Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

(Winona)

The dining table feels more like a boardroom today. Jayden's laptop is open, his notes meticulously organized. Anne sits beside him, her ever-calm presence keeping us in check. I'm across from them, sipping coffee like it's a lifeline. I'm nervous and nowhere near as organized as Jayden looks.

"Anyone think you're vetting the CEO of Nexus Global," I say, glancing at Jayden's neatly printed spreadsheets.

"Just as important," he counters, tapping his pen against the table. "This person is going to live here, help raise our kids, and be part of our lives. I'm not leaving this to chance." "Fair," I admit, "but this can't be about just what's on paper. It has to feel like the right match."

Anne brings some crackers over. "We'll find someone and I'm quite happy to keep doing it until we do. Don't feel pressured to choose today."

"Anne, you need a life. You'll always be a part of this family, the kid's Nanny Anne. But I want you to be able to have a grandmother role, not a primary caregiver role. So the kids are your family, not your job."

Jayden nods. "Exactly. That's why we're interviewing five people this morning and more this afternoon. Let's see if someone clicks. No pressure either way."

The first candidate arrives right on time. Her name is Rachel. Polished and professional, she hands us her résumé with a smile that could power a small village.

"I specialize in structured routines," Rachel says, her tone calm but firm. "Children thrive on consistency, and I ensure every day has a schedule to promote development."

I glance at Jayden, who's nodding like he actually agrees with her. As if he does.

"What about flexibility?" I ask. "Our lives aren't exactly nine-to-five."

Rachel's smile falters just a touch. "I believe in adaptability, but structure is the foundation of success. Studies show that children thrive with solid structure and firm boundaries"

"Right," I say, exchanging a look with Anne. She's already writing something in her notebook, her lips twitching with restrained amusement.

The second candidate is Marcus, a burly ex-military man turned childcare provider. His demeanor is warm, and his male energy is apparent.

"I'm all about active play," Marcus says, leaning back in his chair. "Keeps the kids moving, tires them out, and teaches teamwork. Plus, I cook, clean and generally run an active ship."noveldrama

Jayden grins. "Sounds great. But how are you with the quieter stuff? Homework, bedtime stories? Questions about the world and their part in it?"

Marcus scratches his beard thoughtfully. "I believe in honesty, telling kids how it is. Kids are honest, I think we need to not lie or embellish things to cushion information."

Candidate three is Janine, a bubbly twenty-something with glittery sneakers and a contagious laugh. "I think kids are little geniuses," she gushes. "They're so creative! My goal is to nurture that creativity every day." "Sounds great," I say cautiously, "but what about structure? Discipline?"

Janine waves a hand. "Oh, I don't believe in being too strict. Let kids be kids, you know? Rules stifle creativity."

Jayden raises an eyebrow. "So no set bedtime?"

"Well," she hedges, "I'm flexible with bedtimes if they're having fun or working on an art project."

Anne's pen scratches furiously across her notebook.

By the time candidate four arrives, I'm already doubting anyone will 'feel' right. But Leona immediately commands the room with her mature confidence. She's older, with streaks of silver in her hair and a calm energy. "I've raised three kids of my own," she says, her voice steady. "And I've been a live-in nanny for the past decade. I don't put up with nonsense, but I'm loving and patient. I respect your privacy, but I'll be there whenever you need me." Jayden leans forward. "And how do you balance discipline with affection?"

"It's all about respect," Leona replies. "Children need boundaries, but they also need to feel heard. I don't yell, but I don't back down either."

I like her. A lot. But I glance at Anne to double check and gives me a quick nod.

"Why did you leave your last position?" Anne asks, cutting to the chase.

Leona's expression softens. "The kids grew up. They didn't need a nanny anymore, and it was time to move on. I'm looking for a place where I can make a real difference again."

"Would you be okay with living on the property permanently or at least part time? We're having a self-contained unit put up," I ask.

Leona shakes her head. "I'm not sure. But we can certainly discuss that."

Our final candidate, Emily, is a breath of fresh air-literally. She's glowing, her cheeks flushed from the walk up the drive.

"I love being outdoors," she says, her

smile lighting up the room. "Gardening, hiking, playing

outside it's so important for kids to connect with nature. I'm also an experienced tutor, so I can help with homework."

"Impressive," Jayden says. "And how do you handle... less pleasant tasks? Diapers, tantrums, arguments, that sort of thing?"

Emily laughs. "It's all part of the job.

Tantrums don't scare me; I used to babysit my twin nieces, and let me tell you, nothing's more disturbing than two toddlers conspiring against you." en

Anne actually smiles at that, which feels like a small victory.

IMS

When the last candidate leaves, we sit in silence for a moment.

"So," Jayden says finally, "thoughts?"

Anne flips through her notes. "Marcus is great with energy and play, but worry about the quieter moments. Rachel is solid, but maybe a little too rigid for your lifestyle. Janine..." She trails off, and Jayden and I both laugh.

"She's out," I say.

"Leona is a strong contender," Anne continues. "But Emily... I really liked her too."

Jayden nods. "Me too. She felt genuine. Down-to-earth. But I'm not sure she's able to handle it on her own, out here. Maybe she'd jump ship at the first city position that came up."

I lean back, considering. "She did feel genuine. And the kids would probably love her. But you're right? Could she do the chaos of this house and the isolation of living here long term?" Jayden reaches for my hand. "We won't know until we ask. Let's do a second interview with Leona and Emily. Get a feel for how they interact with the kids."

I nod. "Good plan."

As we wrap up the morning session, I catch Anne's eye. She looks... relieved.

"I think we're on the right track," she says. "I'll grab the sandwiches I made for lunch."

"We are on the right track, but I'm yet to feel that person who has all the good elements of these candidates all rolled up into one." I tap my pen against my head.

"That might be like finding a unicorn that farts glitter," Jayden says.

"By the looks of the glitter stuck in the floorboards, there's one around here somewhere."

"1

guess we just have to wrangle it then."