Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

432 Life Without Judy

(Winona)Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

She types on her phone and then my phone buzzes.

It's a text from Lisa. I look at her and she winks at me.

Meeting him for dinner. I'll show him your note, so he gets what's going on

I nod and type back.

Make sure he's fully on board with how crucial this is

Lisa nods. "I guess we have a lot to plan to get back to the States. And once we get there."

"Being back in the States without Jayden... I don't know, Lisa. The idea of single parenting all over again- it's overwhelming. The questions from everyone."

Lisa crosses her arms, leaning back against the counter. "You've done it before, though. You'll do it again. You don't owe anyone explanations."

"Yeah, but it still feels daunting," I admit. "I have no place to live there. Jayden's penthouse is not an option. I refuse to go back there, feeling like I'm waiting for him to come home when he isn't."

Lisa tilts her head, her brows knitting together. "Well, if we do cruise home, that will give you some time to secure something, maybe a short-term rental or something."

"Maybe," I say. "I can't stay in the penthouse. It feels too much like him. I need a fresh start, somewhere that feels like my own space. I think this cruise idea is growing on me. The kids can have some fun on there too. Just be normal kids." "Sure can."

I exhale, leaning against the kitchen table. "The kids are going to be upset about leaving Jayden behind, and I need to make the transition as smooth as possible for them."

Lisa's eyes soften. "They will be happy to see Nanny Anne and Aunt Cass again."

"Speaking of Cass," I say, "I need to check in with her. Make sure she's okay. And I still have to call Anne.

There's so much to do."

Lisa steps closer, her voice gentle but firm. "One thing at a time."

I give her a tired smile because I am really exhausted with all of this. "Thanks, Lisa."

"Somewhere you and the kids can start fresh will be a tonic."

I nod, the idea settling in my mind. "Yeah, I'll look to buy something. It's time we had a place that's really Qurs. I can go anywhere, it's not like I'm tied down to any particular place over there now."

Lisa's phone buzzes again, and she glances at it. "That's Lance confirming a late dinner: I better get organized."

"Okay."

432 Life Without Judy

VAVAA

"By organized I mean, drink some Champagne and check with the chefs over what's on the menu" She grins. "I will miss all this attention."

I smile. "You'll never change, will you?"

"Shoot me if I do, I love being free and single. No kids, no ties, no job, just good times"

"Well, I'm not sure looking after my crap classifies as good times, but I'm grateful for you?

"Always."

I watch her leave. I hope one day she can find some true happiness.

I wish Lance could finally make a commitment to her. They could be so happy. I don't think she'll ever love anyone else.

Just like me. I can never love anyone else but Jayden.

I feel loneliness settle in around me. But I have to keep things moving. Dwelling on Jayden and I being apart for a while won't get me anywhere. Worrying that even after all this and Judy being out of our lives for good, maybe we still can't make it work isn't where I need to focus. I'm pregnant and I need to make that my priority, Getting back home and creating a peaceful environment. A family environment.

My thoughts drift to Cass, and I realize I haven't heard from her in a while. I grab my phone and dial her number, but the call doesn't even ring. It goes straight to voicemail. I try again, same thing.

I frown, trying to suppress the anxiety building in my chest. "Come on, Cass," I murmur, staring at the screen. I send a quick text instead:

Hey, just checking in. Think I'm coming home. Let me know when you can talk

I remind myself that it's probably nothing. Cass is busy, working hard or catching some much-needed sleep. I do some breathing exercises and let the tension flow from my body.

She will call back as soon as she can.

I scroll through my contacts and find Anne's number. Taking a steadying breath, I press call. The line rings a few times before she picks up, her voice warm and familiar.

"Winona! How are you, sweetheart?" she asks.

"Hey, Anne," I say, trying to keep my voice steady. "I've got some news. It... it hasn't worked out here. Judy's interfered, and Jayden and I have... had some issues. The kids and I are coming back to the States."

Anne's tone shifts to that soothing, motherly tone I've always loved. "Oh, darling. I'm so sorry. You know I'm here for whatever you need. Just tell me when and where."

I swallow the lump in my throat at her unconditional love. "Thank you. I'm not sure on the exact dates yet. We're looking into taking a cruise back, something more relaxing than flying. It could be a week or two before we leave." Anne's voice is gentle but firm. "You know I'll drop everything to be there for you and the kids. Just say

Tears prick at my eyes, but I bilirk them away. This woman is an angel walking the earth. "I know, Anne. But you've done so much for us already. You deserve your own life. You shouldn't have to look after us all the time."

"Nonsense," she replies

A smile tugs at my lips. Thank you Really I'm not sure where we'll be settling yet, but I'll figure it out. Maybe somewhere new, somewhere that feels like a fresh start. I have time for the kids, I'm not working right now." Anne's voice softens. Take your time. I trust you to make the best decision for you and the kids. And when you're ready to talk about everything, I'm here."

I nod, even though she can't see me. Till fill you in properly when we get back. In the meantime, I'll send you our travel details."

1 cannot wait to see those kids!" Anne says. "I love you, Winona."

1 love you too," I reply, my voice thick with emotion.

The worry for Cass still lingers, but Anne's support gives me a small measure of comfort. I'll take things one step at a time, for the kids, for myself, and for the future I'm determined to rebuild. A future without Judy Brennan.