Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

11 Bringing down the house (Winona)

I turn around. My heart is pounding and I'm trying to concentrate on keeping my breathing even. It's unbelievable that I'm even here, about to be civil to these two. I'd never have thought it possible two weeks ago.

I steel myself, paste a smile on my face and turn.

15

Jayden is standing there smiling and he looks amazing in his tuxedo with Ashlyn by his side. They look perfect together, just like Jayden and I had looked perfect together at our senior prom. The night we'd finally made love for the first time.

He was older now but no less sexy. Definitely more sexy than ever. Not that I had any right or need to notice. But deep inside, the sight of him still affected me like he always had. We should be a happy family right now instead of this absolute mess. But I can't dwell on that fact. I smile at Ashlyn, clinging to Jayden's arm.

She's wearing an off-the-shoulder red dress that hugs her super-slim body tightly. I wore that exact same style and shade to senior prom. She'd helped me pick it out. But it's what she's wearing around her neck that makes me want to throw up.

The diamond necklace Jayden bought me for graduation. Of course, he wouldn't remember it. But Ashlyn. knows exactly what she's doing. She's unbelievable. She has him, why rub it in my face? I swear this woman is a few sandwiches short of a picnic.

I just can't understand why she can't just leave it alone. Her jealousy is next level. Surely Jayden can see what she's like. If he ever got his memories back, he'd know for sure how manipulated he is.

I'm not going to give her the satisfaction of mentioning it and having her think I notice or care about her choice of dress or jewelry.

Instead, I smile. "There you two are! This night is so fantastic. It's good to be back really. I don't know why I waited so long." Okay, so maybe that was a little immature but what the hell. "Jayden, thanks for the welcome party, Phillip is a bit late but on the way." "You look stunning. Winona." Jayden says, and his eyes look a little distant for a second.

My mind flashes back to the way he'd danced slowly with me at prom. Holding me so close and murmuring in my ear...

"You look stunning, my darling." He nuzzled my ear and we melted into each other with a magical kiss. Red is your color. The color of molten lava, which is how hot I am for you right now."

I knew I was ready, and I knew we'd spend the rest of our lives together at that moment. I whispered into his ear, "your tux looks great too, can't wait to see it on the floor."

He chuckled and nuzzled my neck. "Hey, that's supposed to be my line! Let's get out of here early.

Ashlyn's sharp voice drags me back to reality.

H

"Oh, Winona, My goodness, it's been so long. Welcome back," she says with fake sincerity while making her massive engagement diamond on her left hand show. +25 DONUS

11 Bringing down the house

I can't even be bothered to play these stupid games. "Ashlyn. You two look amazing. Great to see you as well. We were just talking about catching up sometime. I hope you'll join us

Ashlyn looks a little surprised by my offer but she doesn't argue. "That would be fun, I think. What do you think my darling?" she asks Jayden but he isn't listening, he's staring over my shoulder. "Darling?" Ashlyn repeats and touches his arm.

Jayden looks at her, "oh, sure thing. Love to."

I wonder if he's even heard the conversation and I look behind me to see what Jayden was staring at and

I see Phillip holding court and looking super-hot in his very tailored tuxedo that shows every outline of his fit body. I smile as he looks up at me and waves. He excuses himself and comes over.

Well, well, is Jayden jealous? Maybe I can have a little fun in that case. Show Ashlyn how little I care about what she has going on inside her head at the same time.

"Winona, I'm so sorry I'm late." He leans in and kisses my cheek and I link my arm through his. "Traffic and in a strange town."

"No problem. I've been playing catch up with some old friends."

He reaches out and shakes hands with Jayden. "Mr. Brennan, thanks for the party. We both appreciate the formal welcome."

"Call me Jayden when we're not in the office. This is my Fiancée, Ashlyn."

"Nice to meet you, Ashlyn." Phillip shakes her hand lightly.

I can see Lisa is staring open-mouthed at Phillip because he's really cover-model perfect. This is my chance. I only hope Phillip catches on.

"Lisa and Lance, this is Philip. A partner in the firm I started and have just sold to Brennan Industries and my partner in life."

I'm not sure if Ashlyn looked relieved or suspicious. Jayden's mouth drops open a little. But Phillip didn't miss a beat and went along with me. "We're both happy to be here. I hope we can really be an asset to the business and that I get to know you all as well as Winona does. She was quite excited about coming back."

Lisa smiled and shook his hand and gave him a small hug. "So wonderful to meet you, Phillip. I hope we get to know you better very soon. I think we should all go to the club soon."

Lance shakes Phillip's hand and claps him on the shoulder. "Glad to have you on board. Are you a basketball man or football man?"

"Basketball. Lakers."Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

"Hah! I'm a Lakers man too. We're going to get along fine. We should go catch the game next week, I have tickets."

"I won't say no to that."

Phillip knew how stressed I was to be here, but I still hadn't told him the full story of my past. I guess I'd better tonight when we leave because he's bound to start hearing stuff if he's out and about with Lance. 1

11 Bringing down the house

We all chatted a little more and everyone dispersed into other conversations with other people. I excused myself and went to the bathroom before dinner was served. I still hadn't seen Judy and that was a blessing. There's probably no real reason for her to be here but I know she'd be skulking somewhere.

Outside the bathroom, Ashlyn is there waiting for me, alone.

"Ashlyn, still stalking me outside bathrooms I see."

"Shut up. You should never have come back here. I'll show everyone what a liar you are. Prove to Jayden once and for all. He doesn't love you anymore, just go back where you came from," she seethes at me in a low voice. "Honestly, you should stay off the champagne. You're being ridiculous."

She looked at me and smiled. "I'll show you ridiculous,

Okay, this is way too weird for me. I look for Phillip and see him laughing with Lance. Looks like the boys club is in full swing. I hope Phillip doesn't slip up and mention Abby.

I'm about to walk over there when Ashlyn crashes into the side of me almost knocking me off balance and thrusts something into my hands. I glance at my hands to see my graduation necklace. The chain is broken.

Then Ashlyn cries out as she falls on the floor. Her long nails scrape at her neck as she goes, leaving a big

mark.