Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

(Jayden)

The elevator dings, and the penthouse opens up before me. This used to be my happy place. Where I could unwind and take in the city lights with a nightcap or three. Before kids. Now it looks like an executive man cave with a family shoved in.

I was an idiot for pushing that idea. There's a crooked home-made banner saying Welcome Daddy, and a tray of icing and sprinkle laden cupcakes on the side table. My heart surges.

A chorus of voices breaks through. "Daddy!" Abby's little feet pound the hardwood floor as she barrels toward me, her arms wide and her face split into a grin. She wraps herself around my leg like a koala. "You're early!"

"Hey, princess," I say, lifting her up as Bobby and Sarah rush in right behind her. Bobby grabs my middle in a tight hug, and Sarah hovers just slightly back, smiling shyly. "I sure am. Surprise!" "Missed you, Dad," she says softly.

"I missed you too, kiddo," I reply, wrapping my free arm around her.

Winona's voice carries from the living room, calm and steady. "Go easy on him, guys."

She steps into view, holding Henry on her hip. For a split second, our eyes meet before darting away, careful to avoid lingering too long. Her usual composed expression stays firmly in place. Henry's face lights up when he sees me. His legs kick wildly, and he babbles something unintelligible. Then he says, "Dada Dada." His first words back in Europe.

"Go on, Henry," Winona says, crouching to set him down. "Show Daddy what you've been practicing."

My chest tightens as she steadies him on his feet. He wobbles slightly, his hands flailing for balance. Then, he takes a step. And another. And another.

"Henry," I whisper, dropping to my knees as he toddles two, then three steps toward me. His little arms reach out, and I catch him just as he starts to fall into my chest. "You're walking!" My eyes fill with tears, and I don't care who sees it. This is amazing!

This is the boy we weren't sure would make it. The boy who fought for every breath, every milestone. And now he's here, in my arms, defying every odds.

"Good job, buddy," I whisper, hugging him close. "You're so clever."

Winona stays back, a soft smile on her lips. She looks unsure, like she's debating whether to step forward or keep her distance. Her hands hover at her sides as though unsure of their place.

"He started last week," she says quietly. "I wanted him to have something to show you. But that was the first time he's done it without my hands steadying him."

I press a kiss to Henry's temple, overwhelmed. "You are incredible. You all are. Thank you for such a wonderful welcome home."

Abby tugs at my arm. "Daddy, can Henry walk everywhere now?"

"Not yet," I say, smiling at her. "But he's getting there. So put your special toys up safe because there will be no stopping him soon." The cat appears next, rubbing against my leg like it's part of the welcoming committee. Bobby grins. "Cat missed you too, Dad." "Really? I'm not sure that's true, but I'll take what I can get." I scratch behind his ears, the low rumble of his purring pleases me.

Winona steps closer but keeps her arms folded. We don't hug. There's an unspoken agreement to keep things neutral, professional. Anything else might cross a line neither of us are sure about right now. The kids run off, Abby dragging Bobby to the kitchen to finish the rest of the cakes, Sarah curling up on the couch with her book. Henry walks around holding onto the sofa trying to reach Sarah's book. Winona tilts her head slightly. "How was the flight?"

"Long," I admit. "The bodies landed in the morning, and the funeral homes are handling everything now. The lawyer called to finalize the will readings. Judy's is this afternoon. Lance's is tomorrow morning." She nods, her expression calm but guarded. "You'll be okay?"

"Yeah," I say, meeting her gaze. "Judy's will, the lawyer said you could be there."

Her eyebrows lift slightly. "Me? Why?"

"Because you should know what's in there," I say. "And... because I want you there. For support. If that's okay?"

She blinks, clearly surprised. "Of course. I'll be there."

I shift my weight. "And Lance's will... the lawyer said you and Lisa are specifically requested to be there as well as me."

Winona's brow furrows slightly. "Lisa, I get. But me?"

"This will was finalized by Lance a long time ago," I say. "I'm not sure what to expect either, maybe dancing girls. But we'll find out tomorrow."

She nods, biting her lip. "I'll make sure Lisa knows."

We fall into silence for a moment, watching Henry toddle unassisted toward Sarah on the couch. Abby's back and cheers him on like he's crossing a finish line.

I glance around the penthouse again, the realization hitting me hard. "How did we ever make this place work with all the kids?"

Winona chuckles softly. "You said it would be fine. That we'd make it work."

"And you said it was a terrible idea,

Vol.ne

counter. You were right. After having that outdoor space at the Europe cottage, I totally get what you were saying now."

She shrugs lightly. "It wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be. You made it work better than I did, honestly."

"That's because I'm too stubborn toContent from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

admit when I'm wrong," I say with a small grin. "But you were right about

the space. This place is too small.

The kid needs a backyard, a garden."

en

"You know I had some places lined up," she says, surprising me. "Just out of the city. I didn't pick anything yet-I wanted the whole family to decide."

"You waited?" I say, genuinely taken aback. "I figured you'd have decided by now."

"It's your family too, Jayden," she says simply. "You should be part of the decision."

We're on the same page. Not as a couple, but as co-parents. As a team. We're so good in this space.

"Thanks," I say quietly. "That means a lot."

She nods, her gaze softening before

she clears her throat. "The

penthouse wasn't perfect, but it wasn't as terrible as I imagined either. The kids were happy here."

"They were," I agree. "But I'm not sure I feel the same about the estate."

She laughs immediately, shaking her head. "No way. That was a nightmare."

I groan, running a hand through my hair. "I'm sorry for ever thinking we could mold the kids to fit into that place."

She waves it off. "You were under a lot of pressure to conform. And honestly? The experience helped all of us. We're more assertive now, more sure of what we want."

"For our family," I say, tilting my head. "Yes."

""Yes."

"That's decided again no more living in billion-dollar estate museums."

"Good," she agrees. "We can use any fork we please."

"That in itself is a relief," I say with a laugh. "So, when do we see these houses?"

"Whenever you're ready," she says. "The kids would love to help pick."

"Sounds perfect," I say, watching Henry attempt another few steps. For the first time in a long time, it feels like we're moving forward.

Together as a family. But as a couple? That is a question I can't answer yet.

Maybe we're just better as co-parents. For everyone's sake.