, grabbing our overnight bag and heading for the door. We pile into the car, the anticipation of a peaceful night ahead of us. “I need a shower before we go to the pier.” 

The drive to the beach house is filled with easy conversation and Abby’s excited chatter about the ocean. As we pull up, the sight of the house brings back a flood of memories, both beautiful and painful. 

I know he can’t remember any of it. 

Jayden parks the car and we step out, the sound of the waves immediately calming my nerves. 

After we all get cleaned up, Jayden makes sure everything is secure before we head to the pier. The salty sea air fills my lungs as we walk hand in hand with Abby in the middle of us. Every now and again we lift and swing her and she giggles. 

“This is nice,” I say, glancing at Jayden.