Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

(Jayden)

The clock on my desk blinks 12:47 AM, but the late hour doesn't register anymore.

I've spent the last few hours in calls and emails, trying to coordinate everything: the will readings, the services, the logistics of leaving Nexus Global in capable hands while I head back to the States.

I hit call on Viktor's number, knowing he'll be awake. He always seems awake. I wonder if he's actually human sometimes.

"Jayden," Viktor answers on the second ring, his voice sharp and alert. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong," I say quickly. "I need to talk to you about Nexus. I'm flying back to the States soon, and I need someone I can trust to hold things down while I'm gone."

There's a brief pause, then a low chuckle. "You're not serious."

"Dead serious."

"Jayden," Viktor says evenly, "I don't run billion-dollar companies. I handle security, strategy, and occasionally beating people to a pulp if they get too close."

"You also know Nexus Global inside out," I counter. "You've been in the trenches with Gus and with me. You know how this place operates, and you know the stakes better than anyone. Hell, I'd never have done it if it wasn't for your guidance." "That doesn't mean I can run it."

"It means you can keep the damn thing from falling apart for a couple of weeks," I snap, frustration creeping into my voice. "Just manage it while I'm gone. Make sure nothing critical slips through the cracks."

His voice is back to being my employee and not my friend. "If they are your instructions, I will follow them."

"I wouldn't ask if I didn't know you could handle it."

There's silence on the other end for a moment, then Viktor says, "I'll pick you up at 7am, so you should sleep."

"Yeah, I'm beat. Night Viktor." I disconnect the call and head for the shower.

***

I dial Winona's number. It rings longer than usual before she answers, her voice tight and cautious.

"Jayden, it must be 2am there," she says. "Everything okay?"

"I'm about to sleep," I say. "Just finalizing everything before I leave. The bodies are released, and the will readings are the day after tomorrow."

"When are you flying out?" she asks.

"Tomorrow. I've asked Viktor to hold things together here while I'm gone."

"Smart choice," she says.

"I don't think he thought so, but you know Viktor, he will follow orders."

"That is a skill I wish I had sometimes."

"What's going on, Winona?" I ask. I can tell by her voice that she's a little stressed.

She hesitates, and I can hear the faint shuffle of her shifting in her seat. "I had a hospital check-in today. My blood pressure was elevated. They ran some tests and kept me until it came down." I sit up straighter, my heart rate spiking. "Are you okay? Is the baby okay?"

"We're fine," she says quickly. "It was precautionary. They didn't find anything serious, but they're monitoring me closely."

"You should've called me."

"I'm calling you now," she says, her tone defensive. "But Lisa came and got me, stayed for dinner. She's trying her best to get through this."

"That's good to know. But if anything happens, you need to tell me. You know that, right? I don't need any more surprises right now."

"Neither do I," she snaps. "I don't need you second-guessing every decision I make about me and the baby either."

"I'm not second-guessing," I say, though my fists clench involuntarily. "But I have a right to know what's happening with my child-and with you."

There's a sharp intake of breath on

her end. I'm doing everything I can to keep this baby safe. You know that. You being involved in every second just adds pressure right now."

"It's not exactly easy being so far away. Of course I'm going to worry."

"You'll be here soon enough," she replies, her tone still cool. "In the meantime, I'm not helpless, Jayden."

"I never said you were,” I counter, pinching the bridge of my nose.

"Look, don't want to fight aboi net

this. just... I want to make sure

everything is okay."

"It's okay," she says, her voice quieter now. "Really. If anything major happens you'll be the first to know."

"Okay. I'll stop breathing down your neck."

"Are you ready for the will readings?" she asks.

"Not even close," I admit. "But it needs to get done."

"Yeah," she says, and I can hear the exhaustion in her voice too. "It's going to be a long couple of weeks."

"Winona," I say, hesitating for a moment. "Thank you. For handling things at Brennan Industries, for keeping everything together. I know it's not easy."

"It's what needs to be done," she

replies simply. "And I'm good at doing what needs to be done. Mia is not happy but it is what it is. Phillip seemed fine."

"Phillip? You saw him?" The words are out before I can stop them, the accusation.

"Of course. You didn't think I'd go there and not see him. He works... worked closely with Judy. You knew that before you asked me to go."

"I know. I just... Well, I didn't really think about it."

She sighs. "I guess now you can think about it."

Frustration rises inside me. Does she think I can just erase what I saw in those photos? "I'm going to get some rest. I'll text flight details in a few hours."

"The kids will be so happy to see you."

"Same. It's too quiet without them. I'll be happy to see them as well."

"Goodnight, Jayden."

"Nite."

The call disconnects and I feel disconnected from my wife.

We're both trying, but the gaps between us feel wider than ever.

And I don't know how to forget everything that's happened and close them.