Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

My CEO 191

191 Date Night

(Winona)

Jayden picksup 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 | can't help but feel a flutter of excitement as | 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."

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

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

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

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

| 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 shighs 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 sthings 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 tois you, Winona." | nod,

feeling the sincerity in his words. "You're different tonight. That's for sure. | like it."

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

you want to be with as well."

"How did you get to this mindset?"

"Barnaby. | mean he's amazing, isn't he? Something shifted insideand now | get it. And you too, thanks for

allowingto speak my truth and supportingeven when | was wrong."

"You do the sfor me, but | 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 | wasn't expecting.

"I know we've had a lot on our plates," he says, his eyes locking onto mine, "but | 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."

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191 Date Night

"That's fair. I'll prove to you I'm not that asshole | used to be."

1 nod.

"I'm a completely new asshole." He grins that sexy grin and winks.

+25 BONUS

| have to laugh. This is the Jayden I fell in love with and married all that tago. Can he really be back?

"Asshole 2.0, if you will."

"Stop it. You're crazy."

"Crazy for you."

Right now, I'm glad about that.

Jayden's expression turns serious. "There's something else | need to tell you. I'm cutting Mother out of our lives,

legally. She won't be able to see Ashlyn while she's pregnant, if she is still pregnant." "When will we know?"

"Ashlyn is being examined by independent doctors, and we'll get the outctomorrow."

Relief washes over me. "Do you mean a restraining order or something with your mother?"

"Similar, a no contact order. | may not have enough to get her convicted of anything but | have enough to

to keep her away."

show it's in my child's...children's... best interests

"I'm grateful. But Abby loves her so much. I'm not sure this is the right decision for her."

"I'm doing it for us," he says, his voice firm. "For me. Mother will never controlagain. | promise you that."

I think he's serious.

"I'm also getting Ashlyn legally removed from parenting rights if there is a baby. But you won't be adopting. | will

have full custody. That's why | want to cut Mother out."

"I see. Well, | guess tomorrow you'll see if you need all of that actioned."

"Regardless, my non-contact order is going through. | don't need her in my 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 spending the whole date night talking so seriously.

"Is that so?" | tease. "I'm sure you'll be inundated with attractive single women in no time."

"I'm only interested in one woman. But | hear she's engaged to sasshole."

"Asshole 2.0 actually," | say with a grin.

We both laugh. This feels so good.

"What do you think about my actions with Mother? Does it put your mind at ease?"

"I'd just like to see sarea of gray on the visits with Abby. Maybe supervised only or something."

He nods. "I'll discuss it with Daniel. See what the options are."

+25 BONUS

191 Date Night

"| appreciate you hearing my point of view."

He stands up, offeringhis hand. "Enough of this. Dance with me."

| take his hand, letting him leadto a small space in the corner of the restaurant where the music is soft, and

the lights are dim.

As we sway to the rhythm, my cheek resting on his chest, | feel like Jayden has truly turned a corner.

He's stronger, more determined, and | can feel the love he has forin every move we make.

The night ends too fast and we're walking outside, back to the car.

From out of the shadows steps my worst nightmare.

Steve.

Before he gets a chance to open his mouth, Jayden is on him.

He pushes him fast back against the stone wall, pinning him there by the throat.

Security rushes in but they don't intervene.

| hear Jayden. His voice is a low growl that scares me. "This ends now."

Steve can't talk, he can barely breathe. But | see a fear in his eyes I've never seen.

Jayden lands two smashing blows deep into Steve's gut. And he falls on the ground. Jayden smashes a

kick into his ribs.

"Jayden!" | gasp.

He stops. "Don't cnear her again. I'm telling you. You're a dead man walking."

Steve coughs and huddles up on the ground.

Jayden straightens his tie and his cuffs and walks back to me. "Seeing as | only ever get the first hit in, | figured |

better make it worthwhile." "Are you okay?"

"Never been better. Let's go."