Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

30 Famdy Ties Hunt

70 Family Ties Hurt (Winona)

"Winona? Are you sure you're doing the right thing?" Jayden asks as the kids clamber out of the car. His voice is filled with concern, and it's clear he's struggling to process everything.

I nod, trying to steady my racing heart. "I can't leave them with him. You have no idea how bad it is, Jayden. Look at them."

Jayden looks at the kids, his expression softening with empathy. "Okay." He lets out a long breath. "I guess we'll figure it out."

"I

"There must be a mother," I say, more to myself than to him.

"She left them," Jayden replies, his voice tinged with sadness.

"He would never have let her leave with them. The kids are his meal ticket. I can keep them safe until I find her." I usher the kids through the front door and into the kitchen, my mind racing with a hundred different thoughts Jayden follows us inside, shaking his head. "He left them here, though."

"He'll be back when the cash runs out," I say, knowing my father all too well.

Jayden sighs, his frustration evident. "I guess we won't be going to the park. What do we tell Abby?"

"That we have a couple of friends having a sleepover. That will do for now." I turn to the kids, trying to muster a reassuring smile. "Hey, I'm Winona, What are your names?"

"Bobby," the teen boy says, his voice wary but polite.

"Sarah," the girl says in almost a whisper, her eyes wide and fearful.

"Okay. Well, we are going to get you some food and then get you bathed. I have a daughter named Abby. I don't want to frighten or confuse her. So, you're just new friends, okay?" I say gently, hoping to ease their nerves.

They both nod, their eyes darting around the unfamiliar surroundings.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Jayden steps closer to me. I'm glad he was here. My nerves are definitely shot now.

"Did you know about the security men?" I ask him.

He shakes my head. "Wasn't me. But I'm glad they showed up. It could have been a lot worse."

ss it's Gus. Yes, it's good to know they are there," agree.

"I guess

"I think you should all move into my place," Jayden suggests

"Let's see how it goes here first. You can stay a few nights on the sofa if it makes you feel better. Abby can sleep with me and the kids can have her room," I reply, trying to find a balance between safety and normalcy "I'm just worried that he'll come back and try something." Jayden says, his worry obvious.

TÓ Family TreeHurt

I shake my head. "That isn't how he works. I'm surprised he even showed up here with the kids. There'd be a reason."

Jayden looks at me, his eyes filled with questions. "Why didn't you tell me about your parents?"

"I needed to get away and stay away from them and what they did to me. I made my success despite him. He's not coming to take it away from me now," I say, my voice filled with determination. Jayden's brow furrows. "How did he know where you're living?"

"Great question. Have you told Lance my address?" I ask, suspicion creeping into my voice.

"No," Jayden replies, shaking his head.

"I haven't told Lisa either," I say, trying to piece it all together..

"But Gus clearly knows. I can tell you this much, my father hasn't turned up by coincidence. Your mother found out he was still alive. She threatened to expose me to him before," I say, my anger rising. Jayden stares at me, shocked. "She wouldn't put Abby in danger like that."

My anger flares. "You always defend her."

"She wouldn't," Jayden insists, but there's a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

"But she'd see Abby separated from me if she had half the chance," I snapped back, my frustration boiling

over.

"Winona, I know she's made some stupid choices, but I think you're letting your paranoia get the best of you," Jayden says, his tone trying to be soothing but only adding fuel to my fire.

I turn to him, my eyes blazing. "My father has just turned up on my doorstep after all these years. Don't expect me to think this is a coincidence."

Jayden holds up his hands in a placating gesture. "Let's get these kids sorted and we can discuss it later."

"I have nothing to discuss," I reply, my voice hard as steel.

We move through the house, getting the kids settled. I use the picnic food and watch as they eat, their eyes still filled with fear and uncertainty. My heart breaks for them, and I can't help but feel a sense of responsibility. Jayden sets up the sofa for himself, clearly intending to stay the night. "You're right, Winona. We need to be careful. But we'll figure this out. Together."

I nod, appreciating his support even though my emotions are a tangled mess. "Thanks, Jayden."

He gives me a small smile. "We got this."

As night falls, I tuck Abby into bed with me. She snuggles close, her little body warm and comforting I lie awake, my mind racing with thoughts of my father and what his reappearance means for our future.

The next morning, I wake up to the sound of the kids playing quietly in the living room. Jayden is making breakfast, his presence a steady anchor in the storm of my emotions. I take a deep breath, steeling. myself for whatever comes next. 70 Family Ties Hurt

But one thing is clear: I won't let my father or anyone else threaten the life I've built for Abby and me. Not

now, not ever.