Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband novel Chapter 541

(Winona)

Jayden’s gone.

I remind myself of that as I walk through the towering glass doors of the office building. He’s only in Brussels. Not gone-gone. I have things to do. I’m handling everything.

I exhale. I do have this.

So why does it feel like the entire world is off balance?

Kit and River are back at the house, settling into their first official day. The kids were so stoked they practically pushed me out the door. Anne’s in the city at her apartment for the week.

The kids are fine. Jayden’s fine. Everything is under control.

Except me.

Everywhere I look, there are babies.

Babies in strollers, babies strapped to parents' chests, babies gurgling in cafés.

My heart surges to grab them up, smell their baby smell. Feel their soft new hair. Hold them close and never let them go again. I push the thoughts away. It’s not only weird but it’s unhinged to think like that about other people’s babies.

One locks eyes with me now from the elevator next to mine, chubby hands gripping his pram, drool dripping onto his bib. His mother smiles, wiping his mouth and giving the appropriate going and gahing.

Has the whole damn city just given birth?

I should look away from the infant staring at me. I don’t. I’m lost in the curious eyes of this baby. Probably nine months old. I remember Henry at that age.

I remember how I’d imagined having an infant in my arms again. I remember what an idiot I was for letting myself believe.

The elevator dings. I force myself forward.

I don’t have time for this. I need to get through the day. I’ve managed the panic attacks over the stairs, and I will manage the nightmares and seeing babies all the time too.

I have to.

Today is about the rebrand. New name, new strategy, new everything. That’s where my focus needs to be. I’m heading up a billion-dollar company. I have to prove I can do this. That I am good enough.

By the time I step into the sleek conference room, I’ve shoved every intrusive thought into a locked mental drawer.

The room is already filled with people from the marketing team, along with the designers, all of them seated around the Oak table, waiting. I take my seat at the head.

But there’s one empty seat.

“Ciara, where is my Chief of Finance?” I ask my personal assistant. She’s bright and bubbly, and efficient.

“Kevin left yesterday. His replacement... seems to be running a little late…”

“Why wasn’t I notified we had a new starter today?” This is ridiculous. I need to be notified about these things. This could set everything back.

“Ah, it was already planned before….”

“Before I got here?”

She nods. “Specific instructions from Mr. Collins.”

“Wait, Lance had the replacement ready to go?”