Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

64 Santa Monica Vibes (Jayden)

I look at the beach view from my Santa Monica property. I don't remember purchasing this place but I'm glad I did now. When I was looking over my portfolio before I divorced Winona, this one caught my eye and I wanted to come see it right away.

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Of course, I got too busy with the business and all this memory crap. Since finding out about Abby, and now her condition, life has been a whirlwind. I take a deep breath. Here it feels like the world has slowed.

I think back to the divorce and before it. The night Winona and I made Abby. Then I was so confused when the drugs were found in my blood. Of course I would trust my mother. But I've learned since, I can love her but maybe trusting her is a different thing. How did I let myself be convinced so easily that Winona was lying and had tricked me into everything? I guess my mental state was a lot more volatile back then. I know I certainly don't want to be like Greg in that way again.

If that's what it takes to run this business, I don't think I'm cut out like that now.

It's amazing here but I can't stand about looking at the view all day. Winona and Abby are arriving soon. Winona found a small cottage with a small yard and garden to rent. I lock up and head for my SUV. Family car. I grin.

I wanted to buy the cottage for them, but she insists they are fine renting. Money is not an issue for me. I have plenty of properties and investments. A good business person never ties his money up in a singl

venture. But that argument just got me a slap on the arm.

We are a team for Abby and I respect Winona's opinion and how she wants to do things.

Mother can't contact me, neither can Ashlyn or anyone from that world. Of course, there's always a way I suppose but Gus assured me he would take care of it. And after everything else he's managed to enact in a week, I'm guessing he's got this handled somehow. I think both Winona and I are grateful for the breathing space while we sort out how we want to parent Abby. But also, getting Abby happy and strong for her next operation is our priority.

I've disconnected completely from social media and media in general. Gus says he has no security guards, but I wonder if that's true. Not that I've seen anything to make me think he has, he just doesn't seem the type to let it go that easily. I can't

say it worries me.

Knowing Winona and Abby are being kept safe is okay with me.

I finally get to see how life feels without the stress of a billion-dollar company hanging over my head. Maybe I'll miss it. Maybe I'll never want to go back again. Who knows?

But I also have a lot to sort out with Winona and Mother. I'm still hoping they can find a middle ground

somehow

I pull up across the road and I see Winona and Abby watching the delivery truck back in from the front yard. Abby sees me as I walk across the road, and she miles and waves. There really can't be anything

tid Santa Monica Vibes

better in the world.

"Daddy!"

"Hi, Abby." I wave back.

Winona smiles and places Abby down when I get to the gate. Abby runs up and I scoop her up in my arms and onto my shoulders. "Hang on tight."

"What are you wearing?" She grins at me as she looks me up and down.

"When in Rome... shorts and a t-shirt. It's what everyone wears at the beach."

"You just never wore them before."

"Really? I haven't?" I find this interesting.

"You'd think the shining beacon of your white legs might have clued you in."

"Gotta start somewhere."

"You two won't fit through the doorway like that." Winona tells me. "This place is tiny."

"Are you sure the cottage is okay?"

"Yes. There's a lot of yard out back, and a garden will help Abby. We can grow some produce."

"And pretty flowers, Mommy.

"Yes, Sweety. Pretty flowers too."

"I guess as long as it's watertight and warm inside, that's all that matters." ramshackle outside and I have my doubts.

I agree but I'm looking at the

The online pictures sure told a different story. But affordable places are few and far between here. Winona is being frugal. I push away the urge to call the agent and tell them this place is a dump. "It's okay, Jayden. It looks worse than it is."

"I'm all for rustic," I say as I get Abbey off my shoulders and we walk in through the front door. "But, Winona, are you sure this is even healthy for Abby? It looks downright grimy."

"I'll clean it. It'll be fine. As you said, watertight and warm."

"Is this like one of those tiny homes?"

"No. This is a 2-bedroom cottage. A tiny home would fit inside the lounge area."

I look around and I'm doubting that. "You know, I have a whole self-contained wing in my property."

"No. I want to do this like normal people."

"Okay, okay." The delivery men begin to bring in the furniture. "I'm not sure it will all fit in here."

"As long as I have beds, a sofa and a dining set, I'll be happy

"Okay, well, let's go grab some lunch while they get set up. Probably take them a few hours to get the furniture in and then unpack the rest."

64 Santa Monica Vibes

"Ah, they aren't unpacking the boxes of personal stuff. I am."

"What, all the kitchenware and linen, everything?"

She nods, "yes. I'm here to be self-sufficient and do things for myself. Show Abby how normal people live."

"Honestly, normal people do not live like this, surely?"

"I grew up in a smaller place in a far more dangerous neighborhood."

Shit, I realize what I've said. "Winona, I didn't mean it like that...I mean..."

She has her arms crossed and is staring at me.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

"Never mind. I'll start in the kitchen."

"Clean inside the drawers and cupboards first."

TII help Daddy!"

Thanks kiddo. Let's go make your little house smell nice." I'm very skeptical about this level of 'normal life' but I'm not getting into an argument over it. "Do you know how to clean, Daddy?"

T

"What! Of course I do, you cheeky monkey."