Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

(Winona)

Once the initial shock of Cass's arrival wears off, we settle in the living room with mugs of tea. It feels surreal to have her here after worrying, wondering where she was and what she was going through.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

But now that she's sitting across from me, her usual confidence muted, I know there's more to this visit than just a surprise reunion.

I study her quietly as she stirs her tea, the spoon clinking against the ceramic mug. She's always been a mix of chaos and charm, but today, there's a somber edge. And she's so thin, like she hasn't eaten properly in months. "Cass," I say softly, breaking the silence. "What's going on? Why are you here now?"

Her eyes flick up to meet mine, and for a moment, I see the battle raging inside her. "I needed to see you," she says simply, setting the spoon down and wrapping her hands around the mug.

"I'm glad you're here. But what about your job back home? There's more to this, isn't there?"

She sighs, leaning back against the couch. "You always could read me too well." She hesitates, her gaze darting to the window before returning to me. "I've been using again."

The words hit like a punch to the gut. My heart sinks, but I keep my face steady. "Okay," I say slowly, carefully. I'd suspected but didn't really want to believe it. "For how long?" "Since... since before you left." She shrugs, trying to make it seem casual. "It wasn't... It wasn't heavy or constant. Just enough to keep me going when things got tough." I nod, processing her words. "And now?"

"I'm done with it," she says firmly. "I mean it, Winona. I quit cold turkey. I'm clean and I'll stay that way."

I want to believe her, and I do, mostly. But I also know how addiction can wrap itself around someone, how it whispers lies and promises. "Cass, I believe you want to be done. But you are the only one who can do this. You have to really want it. You have to deal with your feelings."

"I am. I really am," she says. "I got myself a job in some tiny village pub this past week. The chef there? Total hard-ass, but he pushed me, made me work my ass off. No pity, no handouts. It was exactly what I needed."

I arch a brow. "And that was enough to turn everything around?"

"There was a lot of hunger and crap work since I got out of the States. I wanted to prove myself, to me. I knew I had to be honest, with you, with myself."

Tears prick my eyes, but I blink them away. "You're not alone in this, Cass. You have me. Always. I mean, if anyone knows messy emotions..."

"Most qualified chick I know." She smiles faintly, her walls cracking just a bit. "Thanks, Sis. I needed to hear that."

I reach out, covering her hand with mine. "You're staying here. At the cottage. For as long as you need. We were making it into our home." "Ah, it's hardly a cottage. It's a mansion."

"Oh, that's an inside joke, you'll understand when you see the estate. But this place you can make part of it your own, however long you need."

Her eyes widen slightly, and she shakes her head. "Winona, I can't-"

"Yes, you can," I interrupt firmly. "You're my sister. This isn't charity, Cass. It's family. You'd do the same for me if the tables were turned. It's what Mom would want."

She hesitates, her pride and

vulnerability clashing in her

expression. Finally, she nods, her

swno

voice quiet. "Okay. Thank you"

That's when I know she really is making the effort to change. Accepting help, from me. That's big for Cass.

"I'll help you get set up here

tomorrow," I say after a while. "Whatever you need. You can

choose settle in this section or there

are guest wings upstairs. But they need work. You're more than welcome to renovate and make it your own."

Cass smirks faintly. "What, black?"

"That's fine by me," I reply, my smile widening. "I like seeing you back to being Cass."

"Me too."

"You know, you being here will work in our favor. Judy will really believe I've gone for good if I leave you here alone." "Whatever works I'm happy to help."

"Just remember, Jayden and I are done. We have to let everyone think that."

"Should I punch him in public?"

I laugh. "Well, if you can get past Viktor, go for it."

"Who's Viktor?"

I smile. "You'll see."

"Okay, is Lisa still here? Lance?"

"They are slumming it at the estate. They have no problem with exorbitant and ridiculous levels of being taken care of."

Cass laughs. "How about the kids?"

"Henry will wake soon and the others will be home from school around three."

"I can't wait to see them all."

"I think you'll get swamped. They have really missed you. A lot."

"How are you feeling, Winona? I mean, this is really huge. Now you'll go back home and I won't be there to help."

"I have Anne and Lisa, I'm okay. You focus on you while you can."

"Things will work out. I know they will. You and Jayden, you'll work it out."

I nod. But I'm not sure I believe it yet.

We have al

for

long road back to trust

Trim. And he has to shield himself

Judy's mind games.

I hope he's as strong as he thinks he is.