Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

My CEO 191

191 Date Night

(Winona)

Jayden picks me up at seven sharp, looking more confident than I've seen him in a long time.

There's a calm determination in his eyes that sets my heart at ease. He's dressed to impress-tailored suit, polished shoes, the whole nine yards-and I can't help but feel a flutter of excitement as I step out to meet him. "Wow, you look stunning," he says, his voice low and sincere, as he takes my hand. "I'm the luckiest guy in the world."

I twirl in my little black dress and heels. It feels amazing to be doing this.

I smile, a warmth spreads through me. "You don't look so bad yourself, Mr. Brennan."

"I can't wait until you're Mrs. Brennan."

"Let's go, I'm starving." I don't really want to talk about the wedding.

I wasn't even sure if he considered us still engaged. Maybe that was me, after that awful fight on our engagement night.

We head to one of our old favorite spots-a cozy, intimate restaurant where we used to go back in the day. It's the kind of place that's seen us through some highs and lows, and tonight, it really feels like we're starting fresh. Over dinner, Jayden is different. There's no hesitation in his words, no second-guessing himself. He tells me about his therapy, how he's reached a point where he doesn't feel triggered by the same things anymore.

"I'm still working on my anger," he admits, his tone steady, "but I'm not going to overreact like I used to. I've learned to control it, to focus on what really matters. And what matters most to me is you, Winona." I nod, feeling the sincerity in his words. "You're different tonight. That's for sure. I like it."

He reaches across the table, taking my hand in his. "This is me, this is the man I want to be. I hope it's the man you want to be with as well."

"How did you get to this mindset?"

"Barnaby. I mean he's amazing, isn't he? Something shifted inside me and now I get it. And you too, thanks for allowing me to speak my truth and supporting me even when I was wrong."

"You do the same for me, but I think I'll continue with therapy a little longer. It's been amazing having Mom there."

"I can tell you two have healed a lot. It's great."

The conversation shifts, and he brings up something I wasn't expecting.

"I know we've had a lot on our plates," he says, his eyes locking onto mine, "but I want to get serious about wedding plans. We've been engaged long enough, don't you think?" "Yeah, we have, but I'd like a little longer just to see we fit together."

1/3

191 Date Night

you I'm

1 nod.

He grins that

+25 BONUS

to laugh. This is the Jayden I fell in love with and married all that time ago. Can he

2.0, if

"Stop it. You're crazy."

"Crazy for you."

now, I'm glad

our lives, legally. She won't be able to see Ashlyn while she's pregnant,

being examined by independent doctors,

me. "Do you mean a

enough to get her

to keep her away."

in my

much. I'm not sure this is the right

for us," he says, his voice firm. "For me. Mother will never control

I think he's serious.

a baby. But you won't be adopting. I will

I guess tomorrow you'll see if you need all

life after all she's done. I've finalized the divorce and Ashlyn has been served. She's signed. I'm officially a free man." I'm impressed by his decision-making but I'm not

sure you'll be inundated

woman. But I hear she's engaged to

2.0 actually," I say

laugh. This

you think about my actions with

some area of gray on

discuss it with

+25 BONUS

191 Date Night

appreciate you hearing my point