Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

(Lisa)

I can't breathe..

Meeting this CEO is going to be the death of me. I've been throwing up from nerves all morning.

I adjust my blazer, trying to act like I'm not about to pass out, and glance over at Winona, who's giving me the look-the one that says she's about two seconds away from laughing at me.

I've never worn a damn blazer in my life. Give me a mini-dress any day.

"You know, I didn't sign up for this level of stress. I thought we were just going to grab lunch with some rich guy, not audition for a role in The Apprentice," I mutter under my breath, trying to hide the shaky hands clutching my bag. Winona raises an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. "It's not The Apprentice. Just act like you know what you're doing. And for God's sake, don't spill a drink on the guy."noveldrama

"Drink, do you think he'll offer some bubbles?" I deadpan.

"It's 9am, I think not, I meant coffee."

""Damn."

""You'll survive."

"Barely. I'm not cut out for this crap."

"You know it. I'll always be your personal cheerleader," she says, eyes glinting. "And if you mess up? I'll throw some confetti in the air and call it a party."

"If I mess up? Don't you mean when?"

She rubs my arm lightly. "You've got this."

I roll my eyes. "Yeah, well, I'm the fake it till I make it expert, remember?"

"That's the spirit." She smirks, but then her face softens. "But seriously, don't mess it up. I'll judge you forever."

I snort. "Who needs enemies when I've got friends like you, huh?"

The elevator dings, and I swear the floor will drop out from under me. My chest is tight, my palms slick with sweat, my heart pounding in my throat.

We're here. This is it. This is the moment. The moment I can't mess up.

I'm not cut out for corporate. I'm a party girl. What the fuck was Lance thinking? He knew more than anyone how I detest the thought of a real job. I have money, who needs work complicating life?

I'll probably kill this non-profit faster than a houseplant. And that's pretty damn fast.

I glance at Winona, who was born for this-cool, composed, walking like she owns the place. She's all business, all confidence. Meanwhile, I feel like a pretender in this suit, fidgeting with my briefcase like it's my life raft. "You okay?" Winona's voice cuts through my chaos, and I blink, trying to pull myself together.

"Fine," I try to sound convincing, but the word comes out shaky. "Just-just nervous. Really freaking nervous."

She studies me for a second. "You'll be fine. You've got this. They're not going to eat you alive."

"I don't know, Winona," I mutter,

voice strained. "I'm about to meet the CEO of Lance's non-profit organization. I've never even solda girl-guide cookie. I'm pretty sure they're gonna chew me up and spit me out. I'll be lucky if they let me clean their office after this."

Winona snorts but doesn't even look at me. "Stop overthinking. You're smart, you're capable, and you've done harder things than this. Just breathe."

I try to breathe calmly, but it feels like I'm sucking in air through a straw.

I can't stop the waves of anxiety crashing over me. It's like my stomach is trying to eat itself, and my legs? They're barely holding me up. But I keep going.

We reach the door, and I read the plaque COLLINS CHARITIES and I can already feel my nerves frying.

This is it. Walk in, keep your cool, don't pass out.

Winona turns the handle and steps inside first, calm as a queen, like this is just another day in her empire. I follow her in a daze, my shoes clicking too loudly against the polished floor.

The reception area is pristine, like

something out of a magazine. Minimalist furniture, soft

lighting everything screams power and wealth. And me? I feel like m about to burst into flames just by being here.

"Mr. Bennett will see you now," the receptionist says, her smile tight, professional. I swear she's sizing me up, but I can't focus on her. I'm too busy trying not to throw up. Winona doesn't hesitate, strolling forward with a confident stride. "Thank you." Her voice carries that perfect mix of business and charm. She looks at me and nods her head, "after you..."

I try to step forward, but my feet feel like they're stuck in cement. My breath comes faster. I can't do this. I can't do this. I can't-

Winona walks back to me and guides me with on hand as she opens the door with the other. "Go ahead," she whispers. "You got this." The door swings open, and then I see him.

No. No way.

No fucking way!

For a split second, my mind blanks out. I blink, shake my head, and blink again. No, this can't be right. This isn't real. God help me, I've finally gone completely stark-raving mad.

I think I'm seeing Lance. Fuck. I need to get out of here.

I blink again, hard this time.

My stomach lurches, and the room starts to tilt.

I stare at him, willing my vision to

come back into focus, but I'm drowning in disbelief. My knees are wobbling, my head spinning. My chest tightens until it feels like I'm being crushed.

I must be hallucinating. There's no way this is real.

And then... he stands up and offers a handshake. "Lisa, I believe?"

The voice. It's his voice. I stare at him.

My heart slams against my ribcage like it's trying to escape. My throat goes dry. I hear a scream. I realize it's me.

My stomach flips violently, and before I can even take another breath, my world narrows.

The ground rushes up to meet me.