Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

(Winona)

The hospital release is a relief, but it doesn't wipe away the worry. By the time Lisa arrives, I'm eager to get back to the penthouse.

"You look awful," Lisa says, her tone blunt as ever, but there's concern in her eyes.

"Gee, Thanks, Lisa. That's exactly what I needed to hear." I grin.

"Hey, at least you're walking out of here," she retorts, falling into step beside me. "So, what's the verdict?"

"Blood pressure's back down, no signs of infection or anything. But they told me to call if I feel anything even slightly off." I know they think I'll lose this baby and it makes me feel a little hopeless.

"Good," she says, nudging me with her elbow. "You're not exactly known for taking it easy."

I glance at her, surprised by her willingness to show up. "Thanks for coming. Did you watch the USB?"

"No. Not yet. I just can't," she says quickly. "But I needed to get out of the apartment anyway. Sitting there being angry about Lance wasn't doing me any favors. He did what he did, and I can't change that."

"It will take time, Lisa. For all of us. Getting used to Lance not being around will be hard. But he wanted you to find someone and be happy."Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

"That is the last thing on my mind right now. I'll drive you home."

We head to her car. "Sure, I'll get my car later. It can stay in the carpark for now."

I fill her in on the rest of everything including the strange feeling of freedom now Judy is gone. Also, how I feel awful about that considering Jayden's current struggle with losing his mother. Lisa listens intently, nodding occasionally, her fingers tapping lightly on the steering wheel. "So," she finally says, "what's next?"

"Once the bodies are released and the Will readings happen we can plan the services I guess." I look at her carefully. "Would you... do you want to help with Lance's?" ""I'd like that."

"Great. Come have some dinner with us. The kids will love to see you."

"Okay but I'm not staying late."

***

The kids are sprawled on the living room floor, their laughter filling the space. The cat is bouncing around the three of them with Henry watching on from his highchair. Anne waves, relief washing over her face when she sees me.

""Everything okay?" Anne asks.

"Better now," I say, leaning into her quick hug. "Thanks for holding down the fort."

Anne nods, her eyes scanning me like she's checking for cracks. "We managed just fine. Dinner's prepped; the kids helped."

"Perfect," I say, glancing at Lisa. "Ready to jump into the chaos?"

Lisa looks hesitant but nods. "Sure. Why not?"

The kids swarm her almost immediately. They love her and I can see this is good for her too.

In the kitchen, I pull Anne aside. "Thank you for everything today. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"You'd manage," Anne says with a small smile.

"I'll take over from here. You staying over?"

"I think I'll feel better to be here. You don't overdo it either, okay?"

"I won't."

As we settle into dinner prep, Lisa joins me at the counter. "So," she says, lowering her voice, "how's Jayden towards you now?"

I sigh. "Trying to process everything. He's got a lot on his plate."

"So do you." she says.

I pause, my hands stilling over the cutting board. "We're... figuring it out. I think."

Lisa raises an eyebrow. "Figuring it out or avoiding it?"

"Maybe a bit of both," I admit. "But I'm not trying to rush anything."

"Honestly, before I'd say just scrape him off," she says, her voice softening. "But, you two have been through too much to give up now

Judy gone... it would be a

With Judy

shame to not be able to work it out and see how life looks for you both without that pressure."

"I know. But Jayden needs to be in it because he wants a life with me, not just out of duty for our family unit. After what I did with Lance, I can't expect him to just forget how that makes him feel."

She nods. "I don't want you to be in it just for the family unit either, I want you to be happy."

I nod. She's right.

We finish dinner as a team, the kids chattering away as we eat. For the first time this week, there's a sense of normalcy in the air. It may be temporary but I'll take it.

After the kids are in bed, Lisa pours herself a glass of wine and settles on the couch. I join her with a cup of tea, grateful for the quiet moment. "Today was good," she says after a while. She raises her glass, "This is good. I needed it."

"Yes," I agree. "We both needed it."

She glances at me, her expression serious. "You know, Lance would've loved this. The chaos and the noise of kids and a family."

I smile faintly. "Yeah, he would've. He'd have been a great dad, but he'd have been the biggest kid." I smile.

Lisa gives a small laugh. "He'd have been the worst."

Lisa swirls her wine, her gaze distant. "I'll miss him. But I know I have to figure out how to live without him." "That's all any of us can do," I say softly.

She nods, her eyes meeting mine. "I want to stop being angry at him but that's not happening yet." "You'll get there."

I'm looking forward to the day we all get there.