Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

(Cass)

When Viktor and I step into the Brennan Wing family suite, the first thing I notice is how together Jayden looks.

He's standing by Henry's highchair, feeding him bits of banana while the little guy alternates between smearing food on his face and laughing like he's cracked the greatest joke in the world. Jayden doesn't even flinch when Henry chucks half a cracker at his chest.

"Alright, Superdad," I say, dropping my bag on the couch. "You're really leaning into this whole family-man thing. Should I be worried you're going to start wearing matching dad-and-son tracksuits next?" Jayden smirks without looking up. "You jealous, Aunt Cass? I can always order you one too. I'm thinking neon green?"

I grin, then I run to hug him. "Pass. I prefer my black on black for now."

Henry spots me and lets out an excited squeal, waving his sticky hands in my direction. "Oh, no you don't," I warn, taking a step back. "Your dad can keep the food fights. I'll hug you as soon as we use some wipes." Jayden wipes Henry's hands with a practiced efficiency that makes me pause. He doesn't look like a man who's cracking under the weight of everything happening around him.

He looks steady, calm-even with the chaos of four kids and Winona lying unconscious just a room away.

"You've got this down," I say softly, meeting his eyes. "You're doing good, Jayden. She'll be proud of you."

For a moment, his mask slips, and I see the exhaustion etched into his face. But it's gone as quickly as it appears. He nods, his voice steady. "Thanks. But it's not just me... I'm grateful for the support network we have." Viktor steps forward. Jayden shakes his hand and they grip elbows. That's as animated as Viktor gets. "Jayden. We have to touch base on Nexus Global."

"I'm getting Brennan Industries out of the way this afternoon, then I'm all yours."

I take a very clean Henry from his chair and hug him tight. Then I pop him down and off he toddles. "Wow, he's kicking some goals lately."

"You two want coffee? I just made a fresh pot."

"Love some," Viktor says. "I've booked accommodation."

"No need, my penthouse is free, well apart from Cat. Bobby would love you there for company. I'll go settle you in there shortly. If that's okay, Cass. You can stay with Winona and the kids?" "Sure."

"Oh, not Henry. He stays with me. Keeps me out of trouble."

"I doubt that, this young man is a chick magnet."

"I'll be careful. Come on through to Winona's room. The doctors are talking about letting her come out of the induced coma slowly. I'm not sure if she can hear us, but I'm just assuming she can." "That's cool. I'll chat with her till you get back."

Jayden walks off and I follow him. "She'll be glad you're here."

"More like she'll tell me to stop worrying and get back to my job."

"Maybe that too. But Cass, they want to check for heartbeat on the baby. I said not until she is awake and strong enough to hear the outcome for herself."

"That's something she will appreciate."

Winona looks almost peaceful in the bed. But the monitoring she has attached is a stark contrast to how she looks.

I sit down in the chair beside her, reaching for her hand.

"Hey, Sis," I say softly. "It's me. Cass. I'm here now, so you can stop scaring the crap out of everyone, okay?"

I take a deep breath, steadying

myself. "So, I had my first formal

dinner at the estate," I continue,

forcing a smile. "I was in charge of a canape. And guess what? I nailed it. The head chef even said it was 'acceptable,' which is apparently the highest praise you can get in that

kitchen."

I laugh softly, squeezing her hand. "But don't worry-I'm not going back until you're back on your feet. I'll tell the chefs to manage without me for a while. They'll survive. Barely."

The words hang in the air, and I feel

my throat tighten. I lean closer, my voice dropping. "I need you, Winona. I can't do this without you. So, you better get better soon, okay? Because I'm not leaving untilyou do.

I sit back, wiping at my eyes before the tears can fall.

ve

The door opens behind me, and I turn to see Jayden standing there, Henry on his hip. He doesn't say anything, just nods at me before stepping closer to the bed.

"We're heading off and brace

yourself because Anne and the other three kids just got in from shopping." He smiles. "they've missed you. And we aren't keeping Winona in a cone of silence. She's here for all the excitement too."

"Awesome. See you when you get back."

Viktor is standing behind Jayden. I make eye contact. He nods. I have no clue if I should nod back or say something. I loom away and they leave.

There's been so much tension between us since I had a meltdown over Winona. Why did I have to be so damn vulnerable with him?

I feel like an idiot now.

I hate the way he micro-manages me. But when we argue, I mean, it's hot as fuck. But there is no way I'm ever going there. I need to talk to Winona about it. I mean, Gabriel was older than me and look how that worked out. Winona and all her fears about Gabriel and I were right. Emotionally, he was ready to settle down and when it came down to it, I wanted to continue experiencing life.

Okay, I was experiencing more than life. I was using again. But I'm really done with that now. What I need to do is forget Viktor and focus on my sister.

She was right about Gabriel and me, and she'll say the same thing about Viktor.

Part of my recovery is not using anything or anyone as a crutch.