Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

(Jayden)

The phone rings just as I finish my third coffee of the morning. I glance at the caller ID: Unknown.

But I know it's Gus. I take a deep breath. This is going to be challenging.

I answer, keeping my tone even. "Jayden Brennan."

"Jayden," Gus replies. "Awful news. I can hardly imagine what you're going through."

"I'm managing. There's a lot to get through."

"Yes. Have they released the bodies yet?"

"Just waiting on final paperwork, so probably tomorrow. How are you?"

"Shit," he admits, and the bluntness catches me off guard. "Judy's gone, and I can't quite believe it."

He exhales. "My biggest regret is not making us a family all that time ago. And now she's just... gone."

I let the silence stretch, unsure how to respond.

"I tried to fix things recently," Gus continues. "Hoped I could. But Judy played me as much as she played everyone else. She loved me, yes, but she was never going to stop punishing me."

"She knew what she was doing, Gus," I say. "She manipulated everyone around her, played games with people's lives."

"But I'm not innocent here. I left her in the States while I built Nexus Global, knowing exactly what kind of life she'd have with Greg. So yes, some of this is on me. I should've done more. Especially for you."

His words hit hard. For the first time, Gus sounds less like the unshakable mastermind and more like a man grappling with ghosts he can't exorcise.

"Shit happens."

"Where's Winona in all this?"

well fuck... I guess there's no need to keep secrets now. Winona is pregnant with my child and it's a high-risk pregnancy, very high

But you and Winona can be together

photos of Winona

was with them,

"Yes."

two on a break or

her. But after

me. Not that I want it,

up against Mia without being careful. She's high on

not like I can just

smuggling." "Gus... honestly. I just want to be out of the drama. I really don't care

have the baby, if we do." "Jayden," Gus continues, "Judy's gone. If you and Winona can't get it together now, then Judy wins after all. Even in

never was. Maybe the problem is you and Winona just don't work. Maybe Judy was right

words I

know anything

"Sometimes two people are just too

on the phone tightens. "You

replies calmly. "If you're going to keep fighting for this marriage, do

yourself, wrong."

I don't respond.

"Do you want them to never be able to love or let themselves

you

"Don't repeat my mistakes."

Not now, not ever. I'll let you know when Mother's

call abruptly. I'm done with Gus trying to father me. He gave up that right before I

it to be Gus calling

"Hey, Cass."

she says. "Just letting you know I'm heading back to the estate tomorrow. Unless you

it a little easier. But

no shit. The services, saying a proper goodbye