Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

(Winona)

Cass's face fills my phone screen, her hair messy and there are definite dark circles under her eyes.

"God, you look wrecked," I tease gently as I check out the kitchen of the home I'm about to close on. Anne has the kids for the afternoon, so I'm going to show-off this place to Cass.

Cass groans. "Tell me about it. I just got done with prep for the estate's first formal dinner since Jayden left. I'm in charge of a canape, Winona. A canape!"

I raise an eyebrow. "That's a really big deal. You should be proud of yourself."

"Oh I am. I'm so excited. These chefs are relentless but I'm learning so much. I love it here, even if Viktor's constant hovering is killing my vibe a little." ""Hovering?" I ask, confused.

"He's not here physically-he's too busy running Nexus Global-but the calls, the emails, the random texts asking if I've checked the locks or need anything... it's constant. Can you tell Jayden to call him off please?"

I lean forward, frowning. "Cass, I don't think Jayden's asked Viktor to continue security on you. The threat to you was handled ages ago. The man who was shot during your deal? He was undercover for Gus. He was there to protect you. Also he wasn't really shot, it was staged."

Cass blinks, sitting up straighter. "What? You know about that? That's the main reason I never came home for Lance's service. I didn't want the police picking me up at the airport and putting more pressure on you." "I do know, yes."

"Are you serious? And no one thought to clue me in on that?"

"I figured Viktor or Jayden would've told you," I say, shaking my head. "Honestly, with everything going on, I didn't even think about it. But you're safe, Cass. There's no reason for Viktor to keep playing bodyguard." She exhales sharply, her frustration evident. "So why is he then? Just being a pain in the ass."

"It's been a crazy time for all of us. I think Viktor's just... well, Viktor. He doesn't know how to stop caring once he starts."

"Caring? Yeah right," Cass rolls her eyes. "He needs to learn some boundaries. I've just been letting it happen because Jayden won't be argued with these days."

"I wish that were true, I don't seem to have any problems there."

Cass studies me through the screen, her gaze sharpening. "Are you okay? You look tired."

"Just a lot going on. Choosing this house, the pregnancy, the app Lance left me... it's a lot." "How's Lisa?"

"She's still going through it, but she'll get there."

"I'm glad. Anyway, enough doom and gloom, show me the house," she says, sitting back. "Let's see what you've got to work with."

I flip the camera, giving her a tour of the downstairs. "The house is spacious but still has that charming, lived-in feel I want for the kids." "That's great."

"This is the kitchen," I say, panning over the countertops and the large, dining space bathed in natural light with huge windows.

"It's gorgeous," Cass says. "You're going to make this place amazing. Like this cottage."

"Thanks," I say, climbing the stairs to the second floor. "But it's going to take some work."

When I reach the steep, narrow staircase leading to the attic, I pause. "There's an attic up there stuffed full of old stuff."

I point the phone up the attic stairs.

"The kids are dying to explore it, but I told them they have to wait until I check it out first."

"Smart move," Cass says. "That staircase looks like a death trap."

I laugh. "It's definitely seen better days, but I've been up here a couple of times, and it feels solid enough."

I begin to climb, each step sturdy

beneath my feet. "I'll take you for a look. Some really amazing things, I'l need some expert help. Might be some real antique treasures ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Cass's voice comes through the phone. "Never know. How's Jayden handling everything? You two... figuring things out?"

I hesitate, my grip tightening on the

banister. "Not really. Things are... in limbo. I'm just focusing on moving forward, Not having Judy to stress over has opened up a whole new world of freedom for me. I'm embracing that."

"I'm proud of you, Winona."

"Thanks," I say softly, stepping onto the attic landing. I open the attic door which creaks long and loud.

"Geezus, that sounds like something from a horror movie," Cass says with a laugh. "Maybe you should call ghostbusters."

"Honestly, I've had more fright

the living. So," I say, "this is it,"

panning the camera around "one

much stuff, there's barely room inside to stand."

"Wow, it's a dust goldmine," Cass says. "I'm not sure breathing that in is safe."

"I think I'll definitely get it cleaned up professionally first. Come see the bedrooms." I turn to head back down.

The sound of splintering wood cuts me off. "Shit!"

"Winona!" Cass's voice is panicked through the phone as the rotten plank beneath me gives way.

I feel myself begin to topple, the phone slipping from my grasp. My heart races as I instinctively clutch my stomach, my only thought on the tiny life growing inside me.

We haven't even named you like we said we would.

I feel a blast of pain in my elbow as it cracks against a wooden stair, then my head and everything goes black.