Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

38 I'm Getting Engaged (Winona)

At the club, the music is loud and the lights are dazzling. Phillip is beside me at the bar and I'm not even being biased when I say he looks the fittest man here.

His sculpted body is alive in clinging jeans and shirt. I've noticed most of the women and a few men give him the eye.

"You look stunning," he whispers in my ear, his breath sending shivers down my spine. "That black dress is smokin' hot on you."

For the first time ever, I'm ready to explore my deeper feelings with him. I want to be happy.

"Thank you," I reply, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks, I grab his hand and lead him across the dance floor to the table Lisa and Lance are at.

It's nice to have friends around, making the atmosphere less tense, and they are seeming friendlier than usual with each other tonight. I hope Lisa knows what she's doing and doesn't get hurt again or hurt anyone else. We've been through a lot together and made some bad choices.

I keep glancing at the entrance, waiting for Jayden and Ashlyn to arrive. When they finally do, I can't help but feel a pang of what used to be seeing them together. Jayden and I make eye contact first and he stares at Phillip and then back at me.

I see it. I see the jealousy still burning there he always showed when showed attention to other males. I feel it. But then he breaks eye contact with me, grabs Ashlyn's hand, and smiles at her. I breathe out in relief. He's made his choice Tonight really is about moving forward.

I smile at Ashlyn and she forces a smile. We make small talk, and surprisingly, the awkwardness begins to fade with Lance making dad jokes and Phillip recounting some funny stories.

Phillip goes to order a round of drinks, and soon we're all laughing together. It's probably the alcohol but it feels almost normal.

The music shifts to a lively dance beat, and Lisa pulls Lance to the dance floor. They look adorable together, Lance's hand resting on Lisa's lower back as they move to the rhythm.

I can't help but notice how Lance has a look of genuine affection with her tonight. I've never seen that from him before.

"Come on, you two!" Lisa calls out to Phillip and me. "Join us!"Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

Phillip grins and takes my hand, leading me onto the floor. The beat is infectious, and soon we're all moving in sync. I call and wave to Jayden and Ashlyn to come join in.

It's hesitant with them at first, but soon they're laughing and dancing along with the rest of us. The tension of the past weeks seems to melt away with each step.

"Wow, Winona, I didn't know you could dance like that Phillip's eyes are twinkling with mischief.

"Oh, there's a lot you don't know about me," I reply, twirling away and striking a playful pose.

38m Getting Engaged

Laughter bubbles up from deep inside me, and for the first time in a long while, I feel genuinely happy. I have no doubt I've made the right decision.

Phillip pulls me back into his arms, and we fall into a slower, more intimate dance even amongst the writhing crowd. His hands rest on my hips, guiding me gently.

Our bodies move as one, and I can feel the heat between us building with each passing moment. The way he looks at me, with so much love and intensity, maken my knees weak.

I look around as I make new memories in this place where Jayden and I made so many.

Lisa and Lance, caught up in their own world, are dancing closer than ever, their faces inches apart. I can see the sparks flying between them, and it's clear that something's happening there. Jayden and Ashlyn are swaying together and smiling. I'm happy for them. Happy for the amazing time they are about to have bringing a new life into the world. It's hard to hate on anyone for that. I'm doing the right thing and I need to get on with why I'm here tonight.

The night progresses with more laughter and playful banter. The energy in the room is electric, and I feel at sense of camaraderie and community that's been missing from my life for far too long. Beside Phillip and I, Lisa spins into Lance's arms, giggling. "you're not so bad at dancing, you know."

He laughs, "well, you're making me look good out here.

Jayden twirls Ashlyn dramatically, and she squeals with delight. "Stop, you're making me dizzy!"

He pulls her closer and dances slower.

1 gather my courage. It's time. I push Phillip away from me as there's a lull in the music.

I drop to one knee, right there in the middle of the dance floor. The music stops, the room goes silent, and the DJ puts a spotlight on us. My heart is racing, the anticipation almost unbearable. "Phillip," I begin, my voice trembling slightly as I look up at him, "will you make me the happiest woman in the world and marry me?"

He looks shocked, his eyes wide with surprise. God, maybe I should have warned him. What if he says no?

The silence stretches on, and I start to feel panic rising in my chest. Just as I'm about to stand up, he kneels down in front of me, taking my hands in his.

"Yes," he says, his voice full of emotion. "Yes, I'll marry you every damn day of the week"

The room erupts in cheers, and I feel a weight lift off my shoulders. We stand together. We lift our joined hands in the air and the music starts up again. "Well, that was a surprise," he says.

"I want to move forward with our lives, Phillip."

I love you, Winona," Phillip says softly. "I have since the day we met."

"I love you too It feels almost weird saying it to him. But I'll get used to it "Let's say goodbye and go home to Abby

38 I'm Getting Engaged

"I need the bathroom before we leave. All that beer." Phillip says as we walk off the dance floor.

"Meet you in the lobby." I say, not wanting to be alone with Jayden and Ashlyn.

I nod to Ashlyn who's sitting at the table with Jayden.

"Congratulations," she says quietly, looking smug.

"Yeah, congrats." Jayden says but his look to me says the opposite.

"Thanks. We're off home." I walk out to the foyer.

Next minute, I feel a strong hand on my arm and I'm pulled around sharply. Don't tell me it's Ashlyn.

But Jayden's intense eyes are staring back at me.

His voice is loaded with emotion. "Are you sure this is the right decision? Winona...l-

My heart is racing and breaking all over again at the same time.

Phillip is here now too and he takes Jayden's hand from my arm. "Everything okay here?"

"Yes. Everything is fine. Let's go home, Phillip."

39 One Bite At A Time